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.
I can endorse he preamp in the DAVE DAC. Many people need more inputs that most DACs have, especially a phono. If you are all digital, a DAC will work. Finally, some think a preamp adds to sound quality. I take a different approach, the sound quality is all in the recording and everything that touches it can only take away. Find the components that degrade the sound the least. If you don't have a preamp, it cannot degrade the sound. Jerry |
@thespeakerdude No, I don't know how much a sensationist disinformation site makes per click. Are you thinking of starting a competing website? |
@thespeakerdude This has been my assessment of ASR for quite a while and I've posted it many times before. As you can see in this thread, there are many that agree with me, in fact I'd say the majority of posters here agree with me. There is a vocal minority that follow them like a cult. I hope you eventually see them for what they are. Best of luck. |
