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How to set up volume control on a DAC without a preamp

I am creating my system and trying to decide on a DAC.  I don't have a preamp at this time and the preamps I am looking at are quite expensive.  Several DAC's that i'm looking at doesn't have volume control either. Is it possible to set up volume control in ROON or HQ Player until I can get the money together for the preamp?

128x128brbrock
vinylshadow
490 posts
 

If you get a very good DAC with a quality digitally controlled, analog volume control/preamp you do not need a preamp. Connect the DAC to your amp(s)

That's how I'm doing it with my Playback Designs DAC. I'll have a phono preamp but my DAC will have analog inputs so no preamp necessary. Preamps may go away one day.

iseland's avatar
iseland
133 posts
 

You haven't mentioned any of the contenders (dacs) or streamer(s)..

With that said, it's hard to give any kind of recommendation 😕 

ivickery
17 posts
 

Software volume control works, but the risk of hitting play with the volume level at 100 is always there lurking in the background.

mesch
3,481 posts
 

Purchase a passive volume control. The Schiit Sys is $50. There are others. 

moonwatcher
446 posts
 

+1 to @ivickery Note that Tidal recently had a bug that would ramp up volume to 100% when playing in shuffle mode. Just seems risky to rely on any software for volume control instead of good old reliable hardware. Be safe. 

"Version 2024.09.04 Released 

Here's what's new:

Shuffle Surprise: Our shuffle feature got a little too enthusiastic and cranked your volume to the max when enabled. We’ve dialed it back down, so now your ears can enjoy the perfect mix without any unexpected blasts. Shuffle on!"

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