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
hubbman's avatar
hubbman
28 posts
 

On another note (or perhaps perspective?). I do know a fellow audiophile who has gone with a streamlined setup including the Pink Faun player, to an MSB Reference DAC to MSB mono-blocks and he’s VERY happy.  He also previously had a Gryphon preamp and Gryphon amp behind his DAC.  I think there is a synergy aspect to consider here.  If you can find a DAC with a quality pre built in, that’s designed to work with the same brands amps, you could have a perfect solution. 

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

 

hk_fan
518 posts
 

I've tried both ways and a preamp always makes things better.

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,581 posts
 

I guess it depends as to which dac you are using. Once I installed the Lumin X1 with its Leedh volume control the preamp was sold.

Way better sound quality, less cables, footers etc.

ozzy

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