DACs With Killer Built-In Preamps


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I see a lot of DACs with volume controls with the ability to act as a preamp. The Audio Research Reference Dac/Digital Media Bridge ($15k) has a volume control and a lot of innards of its Reference 5SE preamp...which makes for a very serious preamp section on that DAC.

Are there any DACs with voulume controls under $7k that can compete with top-tier preamps?
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mitch4t
Edorr, my fully tricked out Dude preamp sounds better than the Ref5 and according to some past Ref 25th Anniv owners, better than that preamp. Not a question of preamp quality, just synergy and what I have put together in my home.
Grannyring,
That makes sense, you`ve come across a particular system match that`s ideal for you. I feel the same about my current system with an active linestage.Let your ears be the guide. When you find the right sound,rejoice in it.
Regards,
Edorr, I want to say that your preamp is awesome and I do respect the AR product line. Not trying to say they are anything less than wonderful.

I have heard my Dude and the Ref5 in the same system and just want to share that the Dude plays in the same league.

I cannot explain why this time around a preless set-up just sounds as good. I do know what I hear however.

Go figure