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Tube DACs

For some time I've assumed that tube DACS are meant for direct output to power amps -- in other words, no reason to use a tube DAC if you are running through a tube preamp (unless all components are by same mfr and designed for synergy).

But lately I have seen posts implying some run Brand A tube DAC through brand B tube preamp -- say, Primal Luna 100 to Rogue RP-9. Can't find any prior threads addressing this topic directly.

So, question: am I wrong to suppose that pairing random tube DAC A with random tube preamp B is a bad, or at least a silly idea, absent a known synergy?
 


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hickamore
axo0oxa
98 posts
 

@hickamore I believe this is what I was responding to which is what he wrote:

"So, question: am I wrong to suppose that pairing random tube DAC A with random tube preamp B is a bad, or at least a silly idea, absent a known synergy?"

Pairing a tube DAC with a Tube Preamp a bad thing, so I responded to that.

invalid
1,178 posts
 

The problem is the output stage of a DAC is usually just a buffer, it doesn't have gain like a preamp. There are tube preamps out there that incorporate a DAC, then it has a real tube preamp.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,770 posts
 

Review of the LAB 12  DAC 1 Reference 

I have had this DAC since June , with the option to trade up in a year to something 2 X the price.    This is a great DAC,  so good that I am going to hang onto it for a while.

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