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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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,135 posts
 
No question about it if, the integrated amplifier has a true active class A 
preamplifier section such a the excellent Coda CSIB 
or Pass Labs 60
then no question , you didnot say hello he price point.
a quality classA  preamp is far better then a passive preamplifier ,
or as in a dac with a volume control ,it just loses. The soundstage depth ,and imaging. I have tried this many times with the same
outcome. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,811 posts
 
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.
miken426's avatar
miken426
4 posts
 
I’m using a Weiss DAC502 with built in volume control - no degradation of signal. It comes with a handy hi- quality remote control. I feed this directly into a Marantz 8b vintage tube amp driving a pair of ProAc D30r. The overall system performance is stunning.  
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.
4425
861 posts
 
I’d strongly consider the ML 585 used for 6-7k. Excellent integrated amp with a good dac built in. Try music direct as they have a good price on them w a 60day return policy. FWIW

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