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DAC as a preamp?

I need a new DAC. I use my computer for volume control, but do not trust it. I want separate volume control. The 90s me would have immediately thought preamp. But since I need a new DAC, my question stands ... DAC as a preamp?
I've posted more info about my system below.
I need some advice on the best way to go about getting volume control for these powerful asp1000 amplifiers. I've read about the high input impedance. I use a computer for my source playing Flac, wav or hi-res audio files. I'm using a very simple dongle Style USB DAC that sounds okay. I have choices, but do not know what my best bet is. For simplicity, it would seem I should just buy a better desktop DAC, such as and SMSL M500 and use the volume control knob on front. Or ANY other DAC with a volume control for that matter. I know I can use my volume control the USB. Provides through the keyboard on my computer. But with amplifiers this powerful, I figure I should have a volume control to prevent issues such as full volume noise blasts, which have happened before when the computer glitches. My second option would be to purchase a regular preamp. This would be the most expensive option, as I would want something at least as good as the Schitt Freya +, and that is $900! I would still need a decent DAC upgrade. This gets expensive with my health issues at hand. The last way I could go, is something like an all tube gain stage. I would still need a DAC, but a simple gain stage kit should only be a few hundred at most. The other two options I can think of, would be the pass B1 buffer clone kit preamp for 150 dollars, but I don't know if it would play nice with a high input impedance of the icepower amp. The most simple and cheapest route, would be be using the Sure digital volume control option. But I do not know how high fidelity that would be. I could really use some help. I've been out of this hobby for about 10 years now. I feel a bit lost and appreciate everyone who has helped so far.
flaxxer
mrmichaelp
18 posts
 
One of my systems is an RME-ADI2 amp to two Schitt Vidars.  Linn LP12 for analog, Audirvana for digital.   I use a MacBook as front end.

I recently deleted my preamp.   

Pros:
- You can really invest in interconnects, since there is only one set of analog interconnects in the chain.
-  Clean, clear sound.
- More dynamics
- Save money.... in theory.

Cons:

- Volume control affects the sound more than with a preamp.   If you are at -30db on the DAC... there's going to be some issues.
- A bit of a dryer, more analytical sound than we a pre.

I run my LP12 through a D-A converter at 24/96.   Maybe it loses some immediacy vs pure analog, but I enjoy the tone control of the RME for it, and it's a fuller sound than when going through a pure analog path.

Overall, there is no right answer.   You need to experiment.   If you can't afford great interconnects, then definitely try to avoid a preamp... running through an extra set of mediocre cables will hurt your sound.  

I've played with attenuators - they did more harm than good for sure. 

In an ideal world - you would pair your speakers, amp and room so the DAC is at a reasonable level at the volume you tend to listen at.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

unsound
@georgehifi, Would that in turn mitigate the interconnect capacitance concerns associated with passive analog volume controls, allowing for greater choices and useable lengths for interconnects?

Even if the analogue pot was on the output of the dac, if it were a 10kohm, which meets most needs, at the worst position it’s 2.7kohm output impedance.

This into 1mt of good interconnect which is at worst 100pF per foot is 300pF for the mt, in conjunction with that 2.7kohm pot at output impedance give a HF roll off of -3db at 196khz which as you can see is no problem.

Take it a step further, if the interconnect was 2mts long and poor quality at 200pF per ft then it’s still only -3db at 98khz!! still no problem at all.

Cheers George
flaxxer OP
76 posts
 
@unsound .... I have four pairs. 80db at 4 ohms, 85 db at 8 ohms, 95db at 6 ohms, and 93db at 4 ohms.
unsound
7,333 posts
 
@flaxxer, are they spec’d at 1 Watts @ 1 meter or
2.83 Volts @ 1 meter?
Are those the nominal or minimum impedances?

BTW, the 4 Volt output on the DAC is via it's balanced XLR output, the passive Schitt and buffered First Watt B1 will only accept the 2 Volt RCA output from the DAC. 
antigrunge2
1,452 posts
 
There are Antelope Audio offers on Reverb.com for their Zodiac Platinum. At the price offered, I don’t think there is anything else out there that would compete aa a Dac/analogue preamp
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