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Tube DACs

For some time I've assumed that tube DACS are meant for direct output to power amps -- in other words, no reason to use a tube DAC if you are running through a tube preamp (unless all components are by same mfr and designed for synergy).

But lately I have seen posts implying some run Brand A tube DAC through brand B tube preamp -- say, Primal Luna 100 to Rogue RP-9. Can't find any prior threads addressing this topic directly.

So, question: am I wrong to suppose that pairing random tube DAC A with random tube preamp B is a bad, or at least a silly idea, absent a known synergy?
 


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hickamore
jorjlien's avatar
jorjlien
52 posts
 

iFi Pro iDSD able to turn on tube mode or off tube mode. 

ghasley
2,487 posts
 

@hickamore

There are a number of dacs with tubes. Some have volume (Lampizator, Totaldac D1-Tube) some don’t (Aqua La Scala). Some skeptics may opine that they color the sound….but what doesn’t? VERY few dac, be they solid state or tube output stage, do a great job driving an amp directly. I’ve tried it for years with varying degrees of success.

 

I think of the volume control on a dac as a way to “match” the dac output to the optimal input level of the preamp/integrated. MSB, Lampizator, DCS, Totaldac…all sound pretty good driving direct but not at their best. Think about it, few dac builders are going to take the time or go to the expense to implement an output stage that tops that of the better output stages found in better preamps. In addition, fitting it all optimally into a single chassis introduces a whole different set of issues. My 2 cents.

tooblue
1,922 posts
 

I run a Jadis tube dac through my Lamm LL2.1 deluxe all tube preamp and it sounds marvelous. Enjoy the music

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