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DAC/w Volume control + Power amp or DAC + Integrated?

Doing lots of research for complete new set up from the scratch but very confused about DAC /w volume control section. 
Does the Volume control mean actually a preamp section? So a DAC + Preamp all-in-one box? 
Or are there any DAC with pure simple volume control knob exist? 


One of the systems I am eyeing on is LTA Ultralinear power amp. Source is digital only (Qobuz, local files network streaming via Chromecast audio to DAC via optical, for now) so I may not need separate Pre-amplifier. 

There are couple of options.
1) DAC /w built in volume control + UL Power amp
2) pure DAC + Standalone Volume controller + UL Power amp
3) pure DAC + UL integrated amplifier
 
Which one is the best setup SQ wise? Or Cost-Performance?

Built in volume control affects sound quality of the DAC? 

Is UL Integrated inferior to power amp by a margin?


I would like to go simple as possible because of limited funds (DAC & Amp for < $9k) so assume that going from DAC to Power amp directly is the way to go. All used gear will be more than welcome.


Regards

Arron


 
czar2000
hgeifman
2,292 posts
 
@czar2000, As was posted above, I also recommend you use a fixed output DAC feeding an integrated amplifier with its own analog volume control.   

I experimented with a DAC using its volume control and the resulting sound quality was poor.  Of course, maybe you should experiment and see what you like.   This is NOT an easy decision and many users on Audiogon have strong opinions one way or the other.  
inna
7,538 posts
 
Common wisdom is to put dac's volume on max and use preamp's volume control. But I have no experience with dacs in my main system.
I have experience with analog source, tape deck with volume control.
I compared playing deck directly into power amp and with active preamp in between. The result was interesting. When putting the same, not the best, interconnect cables on deck and putting best interconnects between preamp and amp, I clearly preferred the sound with the preamp. However, the very best sound was when I ran deck directly into the power amp and used the best cables.
Anyway, the cables on the source are extremely important.
czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
Looks like an Integrated amp is the answer.
I will need more money, Or get the less expensive amp.

  
inna
7,538 posts
 
Some integrated amps have passive preamp section and some active. It is probably next to impossible to know which one, other things being about equal, will sound better. Maybe not better/worse but different. It might sound fuller with active preamp but more transparent with passive.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
czar2000 OP13 posts03-02-2021 10:16amLooks like an Integrated amp is the answer.
I will need more money, Or get the less expensive amp.
Spend the same money on just a power amp, and you'll get a much better amp for the same price.
Feed it from the Schiit Sys.
And choose one of the 3 fixed output voltages of your Qutest.

Result will be bliss compered to an integrated. 

Cheers George  
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