@audioengr So the DAC3 uses method 2, with the attenuation arising after the last active stage? I’m unclear about this.
DAC-Preamp having these specifications?
Rather than asking for feedback about specific products, I thought I instead would ask for your recommendations of a DAC-Preamp product(s) having a desired set of following specifications:
Output Impedance: < 300 Ohms
Balanced outputs (XLR)
Unbalanced outputs (RCA)
2 or more analog inputs (RCA or XLR)
2 or more digital inputs (coaxial + optical or USB)
DAC section preferably uses discrete components over op-amps
DAC signal processing capabilities should the usual fare though need not include every conceivable format
Price: ~$2,500 or less
Output Impedance: < 300 Ohms
Balanced outputs (XLR)
Unbalanced outputs (RCA)
2 or more analog inputs (RCA or XLR)
2 or more digital inputs (coaxial + optical or USB)
DAC section preferably uses discrete components over op-amps
DAC signal processing capabilities should the usual fare though need not include every conceivable format
Price: ~$2,500 or less
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- 36 posts total
No different than an external passive resistive attenuator. Changes impedance and can cause roll-off. Adds thermal noise. Critical to use low-capacitance interconnects with this type. I stay away from these myself. Another type of volume control I failed to mention is by transformer with multiple taps. An autotransformer is usually the design. This is typically not done in a DAC. Never seen it in a DAC. Quite expensive if done right with quality transformers, but this method has very few drawbacks. Only saturation of the transformers is an issue. Mostly the disadvantage is cost. Steve N. Empirical Audio |
So the DAC3 uses method 2This (linked) is where I believe the volume is controlled in the digital domain before d/a conversion. The other so called "hybrid" part is just an analogue gain adjusting (0db -10db -20db) on the output buffer for the maximum level volts obtainable if the digital volume in the ESS chip is full up. https://ibb.co/h4MbD9 Cheers George |
- 36 posts total