2. amps-preamps
  3. 1327099298

Can DAC with volume control act as Pre-amp?

Hi!

I was looking at AudioEngine new Digital Analogue Converter, D1 and realized that theoretically it can be used as pre-amplifier.

I usually use a laptop as music source. I intend to buy a DAC then connect this DAC to a integrated amp to drive 2 bookself speakers. However, if a DAC with volume control can act as a pre amp, then it would allow me to buy a really good power amplifier instead of a so-so integrated amp to drive my speakers.

In theory, this will help to improve sound also as the less devices that audio information go through, the less distorted it is. If I connect a DAC with volume to a Integrated amp, then we have an extra volume control for nothing right?

I am not sure if this actually work. Anyone has experience with this? Everyone is welcomed to share some thoughts :)
bepositive
tobias
1,534 posts
 
The Benchmark DAC-1 HDR is a good example of the kind of unit that fills the OP's bill. Its functionality is just about what he would need if he went for the high end power amp at this point.

I would suggest he pay attention to the remote control functionality of the HDR ( it can be hard to see what you've selected ) and its sonics ( the emphasis on detail may be what he wants or it may not ). Given those are OK, it's a suitable choice.
irvrobinson
295 posts
 
Totally agree on that HDR remote control. The buttons are in illogical places and they are hard to read in dim light. It feels nice in your hand though.
rep4ever
15 posts
 
Agree the Benchmark is near the top of the current best available and would add the Wyred4sound DAC2. You can use the digital volume control, a power supply the size of many amplifiers, and one of the most reasonably priced of the current state or near state of the art DAC's. Very highly reviewed. If, as someone mentioned, the sound suffers with reduced volume from reduced BIT count, add a preamp later. 6 Moons review listened direct to amp and commented with 24 BITs available, a few can be sacrificed without a discernable loss. Get one, listen, and if it's a problem use a preamp! Trust the ears.....
phusis's avatar
phusis
1,237 posts
 
I'm using a nuForce DAC-9 as a DAC/preamp with a nuForce Stereo 8.5V3 poweramp, and it sounds terrific. I believe the volume control in the DAC-9 is "digitally controlled in the analog realm," whatever that entails.

From the little I've experimented it's appears to be my preferred setting over by-passing the internal volume control of the DAC-9 and instead going by the internal (digital) volume control via JRiver MC17's software player, but the final decision has yet to be made on this.

I'd go to some length in order to avoid a hardware preamp, and see no reason to avoid a digital volume control so long as the bitdepth in attenaution doesn't go below 24 bits - which most DAC's support.
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