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Digital Preamp with USB-input but without a DAC?

I have been looking for preamp with USB input, but without a built in DAC. I cannot find any. Maybe there is a good reason for it, but is my requirement, so special? 

I have an Innuos Pulse mini streamer connected to a pair of active Buchardt speakers though Platin Hub. Right now the streamer is connected with RCA to the Hub and Wisa to the speakers. However, there is a DAC in both the streamer and the speakers, so I do not need an additional DAC. Hence, I am contemplating running USB from streamer to Hub to allow for the digital signal to be sent to the DAC in the speakers. However, it turns out that the Platin Hub cannot do volume control via USB, which I why I would need a preamp. 

Any advice?  

mtraesbo
thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,364 posts
 

Your speakers have a DAC??

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,602 posts
 

Because you need a DAC to convert a signal to analog for your preamp to use.  Preamp goes downstream of the DAC. 

I don't think your speakers have a DAC.  Maybe they have a usb port or possibly an ethernet port for updates, assuming they have onboard firmware.

Jerry

 

yyzsantabarbara
4,817 posts
 

You need a DAC to decipher USB 1's and 0's (it is digital data). I would think any input with USB has a DAC inside to process the data. 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,602 posts
 

Too late to edit my post.  I see you have a pair of small desktop all-in-one speakers.  I have a pair of those on my desk.  they are designed to be driven by a computer and use the computer for volume control.  Indeed they have a smal DAC and amp inside them.  But no, all you can add in front of them is volume control.  I use them on my desk, mostly for phone calls, video, and occasional music. but even the fairly nice ones I have are pretty inferior to a real system.

Jerry

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