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DAC and Amplifier Synergy?

Hi All - 

In rebuilding my office system, I've been reflecting on my audio journey over the last few years. To put it simply, I've come to understand everything mattters. The room. Your ears. And all the synergies between pieces of equipment and cables. 

There are a ton of ways to achieve audio bliss. 

That said, I wanted to hear people's thoughts on DAC and Amp matching. Are some dacs just a better fit with specific amps and speakers? 

Are there specific matches between dacs and amps that worked especially well? Likewise, have you tried partnering a prized dac with a respected amp that, at least on paper are standout equipment, just to realize they have no synergy in your room? Alternatively, what are the examples of dacs and amps truly singing together? 

I'd welcome hearing examples of dac/amp synergy (or lack of it) from folks experiences. 

Specifically, I'm seriously considering partnering a T+A Dac 200 with a Luxman 590 axii with Graham or Falcons LS3/5a speakers. On paper it seems like it would be a great match. But who knows? 

bluethinker
tubeguy80
129 posts
 

I find that you really need to experiment for yourself. Unfortunately you can read all you want from reviews and forum posts, what you hear in your own room with your own ears won’t always agree.

I tried the easy route and used Luxman  for my DAC, preamp, and amplifier. I thought they should play well together since they are from the same designer. Ended up not quite loving it. After a lot of swapping and experimenting I discovered I love the Luxman pre and amp combo, but didn’t love their DAC as much. Switched that out for a Modwright DAC and achieved the bliss I had been chasing. So to me it seems like even matching the brand isn’t always a sure thing.

unsound
7,358 posts
 

With DACs commonlly featuring 32 bits, and having very capable volume controls  can for those with digital only sources offer direct DAC to amp connection. In such a system compatability of impedance considerations and output voltage of the DAC and input sensitivity of the amp can be crucial for optimal system matching.

stuartk
3,481 posts
 

@bluethinker

FYI, in my experience, the Hegel H390 is definitely neutral (albeit with a slightly rolled off top end) and "propulsive".

Check the Listen Up! website. They often have open box units for sale and accept returns. One way to audition one at home.

https://listenup.com/collections/vendors?q=Hegel

I expect Listen Up! carries Hegel’s new standalone DAC as well, in case you want to try out the pair.

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