Tube Amp for Coda 8 Part 2


Thank you to all for your suggestions in my recent thread. 

I’d like to t take this query one step further. I have a DAC that has pre-amp capabilities. It’s to my understanding that having a pre-amp (analogue) will sound better than digital attenuation. The DAC as a pre-amp sounds pretty darn good, so I am wondering, do I need such an elaborate pre-amp (as a volume control)          or should I just stick with the DAC and save some coin?

Thanks!

kds

Showing 4 responses by sls883

@kds my immediate thought was that a tube preamp would sound better, but you have a really nice dac, so I don't know.

I'm using a Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp (level 2) with a Coda 8 amp.  It's much better than using my dac as a volume control, but your dac is much higher end than mine.  

If you can purchase a preamp with a return policy, I think I'd give it a try. 

@zlone Good point on the cables.  Vacuum tubes also make a big difference in a preamp like mine.  Put the wrong tubes in it and the performance is nowhere near its' potential.