I use an Oppo 105D for CD, and a Benchmark DAC1 (which has a volume control) directly into my amp. I find the combination works better than the Oppo directly into my preamp. I'm so pleased with the upgrade in sound quality with a separate DAC that I'm looking to upgrade the DAC in the near future. I also use the DAC directly into my Stax driver amp and headphones, and directly into my recently-acquired Audeze LCD-XC phones. The improvement in depth and ambiance over the Oppo alone was a revelation.
DAC volume controls
I'd like to get other's opinions on their experience about using a dac's volume control straight into a power amp instead of going analog into an integrated/pre.
Currently I have an Aurender A10 and a BAT 3000SE. The A10 seems to benefit from the BAT's preamp (though I have never had it with just a power amp - the BAT has no pre-in).
As part of a potential long-term upgrade I am thinking of stepping up to a dCS Bartok which is supposed to have a very nice volume control.
Thanks.
Currently I have an Aurender A10 and a BAT 3000SE. The A10 seems to benefit from the BAT's preamp (though I have never had it with just a power amp - the BAT has no pre-in).
As part of a potential long-term upgrade I am thinking of stepping up to a dCS Bartok which is supposed to have a very nice volume control.
Thanks.