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?

 

 

paul_lindemann

Showing 1 response by tweak1

tweak1
3,685 posts
 

I weigh the cost beyond the dac itself: space/shelf for it, power cord, IC, footers, all of which can easily cost an extra $1000+++

Knowing that from owning several separate dac/pres I was excited to finally buy a Audio Alchemy DDP 1- and 5 months later the optional outboard PS (a very big deal) 3+ years later, nothing could replace its sound/$$$ at 3Xs the MSRP $1700

Do a search for TAS review of it with their class D amps

 

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