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Analyzing DACs

As I am new to the hifi hobby, reading various product reviews and noting the details of the test environment have made me very confused.  I understand Stereophile is the hifi bible. In the publication’s DAC published tests the reviewers almost always tested the DAC connected directly to the amplifier. I think I understand why—nothing in the chain influencing the DAC sound. Is that the correct assumption? If that’s the case why incorporate a preamp if the DAC has a preamp section that is a common feature even on high end DACs? I’m in the market for a new DAC. I’m trying to avoid unnecessary components if possible. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.  

tee_dee
jl35
4,150 posts
 

hard to find a good DAC where the preamp section sounds as good as a separate dedicated preamp...though certainly not all agree...even very scientific Benchmark sells a separate pre that is way better then their DAC's internal volume control...

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I can endorse he preamp in the DAVE DAC.

Many people need more inputs that most DACs have, especially a phono.  If you are all digital, a DAC will work.

Finally, some think a preamp adds to sound quality.  I take a different approach, the sound quality is all in the recording and everything that touches it can only take away.  Find the components that degrade the sound the least.  If you don't have a preamp, it cannot degrade the sound.

Jerry

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,105 posts
 

What’s the rest of your system and how much do you want to spend on a DAC?

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