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 ozzy62

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,855 posts
 

I agree with Jerry.

If you have source components with robust output stages and low output impedance into an amp with high input impedance and sensitivity, an active preamp will degrade the sound quality in most instances. Less = more in this application.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,855 posts
 

Indeed. Which is why I point to specifics. An active preamp is required in many circumstances.

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