pre-amp vs dac straight to amps

mlapenta,

I had to smile when I saw your post.

My experience is exactly the opposite of yours: DAC direct to amps is more "transparent," has better detail, and smoothness—but, for me, it's through the preamp that has lots of bass punch and impact! (Isn't audio—or is that the human mind?— wonderful?)

I suppose, though, that this could be explained by the particular combinations of components used.

[My experience is based, most recently, on the following set-up: DAC is Bel Canto DAC 3.5VB/VBS1; preamps are Bryston BP-26, Allnic L3000A, BAT VK-51SE; power amps are McCormack DNA-500 and DNA-1 SMc Audio Revision Gold; speakers are Tannoy System 15 DMT II and TAD Exclusive TSM-2402 clones.]

No experience—yet—in computer-based audio, but I prefer using a preamp.

First reason is a practical one: I have four source components, one each for CD, SACD, LP, and FM, so I need quick 'n' easy switching from one to the other.

Second reason is that, in my limited experience, it always sounds more "alive" through a preamp (and for me, that means an active preamp).

Now, with audioengr's explanation of the problem—shortage of DACs "with a decent volume control technology"—I understand why.