2. amps-preamps
  3. 186593-9734

DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER

For the longest time, I believed that the best preamplifier is no preamplifier.  Eliminating a component from the audio chain would yield less distortion & greater purity.

Recently, I have had reason to re-think my logic on the matter - and I am (I think) changing my mind.  Better said, assuming that the preamplifier in the component you are using (in my case, a DAC) can produce 95% or greater quality sound compared to the preamplifier component, then no preamplifier is the best option.  The 5% represents the (estimated) loss of fidelity in adding another set of interconnects.

That said, most DACs do not have an outstanding preamplifier built in.  I think most have average passive attenuators, and the better DACs have active preamplifiers that are very good - but not as good as a quality preamplifier.

What are your thoughts?

 

 

128x128paul_lindemann

Showing 2 responses by bigkidz

bigkidz
3,325 posts
 

@randyh - I sugge34st having your current preamp upgraded to another level with better parts.  That will get you to another level without searching for something to replace it. PLUS the better parts will not be in the typical preamp you will be swapping out for.

 

Happy Listening. 

bigkidz
3,325 posts
 

Comes down to the quality of the component.  In general as you point out, most DACs do not have a quality output.  BUT a poor preamp can also have an impact on sound quality.  So you need to experiment in your system to see what works best.

 

Happy Listening.

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