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DAC needs a Pre Amp ?

I'm wondering how many DAC / Mac Mini users source into a preamp? I have been using a 45 tube SET amp 1.7 watts per ch and Songbird to listen to my Hi Rez downloads from HD Tracks. Volume control is done with songbird. Today I hooked up another amp about 4 watts per channel and just about blasted myself out of the room. I'm guessing most of you use some sort of preamp or maybe another program other than songbird.
128x128madranker
bmcleod's avatar
bmcleod
57 posts
 
Unsure if you have an external DAC now? Many DACs now have volume controls and can double as preamps. From the inexpensive Emotiva to the popular Cambridge, and on to the well regarded Wyred 4 Sound.
madranker's avatar
madranker OP
15 posts
 
I have an external DAC. Ayre QB-9 most all music software has volume control through the computer. Songbird, iTunes, Pure Vinyl, etc. they all have a slider to raise or lower volume. What I'm asking is. Would I get better results letting the DAC play at full volume and control with a preamp or does it make a difference?
bmcleod's avatar
bmcleod
57 posts
 
I've only recently experimented with bypassing my preamp and going directly from DAC to power amp - the results are amazing - you're already there. I'd agree with Jkj25, if you can't get a great preamp don't get one.

So then is this the question: Does the volume function of my computer's "Player" software degrade or change the quality of the digital signal going to my DAC?

It's an interesting question and probably similar to whether DACs with "digital" volume degrade the signal when set at less than full. But again I think Jkj25's suggustions are good, passive if you must, I'd be inclined to stick with with your software for the time being.
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