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 3 responses by wolverine1

wolverine1 OP
39 posts
 
OP here. Thanks for the input. I experimented and found that, with the Benchmark preamp at maximum volume, I could hear a fluttering, vibrating noise from my speakers when standing close to them with nothing playing...sounded like the speaker cones were making it.  If I turn the Benchmark preamp volume down a little and the DAC volume up, the fluttering stops and the sound is clearer. 
wolverine1 OP
39 posts
 
Adurerca- I did that and it sounded very good.  But I wanted to use a turntable and a tuner so I needed the additional inputs.  I started looking for a preamp that would be like connecting my DAC to the amp, give me the necessary inputs and accept balanced cables.  The Benchmark checks all those boxes.  Sounds about the same with the Benchmark as a direct connection to the amp. 
wolverine1 OP
39 posts
 
Thanks for all the advice.  I had been using the Benchmark LA4preamp at the highest volume and adjusting the listening  level with my PS Directstream DAC. As I mentioned, I heard a fluttering noise from the speakers while doing this.  I tried the reverse...DAC at full volume and adjusting the listening level on my Benchmark preamp.  The fluttering went away and the sound seems much clearer.   Both the dac and preamp volumes can be adjusted by remote control. 
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