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DACs With Killer Built-In Preamps

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I see a lot of DACs with volume controls with the ability to act as a preamp. The Audio Research Reference Dac/Digital Media Bridge ($15k) has a volume control and a lot of innards of its Reference 5SE preamp...which makes for a very serious preamp section on that DAC.

Are there any DACs with voulume controls under $7k that can compete with top-tier preamps?
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128x128mitch4t
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Grannyring,
That makes sense, you`ve come across a particular system match that`s ideal for you. I feel the same about my current system with an active linestage.Let your ears be the guide. When you find the right sound,rejoice in it.
Regards,
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,464 posts
 
Edorr, I want to say that your preamp is awesome and I do respect the AR product line. Not trying to say they are anything less than wonderful.

I have heard my Dude and the Ref5 in the same system and just want to share that the Dude plays in the same league.

I cannot explain why this time around a preless set-up just sounds as good. I do know what I hear however.

Go figure
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t OP
1,609 posts
 
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Granny, what type of transport are you using?
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grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,464 posts
 
Apple Mac Mini 2009 with 256 SSD, Mojo Audio power supply, Mountain Lion optimization and Amarra.
vladimir
346 posts
 
How about a killer preamp with built-in killer DAC and other nice things like biamping, subwoofer crossover, room correction, etc.? The Classé CP-800.
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