How to set up volume control on a DAC without a preamp

For a DAC with volume control, don’t overlook the Benchmark DAC3B combined with their LA4, which together will set you back less than some of the DACs mentioned here. The combination is exceptionally transparent, if that’s what you are looking for.

An alternative would be their DAC3 HGC, whose volume control can be replaced by an LA4 later when you are ready to buy more.

@danager I tried a Schitt SAGA and it didn’t work for me. It turned down the volume OK but sucked all the life out of the music. I can also choose to use Foobar2000 with it’s software volume control which my not sound quite as good as AlbumPLayer but it is much better than the SAGA.

Did you have Saga S? You might try Saga + (hybrid) or the most recent Saga 2 just released 2-3 weeks ago. Pretty good. Class A, fully discrete, no neg. feedback, LPS and a accurate relay-resistor volume control. It actually cures my left-right channel imbalance issue. It sounds noticeably better than Foobar2000 and much better than its sibling passive pre Syn. I paired it with the Schiit Modius and the sound is dynamic, lifelike, wider SS and good separation on my system but YMMV. 

It does not render 3D soundstage but the Dac might be the limiting factor.  The Chord Qutest I just order is on the way and may give surprises.

The passive stage in the new Saga 2 sounds pure and could get rid of sibilance when compared with low-gain. I am curious how it stacks up with Khozmo.

Never try AlbumPlayer before but it is closed down anyway.

Roon volume control is quite good, better than many preamps.  I have a lampizator DAC with volume control which I use for my pre.  Roon VC is better than the relay operated resistive ladder in the Lampi.  If I were using roon, I wouldn't buy a DAC with Volume Control (again). 

Jerry

@audiotroy It seems your data on Roon is incorrect.  It works with any endpoint device. 

passive pre with remote it is. Khozmo passive pre got lots good review.

https://khozmo.com/