2. amps-preamps
  3. 186593-9734

DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER

For the longest time, I believed that the best preamplifier is no preamplifier.  Eliminating a component from the audio chain would yield less distortion & greater purity.

Recently, I have had reason to re-think my logic on the matter - and I am (I think) changing my mind.  Better said, assuming that the preamplifier in the component you are using (in my case, a DAC) can produce 95% or greater quality sound compared to the preamplifier component, then no preamplifier is the best option.  The 5% represents the (estimated) loss of fidelity in adding another set of interconnects.

That said, most DACs do not have an outstanding preamplifier built in.  I think most have average passive attenuators, and the better DACs have active preamplifiers that are very good - but not as good as a quality preamplifier.

What are your thoughts?

 

 

128x128paul_lindemann
bigshutterbug
381 posts
 

Most DACs do not use passive analog attenuators, the attenuation is done in the digital domain, by dropping bits. At medium to lower listening levels, they lose a lot of detail, and the sound quality suffers. A dedicated, active pre-amp has high quality output stages that are designed specifically for driving amplifiers. Sometimes, well designed passive pre-amps can drive some amps very well, but it can be hit-and-miss. You may want to look at a DAC like the Bricasti M3, which does have a good analog, variable pre-amp output.

lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,619 posts
 

Paul, I think you need to hear a good tube preamp in your system in order to make an accurate decision ;-)

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,005 posts
 

My Sansui alpha integrate , a vintage product from 35 years ago i used for my headphone, i decided to upgrade from it with one of the best reputed and reviewed tube amplifier for headphone or efficient speakers and pre-amplifier in the world for his price...One month ago...

I return it on the spot after one hour listening ( he was in used state from the manufacturer ) ... No comparison at all between the two amp. for serving my hard to drive and picky AKG K340 gem, i lost a lot of money for me in the process, postal fees, insurance and customs...300 bucks...

😊

But i learned that all is about synergy and a vintage marvel could be not an obsolete piece of trash but a top product even today...

Then it is useless to proclaim rule as tube amp are better or pre-amp are necessary etc... Too many exceptions...

it is better to proclaim as absolute a rule as : synergy rule ...

Then if the integrate is top notch no need to buy a pre-amp...

If the integrate is less top notch now you must match the pre-amp and the amp, and who knows replace your integrated simply by a better one...

 

 
 

 

 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,602 posts
 

Paul,

There is a large contingenet of people out there who think adding a preamp adds to the quality of the signal headed to the speakers.  these are mostly the people selling preamps.  Add to that those who have bought a pre-amp and want to defend their position. 

Certainly adding a pre-amp will likely change the sound.  Different doesn't mean better. 

I"m a purist, similar to what you've described.  the best the music can get is what is recorded on the source medium.  as you process and amplify it, you can't add anything, only subtract from the perfection that exists at the beginning.  The less you touch the signal, the better off you are.  

So I think you are exactly right to use your DAC to feed your amp.  I do that with my Chord DAVE.

Thanks for this thread, it did create the funniest statement I've seen on audiogon for a while.  "DACs reduce vollume by dropping bits."   Great plan:  this guy is listening at low levels so he doesn't need all the music.  we will just throw some of it away.  Great example of how people don't understand digital.

Jerry

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