Well I lasted a few days using the Matrix Audio Mini-i-3 Pro DAC direct to amp, a Benchmark AHB2. I am going to order a Benchmark LA4 preamp for $2500 and use this same DAC with fixed output. The LA4 is going to be so much better than this DAC direct sound I am listening to. I already have the HPA4 preamp (same as the LA4) in my office to AHB2 monos so I know exactly the difference.
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