Analyzing DACs

Back to the original question- this is an important topic for those with a single source trying to decide between going DAC-pre straight into a power amp versus adding a separate preamp or integrated. It is difficult to find reliable information about the preamp qualities of a DAC to predict this. In theory, the output impedance of the DAC and the input impedance of the amp should help decide, but this seems nonspecific in practice. Maybe it is marketing, but the separate preamp option offered for the Holo Spring would seem to fit the bill.

The RME ADI-2 DAC FS Desktop DAC & Headphone Amp DAC provides a lot of features which eliminate the use of a preamp, as long as you only listen to digital sources.

It is also actually made in Germany & not China.

Here is one of many reviews of this product:

https://www.techhive.com/article/1419397/rme-adi-2-dac-fs-review.html#:~:text=The%20REM%20ADI%2D2%20DAC%20FS%20offers%20amazing%20sound%20for,complexities%20of%20high%2Dend%20audio.

@tee_dee 

I just listened to white flag by Dido. Lovely voice I added it to my playlist. It seems like the volume on her mic was up a bit maybe? Not piercing though. The parts  I didn’t really like as much are when the back up singers join in or maybe it’s an effect. Her voice is much better when it’s just her. Perhaps your electronics and or speakers are on the bright side. The room would also play a big factor if not treated. Happy listening 

Ron 

In my opinion, the DAC is the second most important component after the speakers - it is creating the signal you listen too.

Quality does in improve with price, but I don't know what price it stops being really noticeable.

Good DACs cost alot of money, and good preamps cost more than amp much of the time. I find volume control on the DAC chip to be much inferior to a preamp.

As for Amir, and ASR. As a person with "Scientist" in their job title, all I will say is that he is not doing science. Measurements are important because they can let you know if there is a design flaw, but measurements will not tell you what it sounds like.

@teedee

One might assume that the simplest audio chain is sonically best, but my online empirical research shows a mixed bag - sometimes the sonics sound better with a preamplifier in the chain. Some surmise the preamp may somehow be conditioning the signal to be more favorable (ohms?) to the amp.

The HoloAudio May DAC would be my choice based on online reviews. Perhaps you can stretch to the Lampizator Baltic 3 DAC at $6.6k - reports that it’s sonics are way above it’s price point - it appears to be a very rare bargain.