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Amp or DAC?

I’ve wondered about this for a while and was hoping for some opinions: 

Let’s say I compare the same company’s 75w into 8 amp and their 150w into 8 amp. Will I notice a difference in sound quality? If so, why?

If there is a difference between the 75w and 150w per channel amp can I narrow the gap or even exceed the 150w amp by using a better DAC?

Also, has anyone noticed that a lower watt amp has less distortion than a higher powered one, so throwing my understanding that the same manufacturer’s higher powered amp should be superior to it’s lower powered one out the window?
cd45123

Showing 1 response by douglas_schroeder

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Different amps perform fundamentally differently; listen for yourself if you don't believe it.

To your second question; No, you can't make a DAC confer the attributes of a better amp, and vice versa. If you want to upgrade the system as if different amp and DAC, you need a different amp and DAC. There are no shortcuts to superior systems. There may be different configurations - but not shortcuts. 

Don't get hung up on distortion specs; it's a great way to build a mediocre rig. 
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