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Any comments on DAC directly to Power amp with no

Do you have any comments of running a DAC directly to power amplifier with no preamp? I can think of several advantages to not using a preamp but would really like your opinion, since, it seems, many of us are opting to go direct these days.

For example, let us assume the DAC goes straight into the power amp's XLR inputs; the DAC's volume control is digital, runs in 32 bits (or 24bits) and is very well implemented.

I have been told that some users do not like the idea of running a volume control well down in its range so use fixed attenuators but many have reported a loss of SQ in the process. Others have stated that they prefer the sound through a preamp stage. And, as expected, others state the sound quality is improved when the preamp is eliminated.

I hope to test these options, with and without the pre-amp, shortly and am interested in hearing about your experiences.

Any comments on this would be appreciated.
hgeifman
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

The "perfect" preamp if there ever has been one, has always been said to sound like a piece of wire with gain, not adding or taking anything away from the sound of the source

And this is what a direct source to amp connection will sound like if done right, adding nothing or taking nothing away from the sound of the source.

If you need to colour the sound to your liking then by all means add a preamp that will do this, but good luck on finding the right colouration, as they all sound different, and it will get very expensive looking for it.

The right way is to change the source, speakers or room treatments to achieve this, to get the sound of your liking, not by adding more colourations.

Cheers George
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
988 posts
 
Hgeifman,
Do not be swayed by comments on either side of this debate. Trust your own ears and make your own decision as to what makes you happy. It's your money to spend and you spend it to make yourself happy.
Many well-respected reviewers in the audio press have indicated their personal preference to go with or without a preamp with respect to the specific dac under review.
It all boils down to system synergy. What works for others may not work for you and vice versa.
J.
hgeifman OP
2,249 posts
 
Jon2020, Georgelofi & all others, Thanks again for your comments. They were all very helpful.

I have been listening to the Bricasti M1 DAC loaner unit for several days (now returned). It immediately sounded much better than my Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC. It is more open, sounds great and the sound stage is larger. The music is clearer while the Ayre sounds good but the music is not as musical to my ears.

The Bricasti M1 DAC is connected to my Luxman Class A 590ax integrated amplifier. I listened using Wireworld balanced cables connected to the fully balanced integrated amplifier. I then "switched" to Audioquest RCA cables connected direct to the amplifier section only in the integrated amp (separate button on). When running direct, the amplifier is NOT balanced. I switched back and forth several times listing to the same music. Unused cables were disconnected from the DAC (as was recommended).

I kow that everyone has a different opinion on this topic. For me, using the balanced cables from the M1 DAC to the Luxman integrated amp, sounded better than using RCA cables and the amplifier section only (no pre-amp). It might sound better if the power amplifier section was fully balanced (I do not know). The pre-amplifier section in the Luxman 590ax is very good and I think it makes a difference. Results might also be different with another amplifier and cables.

After listening for several days, I ordered the Bricasti M1 DAC. It is an excellent addition to my audio system. Delivery is expected in about two weeks. Thanks again for all your help.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Congratulations on obtaining the Bricasti M1, much good has been said and written about it. Your Luxman likely has a fine preamp section and that's why you preferred its inclusion in the signal path. It's good to know that you trust your ears.
hgeifman OP
2,249 posts
 
I have been researching and thinking about going from my Bricasti M1 DAC direct to my power amp with no pre-amp for a while. It seems everyone has a different opinion on this complex subject. As many people above have already suggested, you never know the “answer" until you listen for your self with your system and room.

I borrowed the Hypex NCore NC400 Audio Power Amplifier Regular Mono Block and connected my Bricasti M1 DAC direct (no pre-amplifier) to the Hypex Ncore NC400 and listened. After several hours of listening, I have decided that, for me, going direct from the DAC to power amplifier sounds great to my ears. In addition, in my opinion, the Hypex NCore NC400 Audio Power Amplifier Regular Mono Block sounds better than my Luxman L-590ax integrated amplifier.

I ordered the Hypex NCore NC400 Audio Power Amplifier Regular Mono Block from from James Romeyn Music and Audio, LLC. He was very helpful in answering my many questions about the Hypex NCore NC400 power amplifier ($1,900). See:

http://jamesromeyn.com/#/home-audio-gear/hypex-ncore-nc400-build-service-on-time-or-free-build/

My new Ncore power amplifier should arrive in about two weeks and I will return the loaner to my friend.
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