2. digital
  3. 182496-170356

Analyzing DACs

As I am new to the hifi hobby, reading various product reviews and noting the details of the test environment have made me very confused.  I understand Stereophile is the hifi bible. In the publication’s DAC published tests the reviewers almost always tested the DAC connected directly to the amplifier. I think I understand why—nothing in the chain influencing the DAC sound. Is that the correct assumption? If that’s the case why incorporate a preamp if the DAC has a preamp section that is a common feature even on high end DACs? I’m in the market for a new DAC. I’m trying to avoid unnecessary components if possible. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.  

tee_dee

Showing 1 response by barts

barts's avatar
barts
765 posts
 

@tee_dee 

When you use the DAC as a digital volume control directly into an amp the DAC is lowering the bit depth and therefore taking resolution out of the bit stream.

If you want  less boxes then go with an integrated amp, I'm thinking you would very much like to have the volume control in the analog world.

Go forth and listen, then listen some more and then even more.  Talk is cheap. Trust you ears. They won't lie to you.

Regards,

barts

 

 

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