I purchased PSAudio DS DAC and BHK 250 stereo amp. I was not thrilled, and added the PSAudio BHK preamp, for no other reason except sound quality. I was rewarded (to my ears) with better overall sound through the preamp. I did not need it for other sources. I have since moved on from PSAudio, but reconfirmed several times that my DAC sounded better through a quality preamp. I also firmly believe that synergy is involved between the preamp and the amp(s). I now have amazing Audionet gear, and again have confirmed (through my ears) that the preamp between my DAC and amps afforded (a funny word right?) better sound. These are my personal observations. Believe me, I wanted to get away without the preamp cost. Easy to believe that anything additional in the signal path will not help, but that was not my findings. Poor interconnects between Preamp and amp will of course affect this outcome. And I believe only a truly good preamp will give these same results. Stay safe! Ken
Control volume with DAC or Preamp?
My DAC (PS Audio Directstream) has a volume control and so does my preamp(Benchmark), of course. What’s the best way to control the volume of my system to get optimum sound...turn the dac to maximum volume and use the preamp to make adjustments , turn the preamp to maximum and use the DAC for adjustments, turn each of them up part way? Or does it not make a difference?