2. amps-preamps
  3. 1417968571

DAC straight to power amp?

I know this issue has been discussed before, but I'm having trouble finding clear information or answers, so here goes...

I am currently running a TEAC UD-501 into an integrated amp via its RCA outputs. I just acquired an Odyssey Stratos dual mono power amp. I am planning on getting a preamp, but wont have one for the interim.

Can I run the TEAC directly to the Odyssey via the XLR outputs? Without blowing my speakers up? The issue is that the TEAC has no volume controls and, but I'm thinking that I can use my digital source (Audivarna+ on my Mac) to control the volume. Not ideal, but maybe OK as a temporary solution until a preamp arrives...

But I don't even want to try this if I will risk damaging my equipment. Thoughts?
zm
9 responses Add your response
arh
366 posts
 
Does your integrated have preamp outputs. You would connect teac to the integrated and preamp outputs to your Odysseys. The volume on the integrated would then work
Alan
zm OP
119 posts
 
Alan, my integrated is a Jolida 202BRC, which unfortunately doesn't have a preamp output.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Zm hi.

Your Teac has a wonderful low output impedance of 22ohms with 2v output, your Stratos is 22kohm input impedance and only needs 1.5v for full output.

As you can see the Teac is a perfect impedance and voltage match, you can't ask for better, absolutely no need for a preamp. Unless you wish to colour the sound a little.

Cheers George
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
If you attach it directly to your amp you have maybe one shot at ALWAYS having the level controlled by your computer, as you can be dumping a nice line level surprise to your amp if you take your eye off that ball. Good luck, and wear earplugs just in case...or get a preamp.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

I believe the volume is controlled by the TEAC UD-501 Dac.
I don't believe the computer controls the volume in this case, it just gives a digital output signal, coax (spidf) or optical (toslink)output to the Teac, the volume is then controlled from there.
Just like it would with a separate CD transport and dac

Cheers George
zm OP
119 posts
 
Thanks to both of you for your advice. George, the TEAC has no volume control; what Wolf_garcia suggests might happen is exactly what I'm worried about.

I have a BAT VK-30SE on the way. I may just wait for it to arrive and stick to headphones in the meantime....
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Sorry ZM, I thought the volume control on the front would have done both head phone jack and rca output.

If not then you could use still the headphone jack, as it is also a low 32ohm output impedance, though it may be a bit higher in output voltage, more like 6v like an active preamp would be anyway. But you'll need an stereo rca to headphone adapter.

Cheers George
jl35
3,938 posts
 
Wait for the BAT, not worth the risk
photonman
96 posts
 
Just make sure the Audirvana volume control is set to all the way down for the initial power up. Seems simple enough to me to avoid the speaker thrashing?

If it was a Windows machine maybe I would worry a little, but a Mac, come on seriously :)

I have done the same thing recently, Mac Book Pro with Audirvana 2 going from DAC straight to amp and there is no looking back. One less box, one less set of cables, two less sources of coloration and losses and anything extra.

Run your system like a race car. Less is best.
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