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Will DAC always sound better going straight into a Power Amplifier?

Hi All,

I experimented today with plugging my Khadas Tone Board DAC straight into a Power Amp, and then using a vintage restored Yamaha solid state preamp in the chain...and the sound seemed to be clearer without the preamp.

Is this always the case, where a DAC will sound better directly connected to a power amp?

I see some expensive DAC offerings, like the Musetec 005 and the Holo Audio May, and was wondering that if i want to save up for one of them...if i have to save up for a preamp as well.

If it will cloud the sound, then i'll leave the preamp out of the mix.  Let me know your thoughts all!

I've read that some people have had experiences where the DAC sounds better through a preamp, so I'm not sure if there is a universal answer here or not.

fai_v

Showing 1 response by tempest714

tempest714's avatar
tempest714
29 posts
 

I removed my Parasound Halo 5 from the system and preferred it gone. I'm running a SMSL SU-9 direct into a Van Alstine Vision Set 120 Power Amplifier.

The only thing I'm wondering about it bit stripping as I only run my volume from the DAC at around 50%. 

Anybody here have any thoughts about that? I will buy a good preamp if it means lifting my system to another level. I just found the Parasound to be too dark/muddy compared to going direct from the DAC to the amp.

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