There were some good threads in the past about this. Here is a short one (link at end), with the same idea. I've have plenty of gear through my system (a lot of friends that buy and sell sure helps) over the years. I have had mixed results. Most of the time, I end up with a preamp in the chain too. It's not always a gain issue, or impedance matching issue. Sometimes a preamp just makes it sound the best. I did have it running without a preamp on occasion too, and liked it. But generally, I end up with the preamp in there. If you have a chance to try it both ways, go for it, just to see. A lot depends on the blend of components your running too. A lot of preamps will deteriorate the the sound. When your using upper-end sounding ones, you may not know they're there, and other times, it just makes it right. A short thread with some answers for similar.[http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1324679030&openusid&zz]
Can DAC with volume control act as Pre-amp?
Hi!
I was looking at AudioEngine new Digital Analogue Converter, D1 and realized that theoretically it can be used as pre-amplifier.
I usually use a laptop as music source. I intend to buy a DAC then connect this DAC to a integrated amp to drive 2 bookself speakers. However, if a DAC with volume control can act as a pre amp, then it would allow me to buy a really good power amplifier instead of a so-so integrated amp to drive my speakers.
In theory, this will help to improve sound also as the less devices that audio information go through, the less distorted it is. If I connect a DAC with volume to a Integrated amp, then we have an extra volume control for nothing right?
I am not sure if this actually work. Anyone has experience with this? Everyone is welcomed to share some thoughts :)
I was looking at AudioEngine new Digital Analogue Converter, D1 and realized that theoretically it can be used as pre-amplifier.
I usually use a laptop as music source. I intend to buy a DAC then connect this DAC to a integrated amp to drive 2 bookself speakers. However, if a DAC with volume control can act as a pre amp, then it would allow me to buy a really good power amplifier instead of a so-so integrated amp to drive my speakers.
In theory, this will help to improve sound also as the less devices that audio information go through, the less distorted it is. If I connect a DAC with volume to a Integrated amp, then we have an extra volume control for nothing right?
I am not sure if this actually work. Anyone has experience with this? Everyone is welcomed to share some thoughts :)