FWIW: I bought the Nobsound passive amp because of the discussion in this thread about bit-stripping. The Nobsound was only $60 and it was for sale on Amazon. So, for once, I could try something without consideration of restocking fees, etc. I was thrilled to get it today. And then I put it into my system. No doubt there are superior passive amps. This one reduced the soundstage in my system to 2 dimensions. So, back to Amazon it goes.
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
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