SQ of digital volume controls compared to preamplifiers

I have a PS Audio BHK Signature preamplifier. Love the sound but not the noise it is making.

So last weekend I connected my Holo Audio May KTE Dac directly to my BHK 250 amplifier. Using roon’s dsp volume control.

The sound was pretty good, but the magic was gone. Soundstage is less 3D and the voices are not as believable.

Have you made the same comparison, software versus hardware and what is your conclusion?

Also! Any recommendations for a balanced holographic preamplifier?

martin-andersen01-13-2023 10:23am

yyzsantabarbara Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,575 posts 01-14-2023 at 05:48am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I am going to be comparing a Lumin X1 DAC's LEEDH volume control vs the Benchmark LA4 preamp this weekend. I spent the last 8 hours listening to the LA4 with the X1 and it was fantastic. The LA4 is a killer preamp, if you do not want a preamp to add colour to the chain, then the LA4 is the way to go. I have a feeling the LA4 will be a bit better.