2. digital
  3. 148465-131101

DAC through a preamp or direct DAC to amplifier

Hi All,
Trying to get back into audiophile mode after a decade-plus long hiatus (due to two young kids). Wanting to transition from my CD transport/hundreds of CDs collection to digital files/streaming.  
I currently have a Pass Labs XA30.8 driving a pair of Martin Logan 11A series. I'd appreciate some opinions on whether I can invest in a DAC/preamp and link directly to the amplifier or is will there be significant improvement in sound to run the DAC through a preamp ( eg, the Pass XP-20 or XP-30) first? 
Thanks!

jesmithopt

Showing 1 response by seigen

seigen's avatar
seigen
52 posts
 
As long as the DAC can set different output levels in the analog domain beside the digital volume control or has an analog volume control entirely, I'd go with a DAC direct route.

A dCS Bartok has 4 analog referrence settings for its outputs: 0.2V, 0.6V, 2V and 6V which would allow you to gain match your Pass amp and use the digital VC at the top of its range.
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