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

I am creating my system and trying to decide on a DAC.  I don't have a preamp at this time and the preamps I am looking at are quite expensive.  Several DAC's that i'm looking at doesn't have volume control either. Is it possible to set up volume control in ROON or HQ Player until I can get the money together for the preamp?

128x128brbrock
carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,623 posts
 

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

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,623 posts
 

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

rodar93
21 posts
 

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

https://khozmo.com/

danager's avatar
danager
951 posts
 

@lanx0003 

Different AlbumPlayer.  It's still active and sounds fantastic.  https://albumplayer.ru/

There is a learning curve to get the most out of the upsampleing  but the DSD sounded pretty good on my previous DAC.   It is a very basic player but I guess there is a way to integrate it into other players.  I've never tried it.

I have the original SAGA.  At the time when I purchased it the SAGA +was out but  according to Schitt didn't sound better just had a better featured volume control.  As for now I just get up and turn the knob which is a pain but probably healthier.

 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,859 posts
 

I would buy a great preamp first , it’s crucial to the overall tone/ sound of your system.  It does the switching and drives your amp.  I think a lot of times the Amp gets a higher priority than the preamp and to me that’s backwards.  
 

Then get a good Streamer /DAC  or even better a decent streamer and excellent DAC.   
 

 

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