Swampwalker is correct, you will need a DAC with volume (or gain) attenuation. There are several models that will do this, and a few that feature a remote control in case that's important to you.
I use an Antelope Zodiac Gold for this purpose for my digital only system in my living room; the DAC becomes the preamp. I am going from a mac mini to the Zodiac Gold via USB, then out via XLR to a pair of active speakers. My wife likes it because it is easy to hide the small components - it is almost invisible. All she sees are the speakers, for which she is still trying to find a way to do without.
I use an Antelope Zodiac Gold for this purpose for my digital only system in my living room; the DAC becomes the preamp. I am going from a mac mini to the Zodiac Gold via USB, then out via XLR to a pair of active speakers. My wife likes it because it is easy to hide the small components - it is almost invisible. All she sees are the speakers, for which she is still trying to find a way to do without.