If I am not mistaken, the analogue section of a DAC amplifies the decoded signal to max preamp level so that there are only two aspects that would warrant a separate preamp: a better analogue design capable of improving on the necessarily compromised analogue section of the DAC or a superior attenuator (assuming the DAC has one). In the latter instance a passive should beat any active preamp on distortion, in the former the solution might be a better DAC. I have yet to hear a concise argument why a separate preamp with additional cables and innate additional distortion should beat a high quality DAC. For most modern designs arguments about impedance mismatches are irrelevant.
Eliminated my preamp with amazing results
I pulled my preamp out completely. The result's were not subtle.
For those who stream music only... I was going from my laptop... to my DAC...to my preamp...to my amp. My preamps ONLY function was volume control. Source control not needed.
I started using Audirvana recently which comes with it's own high quality 64 bit volume control that was far better than the potentiometer in my preamp. It dawned on me that I could control volume using Audirvana and plug my DAC directly into the amp and bypass the preamp altogether. (Roon and Jriver also have excellent volume controllers) Note: Audirvana has an app download on a tablet/phone so it acts like a remote control. I'm loving it!
This not only eliminated the preamps volume control but it took out ALL the electronics associated in a preamp including some cables. A FAR more direct route. However, you must use caution and make sure the volume is controlled properly in the software since the amp will be fed wide open volume.
Having experimented with 'passive' preamps in the past (McCormack TLC-1) I thought the sound would possibly lose dynamics and bass response would suffer. WRONG!
The results were...Shocking!! Immediately the extended depth of the image was noticeably deeper. Background darker. The highs are the best I've ever heard. Pristine. The bass was dynamic, tight and most of all 'textured' in a way I never heard before. As I stated earlier the results are NOT subtle!
This is an experiment that took a few minutes to set up and yielded the best performance improvement of ANY other tweak I've ever tried. Not anything like using a passive preamp.
Equipment used... Peachtree DAC-itx.
Preamps...McCormack TLC-1 and Melos tube preamp.
Amp is McCormack DNA 0.5
Understand that different components will have different interactions with each other. Your results may vary. However, IF you don't like it, it takes just a few minutes to put the preamp back in the system. Nothing to lose and lot's to gain. After hearing this, I will NEVER go back to using a preamp.
Good luck!
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What is a high quality dac, used in some specific coupling parameters, not only electrical one but acoustical and mechanical one ? Dac vary a lot in price and properties... We all have different ears, needs, gear pieces and different room and different house electrical grid and noise level floor etc Even speakers vibrations and resonance here play a role etc ... Rules applied in a regulated environment... Living room are not a regulated environment nor the general gear design on the market is regulated with an enough refined level of standards to make possible such a rule as : no need for a preamplifier or the opposite rule , we all need a preamplifier... Is it not evident ? 😊
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@antigrunge2, read the previous posting. The experience detailed below not only emphasizes the synergistic impact of a preamp but also underscores that its effect extends beyond mere volume control. Again, Weiss 202 is a terrific DAC...
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OK, no more speculating on my part. Lets look at the real story of exactly what Paul said... For years he happily used a Direct stream DAC straight to amp because it sounded better without a preamp. Arnie had him listen to his 'Aesthetix Calypso' preamp. ($5000/7000) Paul agreed it was better. Paul then went home and plugged in the best preamp PS Audio made and it sound WORSE! Why??? Arnie told him the reason it was worse was " You're not using a good enough preamp". At that time they were using the Aesthetix in the main listening room. Arnie said..."Ya know, probably doesn't make sense to be using someone else preamp. Ya outta just make your own." Paul set out and developed(with the late Bascom King) the BHK series ($7000)to be as good as the Aesthetix. Paul summarized very clealy..." if you're not able to afford something as good as a BHK preamp($7000)DO NOT put a lesser preamp between the DAC and the amp. Go direct DAC to AMP" "it will sound BETTER". I don't interpret this as Paul being an advocate for preamps, I see it as being an advocate for high end preamps ONLY. If you don't have the money (which some people can't afford) then avoid the preamp and going direct will sound better. His words...not mine.
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Gowan is a seller so honest it could be and listening to him i consider him honest... But his advice made no sense at all when we spoke about ALL people needs, different gear at different price ... My low cost tube preamplifier do marvel for my active speakers... Gowan will say to me seriously if i dont buy his one , throw the low cost one in the trash bin ? If he said so he spoke as a seller in spite of common sense sorry... No he will never say that if he was seriously thinking ... We are not all people with unlimited budget ... Audiophile is not about "absolute sound" per se, it is about the way to use optimally what we have ... Anybody saying the opposite is in the top % of the population for money and probably ignore or underestimated acoustics and all the cheap way to optimize any system mechanicvally and electrically , with or without preamplification ... My system is low cost but the sound is not trash sound AT ALL ... Even if i cannot compare with high end and by high end for me an acoustic dedicated room is necessary by the way, i compare with system many times over my price and for the other system better than mine i dont bother so minimally good is my acoustic experience on all count... Even when they are honest, seller speak for their crowd not for all people... I prefer for advice acoustician and scientist who sell nothing ... Or users experiences ...
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