2. amps-preamps
  3. 161821-152589

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 ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,576 posts
 
I think it depends on the Dac.

I used to own the PS Audio Direct Stream Dac. Running direct to my amps it was a bit anemic.

Now that I own the Lumin X1 it sounds waayyy better running direct to the amps. I ended up selling my Ayre preamp. 
Which helped pay for the Lumin.

ozzy
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