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DAC/w Volume control + Power amp or DAC + Integrated?

Doing lots of research for complete new set up from the scratch but very confused about DAC /w volume control section. 
Does the Volume control mean actually a preamp section? So a DAC + Preamp all-in-one box? 
Or are there any DAC with pure simple volume control knob exist? 


One of the systems I am eyeing on is LTA Ultralinear power amp. Source is digital only (Qobuz, local files network streaming via Chromecast audio to DAC via optical, for now) so I may not need separate Pre-amplifier. 

There are couple of options.
1) DAC /w built in volume control + UL Power amp
2) pure DAC + Standalone Volume controller + UL Power amp
3) pure DAC + UL integrated amplifier
 
Which one is the best setup SQ wise? Or Cost-Performance?

Built in volume control affects sound quality of the DAC? 

Is UL Integrated inferior to power amp by a margin?


I would like to go simple as possible because of limited funds (DAC & Amp for < $9k) so assume that going from DAC to Power amp directly is the way to go. All used gear will be more than welcome.


Regards

Arron


 
czar2000

Showing 8 responses by czar2000

czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
@Jiss Sorry to bother you. Ye I did read a lot of discussions but my question was more related to cost savings. 

I was looking for significant savings over going Integrated.
czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
Speakers will be Spatial audio Sapphire M3 open baffle.

Remote volume is a plus but not a must.

If I can not afford LTA Ultralinear int then I’m open to any amplifiers out there.
Raven nighthawk, Devialet 200, Dynaco ST70, Luxman 550s come to mind.
czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
Thank you guys for inputs.
I decide to buy Integrated. All in one system such as Hegel, Devialet would fit my needs.

Jiss49. Do you think tube integrateds don’t have enough juice for M3 Sapphire? Clayton at Spatial claims that low powered tube works nicely though.
czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
mesch
That was my initial plan, DAC + Schiit SYS + Power amplifier within my budget. 
but the cheap volume controller seems like not a good option. 
I'd get Integrated & simple DAC combo
czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
George
I almost always listen low to moderate volume.
I guess inserting the SYS between QUTEST and UL Poweramp is the best, since there is no audible compromise?
czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
Looks like an Integrated amp is the answer.
I will need more money, Or get the less expensive amp.

  
czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
Thanks guys
@ verdantaudio. That combo is exactly what I am considering, Chord Qutest (or Tubadur) & UL Power amp. I think this the most money saving way.
But the lack of volume control forces me to spend more on either a volume controller(cheap) or UL intergated(expensive), unless replacing with different DAC.

So tight budget in mind, I wanted to know which one is the smartest move not sacrificing too much of SQ, : DAC -> DAC + cheap volume control (ex Schiit SYS) . Or UL Poweramp -> UL Integrated

At first I leaning toward the cheap volume control, but now I'm totally lost
czar2000 OP
20 posts
 
Pennpencil
Thanks that is absolutely helpful. 

jiss
Understand now. I am going to research Hegel vs Devialet. 
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