Do you need a pre-amp with a digital front-end?


Hi guys:

I do not know if this should go here or in PC audio.

My question is this -- all my music is ripped on iTunes. Suppose I just take analog audio out of my iMac and feed it directly into power amplifier.

So, use the DAC in the computer and skip the pre-amp altogether. Is this crazy? Or suppose I use external DAC but still feed analog signal directly into power amp with no pre-amp.

The reason I ask is that integrated amps include a lot of stuff I don't intend to use, computer can supply pot etc., so why not spend the money on just a power amp?

Would love to hear feedback on this idea.

(Am powering Zu Druid plus B&W sealed sub in massive room with lots of room problems. Use Rotel class-d right now and don't love it)
zanon

Showing 1 response by kevyo

I purchased the Olive 4HD music server and it struck me one night with why am I going through the Pre-Amp while I can hook up my music server directly to the amp. The music server I am using to listen to music is the only component I am using in my set-up. I sold my Pre-Amp and sold my speakers and combined both sales and bought a new set of speakers. I have not looked back and I am very happy with my new pair of speakers with the sale of the two items.