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Analogue clipping from digital sources

Given the high output (typically >2v in RCA, >4v in balanced mode) there is in my experience a significant risk of overloading both the analogue stage of the DAC and any pre- or power amp downstream. Fighting that with low volume settings on the attenuator only further aggravates the issue. In my case I have to run the InnuOS Zenith’s Mk3 output at 85% to deal with audible overloading of the DAC/ amp with audible distortion. Anyone with similar experience?

antigrunge2
erik_squires
15,788 posts
 

OP: 

 

With modern amps, input impedance is usually quite high, 25kOhms or more, and plenty of voltage gain, so with many combinations of modern DAC's and solid state amps a separate preamp is no longer technically needed.

 

Best,

 

E

erik_squires
15,788 posts
 

I guess what it boils down to is that in 2024, if you tell me your recent vintage preamp is clipping with 2V of input I am going to have trouble believing it is not malfunctioning.

ltmandella's avatar
ltmandella
118 posts
 

Are you referring to clipping?  I think it has been mathematically demonstrated that it is possible for PCM to clip during playback even though never detected during encoding...

 

antigrunge2 OP
1,331 posts
 

@ltmandella : care to elaborate? Or point to relevant sources? Pls don’t make unsubstantiated assertions when posting. Thanks.

ltmandella's avatar
ltmandella
118 posts
 

@antigrunge2:  please do your own research.

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