Control volume with DAC or Preamp?

@madavid, why should ...”Volume control via DAC chip is to be avoided period.”...?

I’m not sure that one could accurately describe the OP’s direct from DAC to amp application as “passive”?

@unsound Check my original post in this thread.

@atmasphere, My previous post was in regard to your more recent post and newly mentioned “passive controls” and whether or not that was indeed the OP’s subject at hand.
 In response to that original post, I think it prudent to mention that depending upon the partnering amplification, some DAC’s have many more bits available to handle volume control with little to no risk of bit stripping for even 24 bit hi rez formats.

I purchased PSAudio DS DAC and BHK 250 stereo amp.  I was not thrilled, and added the PSAudio BHK preamp, for no other reason except sound quality.  I was rewarded (to my ears) with better overall sound through the preamp.  I did not need it for other sources.  I have since moved on from PSAudio, but reconfirmed several times that my DAC sounded better through a quality preamp.  I also firmly believe that synergy is involved between the preamp and the amp(s).  I now have amazing Audionet gear, and again have confirmed (through my ears) that the preamp between my DAC and amps afforded (a funny word right?) better sound.  These are my personal observations.  Believe me, I wanted to get away without the preamp cost.  Easy to believe that anything additional in the signal path will not help, but that was not my findings.  Poor interconnects between Preamp and amp will of course affect this outcome.  And I believe only a truly good preamp will give these same results.  Stay safe!  Ken

@fastfreight, May I ask which Audionet pieces you are using?