Who is using their DAC as a preamp?


Just curious the results people are hearing using Dac as line stage. Some dacs even have Analog inputs.  
aberyclark
George, picture is just a picture. Did you know that Alps never referred to the control as a Blue Velvet. Nowhere on their web site have I found it. If you could find it, please post it. I believe some audiophile engineer, in using it, gave it that name. I am sorry Georgi, but this device is an EXCELLENT passive unit, for cheap, according to my ears, and the dozen or more power amplifiers I have tried with it. The control has a sexy, very high end feel, and the little box is non resonant, and built really well. Enjoy ! MrD.
There is the even better, the Alps "Back Beauty", but they cost a lot more.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/O1kAAOSwQolbFS19/s-l300.jpg

https://www.picclickimg.com/00/s/MTA3MVgxNjAw/z/W~QAAOSwYGFUv3Ah/$/1pcs-ALPS-RK40-50KA-Black-Beauty-...

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrMqGsGmwCWfSPDB1Y9O6LrTsKEfybIOqvEkwLGaCSU4Li...


I am sorry Georgi, but this device is an EXCELLENT passive unit
As for the sound, I don’t doubt you like it,. and what you get is a bargain, I’m just pointing out the confusion of their ad in what actual value Blue Velvet is used and you get, all values will work as I pointed out, some better than others, because of proper >1:10 impedance matching input and output.

We just have to wait for someone to have a look at what’s inside them.

Cheers George
George, I am sure you meant Black. Do those pictures say Black Beauty anywhere ? I cannot find it. I know about the Black bodied attenuators that Alps made, but they are no longer made, as the " Blue " does the trick. A buddy of mine purchased 4 of them, based on my recommendation of trying one, and he is using 2 per system, 1 for Left and one for right ( single channel only of the passive ), and tells me he hears an improvement in sq vs. using one. I have not been over to hear it, as he is out of state of my location, but, George, what do you think ?
Yes typo "Black Beauty" if you came through Audio 70's/80's you know all about the Alps Black Beauty and Blue Velvet.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Alps+%22Black+Beauty%22&rlz=1C1CHZL_enAU820AU820&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjZ5Lv4n-_hAhVYWysKHWNkD_UQ_AUIDigB&biw=1408&bih=869

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHZL_enAU820AU820&biw=1408&bih=869&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=fcHDXNK9ONmR9QPNn73ICw&q=Alps+%22Blue+Velvet%22&oq=Alps+%22Blue+Velvet%22&gs_l=img.12..0i30j0i24l6.25691.35942..38034...0.0..0.207.1739.0j11j1......0....1..gws-wiz-img.......0i7i30j0i8i7i30.28dFrooeV2A

As for using a separate pot, same value, for each channel, there is no EE reason that it should be better or worse.
  
But I get the same thing with owners of two Lightspeed Attenuators, the  Stereo version and the Dual Mono version, they swear the Dual Mono sounds better.
I think it's because they can dial in an exact central stereo image with the left and right level controls, regardless of room/equipment/ music source influences, and this has an slight influence on the sound to them.


Cheers George
I'm now using the Exogal Comet Plus, and have removed the Dehavilland Mercury II preamp from my system. I just prefer how it sounds. Digital has come along way.