First Watt F8, passive preamp, DAC

The J2 would be a better option because it has balanced inputs, and if you run balanced interconnects from your DS DAC you will double the output voltage to 2.8V.

As another data point, I ran my Pass Labs DAC (about 1.8V max output unbalanced) into my SIT-2 (18db gain) into 94db efficent speakers with no gain issues whatsoever.  

As I type I am running the same DAC with the volume at about 1:00 (so roughly 1.0V output?) into my preamp at 14db gain into the SIT-3 with 11.5 db of gain.  1V output with 25.5db of gain is plenty on my 94db speakers.  I typically listen around 83-84db average, so pretty loud.

Personally I’d go with an integrated as needing a DAC with a good volume control will reduce your DAC choices quite a bit.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.  Best of luck. 

As I type I am running the same DAC with the volume at about 1:00 (so roughly 1.0V output?) into my preamp at 14db gain into the SIT-3 with 11.5 db of gain.  1V output with 25.5db of gain is plenty on my 94db speakers.  I typically listen around 83-84db average, so pretty loud.

The OP's scenario could "possibly" work BUT...

System gain is still 10 db less than yours. Not insignificant.

DAC voltage is 1.44 vs 1.8.

His speakers are 3 db less sensitivity than your 94 db.

Perhaps cutting it a bit close it seems.

Charles

@charles1dad 

Agreed, the F8 isn't going to cut it. Besides, I want an amp that's going to drive the speakers well, not just adequately.

How about a Valvet E2/E3? Those are rated only 12w and 21 db gain, and supposedly are very powerful. Still, the 1.4 vrms would be a concern. 

I've only had a single opportunity to try the volume output on the DAC. I fed it through the HT bypass on my integrated. The result was poor, both in power and sound quality, but this one test doesn't really prove anything. Still, a DAC as preamp will typically have more noise than a dedicated pre or integrated, right?