2. digital
  3. 1069379065

Best DAC with Volume Control?

I am looking for a few very good DACs that have a volume control to run direct into an amp. What do you suggest or have heard? The Birdland Audio Odeon-Ag with Reclocker is one. Are there any others I should consider? What did you hear and how did yours compare to the top CDPs AA Cap, Mephisto, EMC-1, etc.

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
listener57
730 posts
 
If only playing CD's then check out Ric Schultz at tweakaudio.com who sells his EVS Ultimate Attenuators for $350 per pair, list price. The attenuators attach directly onto the amplifier RCA input jacks so that there is no separate preamp, and one less set of interconnects needed. You can use any DAC or fixed output CD player. These attenuators act as stepped volume controls with any amp whose sound you love. There is a model for either tube or transistor amp. This allows you to simply look for the best sounding CDP or DAC without caring if volume control provided. The main drawback is that adjusting volume is not by remote control, and the main benefit that the ultimate quality of sound is simply that of the DAC and the amp.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,691 posts
 
Nagra DAP
Theta Gen VIII
twopippis
49 posts
 
Goldmund 21+. Best DAC I've owned to date.
zapper
68 posts
 
The Camelot Uther Mark 3 (20 bit) and 4(24bit) are also worth mentioning. They come stock with a 100 step voluime control and output of 6 volts, and can be upgraded to a higher output voltage from the guys at Camelot.
reubent
7,039 posts
 
Zapper,

good call. I have two friends that own the Camelot Uther v2 mk4 and it is excellent. Very good 100 step volume control.

BTW, I just ordered a Musical Fidelity CD/pre-24 which is a transport, DAC and pre-amp all in one box. It has gotten great reviews, but is now discontinued.

Enjoy,

TIC
More to discover