How to set up volume control on a DAC without a preamp

@lanx0003 

Different AlbumPlayer.  It's still active and sounds fantastic.  https://albumplayer.ru/

There is a learning curve to get the most out of the upsampleing  but the DSD sounded pretty good on my previous DAC.   It is a very basic player but I guess there is a way to integrate it into other players.  I've never tried it.

I have the original SAGA.  At the time when I purchased it the SAGA +was out but  according to Schitt didn't sound better just had a better featured volume control.  As for now I just get up and turn the knob which is a pain but probably healthier.

I would buy a great preamp first , it’s crucial to the overall tone/ sound of your system.  It does the switching and drives your amp.  I think a lot of times the Amp gets a higher priority than the preamp and to me that’s backwards.  
 

Then get a good Streamer /DAC  or even better a decent streamer and excellent DAC.   
 

Go to Schiit audio for $280 you can get a remote controlled resistive ladder relay controlled preamp  shocking but true and for the $$ a good product 

the Freya only $899 if you want a tube preamp .

these are budget and solid warranty.

A digital preamp,or passive you loose detail,and especially dynamic control and separation vs a decent Active preamp .

you never stated your budget for dac ,or preamp  for $600 the Denafrips Enyo R2R 15  gen 15 dac, or the New Denafrips Gen -15 Ares for around $1k very good build and sound quality,   Schiit Audio has several choices the lowest to go the $289  model , if you pay a little more monies  in your preamp you get more power supplies and bigger transformers much better sounding.

If you get a very good DAC with a quality digitally controlled, analog volume control/preamp you do not need a preamp. Connect the DAC to your amp(s)

That's how I'm doing it with my Playback Designs DAC. I'll have a phono preamp but my DAC will have analog inputs so no preamp necessary. Preamps may go away one day.