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DAC as a preamp?

I need a new DAC. I use my computer for volume control, but do not trust it. I want separate volume control. The 90s me would have immediately thought preamp. But since I need a new DAC, my question stands ... DAC as a preamp?
I've posted more info about my system below.
I need some advice on the best way to go about getting volume control for these powerful asp1000 amplifiers. I've read about the high input impedance. I use a computer for my source playing Flac, wav or hi-res audio files. I'm using a very simple dongle Style USB DAC that sounds okay. I have choices, but do not know what my best bet is. For simplicity, it would seem I should just buy a better desktop DAC, such as and SMSL M500 and use the volume control knob on front. Or ANY other DAC with a volume control for that matter. I know I can use my volume control the USB. Provides through the keyboard on my computer. But with amplifiers this powerful, I figure I should have a volume control to prevent issues such as full volume noise blasts, which have happened before when the computer glitches. My second option would be to purchase a regular preamp. This would be the most expensive option, as I would want something at least as good as the Schitt Freya +, and that is $900! I would still need a decent DAC upgrade. This gets expensive with my health issues at hand. The last way I could go, is something like an all tube gain stage. I would still need a DAC, but a simple gain stage kit should only be a few hundred at most. The other two options I can think of, would be the pass B1 buffer clone kit preamp for 150 dollars, but I don't know if it would play nice with a high input impedance of the icepower amp. The most simple and cheapest route, would be be using the Sure digital volume control option. But I do not know how high fidelity that would be. I could really use some help. I've been out of this hobby for about 10 years now. I feel a bit lost and appreciate everyone who has helped so far.
flaxxer

Showing 1 response by brockwired

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brockwired
53 posts
 
All of Schiit Audio's headphone amps can be used as a preamp. I own a Modi Multibit (DAC)/Vali(tube headphone amp/preamp) combo that I am using in my bedroom. It sounds fantastic. 

In my main system I am using a Schiit Jotunheim with a phono card. It gives me one phono input, one RCA input and one XLR input. It has XLR and RCA outputs. You could substitute a DAC card. I went external with a Gungnir Multibit. If you want a DAC that is the same size that would stack with the Jotunheim you would be looking at the Modius or Bifrost DACs

My living room system...the system I have had the longest...has a Saga and Modi3. I really like all of them. I also admit to being a Schiit fanboy that prefers tube amps. 

On the low end you could have a Modi 3/Magni combo for $200, a Modi 3/ Vali for $250 or a Magnius/Modius for $400. The Jotunheim is the only headphone amp/preamp that has three inputs. The $100 DAC card is a USB only Modi. The $200 Multibit DAC card is a USB only Modi Multibit. 
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