pre-amp vs dac straight to amps

mlapenta,

I had to smile when I saw your post.

My experience is exactly the opposite of yours: DAC direct to amps is more "transparent," has better detail, and smoothness—but, for me, it's through the preamp that has lots of bass punch and impact! (Isn't audio—or is that the human mind?— wonderful?)

I suppose, though, that this could be explained by the particular combinations of components used.

[My experience is based, most recently, on the following set-up: DAC is Bel Canto DAC 3.5VB/VBS1; preamps are Bryston BP-26, Allnic L3000A, BAT VK-51SE; power amps are McCormack DNA-500 and DNA-1 SMc Audio Revision Gold; speakers are Tannoy System 15 DMT II and TAD Exclusive TSM-2402 clones.]

No experience—yet—in computer-based audio, but I prefer using a preamp.

First reason is a practical one: I have four source components, one each for CD, SACD, LP, and FM, so I need quick 'n' easy switching from one to the other.

Second reason is that, in my limited experience, it always sounds more "alive" through a preamp (and for me, that means an active preamp).

Now, with audioengr's explanation of the problem—shortage of DACs "with a decent volume control technology"—I understand why.

My expirence has been running my Benchmark HDR 1 feed directly to my Kharma MP150 amps for 6 months, then added a Modwright LS 36.5 Pre. The difference was astounding soundstage, warmth, voices came alive. The Benchmark was cold and thin in comparison not to knock the Benchmark but I'll keep mine as a Dac.

"for me, it's through the preamp that has lots of bass punch and impact!"

This is because your DAC has a high-impedance output stage. Going direct is superior only if the DAC has strong drive on the output stage. OP-amp outputs usually dont cut-it.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

I have a PerfectWave DAC and a VAC Renaissance 30/30 amp and much prefer it with my VAC Standard preamp in the middle. That being said, there is additional detail without the preamp that works for some music and recordings, but there is also added stridency and edginess that makes it much more unpleasant for others. All in all, I find it more musical with the preamp; also a little bit of forgiveness in a system makes for pleasant listening across a much wider variety of source material.