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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 2 responses by verdantaudio

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,470 posts
 
It really depends on the DAC.  I had a PS Audio DSD which is an awesome DAC but the volume control in it is not strong.  There are a couple reasons for this, but it was inferior to my preamps.  

I have since moved to Chord and Rockna DACs and the volume control in them is completely different.  Right now, going direct from the Hugo 2 or Wavelight into my amps from DAC is dramatically better than the Schiit preamp I currently have in the system.  

An LTA Ultralinear with a Chord Hugo 2 would easily be on budget and will sound amazing.  

That being said, the UL integrated is not even close to inferior.  The line stage in it is tremendous and the volume control is a superb R2R.  An Ultralinear Integrated with a DAC like the Chord Qutest which would be brilliant.  

In both cases, we could definitely keep you on budget for new gear. 
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,470 posts
 
Avoid a cheap volume control.  That really matters and a bad one will lead to underwhelming performance.  I have a Schiit Freya + here and even in passive mode it sucks the life out of my music. 
Hugo 2 and LTA power amp vs Qutest with LTA integrated.  I feel like the line stage and volume control in the LTA is very good.  I have had that exact amp connected too Avantgarde Zeros and they highlight anything in your setup that is an issue.  It was incredible.  
That being said, the volume control in the Hugo 2 is VERY good.  I use a Hugo 2 and 2Go for everything at home.  
The DAC in the Qutest and Hugo2 are the same.  The Hugo 2 has a volume control and headphone amp.  

I think LTA integrated with Qutest will be absolute best sound.  With Spatials?????   LTA and Spatial were in the room next to me at CAF and they sounded really good.  This is an A+ system you are putting together.  
As someone who sells both products (LTA and Chord), I am 100% sure you can be on budget with either combo.  The real question is if you want the flexibility the Hugo 2 provides
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