2. amps-preamps
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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?
wolverine1

Showing 1 response by oldschool1948

oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
507 posts
 
I have a PS Audio BHK preamp and DirectStream DAC.  I set the DAC at 100% and control volume with the preamp.  Works for me.  

I have a pure analog McIntosh system were I often control the volume using the MC2600 power amps gain controls and the 31V preamps volume control.  I can fine tune the listening level better that way. 
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