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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 cakyol

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cakyol
940 posts
 

The RME ADI-2 DAC FS Desktop DAC & Headphone Amp DAC provides a lot of features which eliminate the use of a preamp, as long as you only listen to digital sources.

It is also actually made in Germany & not China.

Here is one of many reviews of this product:

https://www.techhive.com/article/1419397/rme-adi-2-dac-fs-review.html#:~:text=The%20REM%20ADI%2D2%20DAC%20FS%20offers%20amazing%20sound%20for,complexities%20of%20high%2Dend%20audio.

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