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Gain stage and output buffer in Tube DACs

Please help me understand what the gain stage in a tube dac does. (for eg. the Jolida Glass FX DAC)

I understand  the gain stage helps control volume level and in in such DACs it is implemented using tubes. But I am not clear if it is attenuating or amplifying (voltage/current/both) the signal ?

Also, wondering about the related term "output buffer". From what i gather is merely something that helps match impedance... but not sure if it has anything to do with "volume control".
roxito

Showing 2 responses by cal3713

cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
And here's some real discussion about the process. If you want to learn more look up I/V (current to voltage) conversion stage...

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/dac-design-the-i-v-stage.21636/
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
This article is a little more targeted: https://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/duties-output-stage/9298/

"Most of the work designers do to make sure their output stages are good sounding and well serving of their products were developed in preamplifier designs they’ve produced."

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