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 1 response by ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,234 posts
 

Until I heard my system with the Lumin X1 going straight into my amps, I would have thought a preamp to be essential.

The Lumin made the sound quality so pure and effortlessly that I will never go back to a preamp.

Unless you need a preamp because of the need for more inputs or switching capability, to me, the preamp just adds more circuitry, cables, footers etc. I prefer to keep it simple.

ozzy

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