@jaytor thanks man will use a preamp then.
Pass XP30 preamp makes no difference (from dagogo) ? Wow! (active vs passive vs no preamp)
So I am considering a preamp upgrade. Right now have AGD HE9 into my Pass x350.8 and I do wonder if a better preamp would improve the sound further. Was considering a pass pre then came across this. Maybe i should consider just a passive balanced preamp for volume controls? Dac is Denafrips terminator.
https://www.dagogo.com/bricasti-design-model-1-usb-dac-review/
" so I proceeded to my ultimate test: direct comparison between having the Pass Labs XP-30 three-piece pre-amplification system in the equipment chain and taking it out of the chain. In my experience the Pass XP-30 is the most resolving preamp capable of delivering at very low levels – levels where you have to really be attentive to even hear the music in a dead quiet environment. Only when I got below 18dB did I feel like I was noticing a loss of detail, and even then I wasn’t quite sure. Since I never listen at such low volume levels, and I don’t know of anyone else who does, this was not a practical concern for me. Moreover, even at those very low levels I had to really listen to detect any loss in fidelity. Whatever Bricasti did to achieve it, the M1’s digital volume control is excellent. Note also that output gain is adjustable by setscrews from the back panel. "
https://www.dagogo.com/bricasti-design-model-1-usb-dac-review/
" so I proceeded to my ultimate test: direct comparison between having the Pass Labs XP-30 three-piece pre-amplification system in the equipment chain and taking it out of the chain. In my experience the Pass XP-30 is the most resolving preamp capable of delivering at very low levels – levels where you have to really be attentive to even hear the music in a dead quiet environment. Only when I got below 18dB did I feel like I was noticing a loss of detail, and even then I wasn’t quite sure. Since I never listen at such low volume levels, and I don’t know of anyone else who does, this was not a practical concern for me. Moreover, even at those very low levels I had to really listen to detect any loss in fidelity. Whatever Bricasti did to achieve it, the M1’s digital volume control is excellent. Note also that output gain is adjustable by setscrews from the back panel. "