2. amps-preamps
  3. 186593-9734

DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER

For the longest time, I believed that the best preamplifier is no preamplifier.  Eliminating a component from the audio chain would yield less distortion & greater purity.

Recently, I have had reason to re-think my logic on the matter - and I am (I think) changing my mind.  Better said, assuming that the preamplifier in the component you are using (in my case, a DAC) can produce 95% or greater quality sound compared to the preamplifier component, then no preamplifier is the best option.  The 5% represents the (estimated) loss of fidelity in adding another set of interconnects.

That said, most DACs do not have an outstanding preamplifier built in.  I think most have average passive attenuators, and the better DACs have active preamplifiers that are very good - but not as good as a quality preamplifier.

What are your thoughts?

 

 

128x128paul_lindemann
lak's avatar
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lak
4,540 posts
 

Only a tad over six minutes long, watch it with an open mind:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh27E7YKN9s

tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 

I'm using my DAC direct to amps right now.  I like the sound both through my preamp and direct to amps.  The direct route seems to be just a bit more lively to me plus it is 140 watts less power and time on tubes not using my tube preamp.  This DAC/preamp also uses tubes and even has analog inputs available.  It has a very good and quiet output stage.  I'm planning to try my phono preamp into the DAC/preamp to see how the sound compares to my regular preamp.  But this whole thing is a lot of change and I'm not liking change as much as I used to.  Funny how old age affects us.  Maybe in a few years I won't remember how the DAC sounds direct or through a preamp.  I've gotten used to using Roon instead of spinning CDs or Vinyl.  I keep thinking I could eliminate a lot of components but on the other hand that would be change...

testrun
218 posts
 

Preamp.  I tried direct with PS Audio, Bricasti M3 (loved the volume control) and a few others. Currently running a Bricasti M1 SII through a Cary SLP-05 and love it.  Tried direct and as good as the Bricasti is adding the Cary back into the path added a little soul back into the sound.  Might be mental or just really like the Cary but I think the pre is a good addition.  

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 

I tried both ways, my Esoteric DAC straight and no preamp vs. into my CAT preamp. The difference was very easy to hear. The DAC comes alive into the preamp, not at all direct, there really was no comparison. IOW, IME if you have a decent preamp, go DAC to preamp. 

calgarian5355
131 posts
 

I have the Grimm MU1 streamer feeding into a Mola Mola Tambaqui.  I have tried running it direct to my Pass Labs XA30.8 amp versus through my Aesthetix Calypso Eclipse ...and there is a definite improvement going via the preamp.  Don't get me wrong, the sound quality direct to amp is very good....something I thought I could live with...but when you have the chance to compare with a good preamp in the chain, you can't go back!  I originally had the standard Calypso, and the upgrade to the Eclipse is worth the expenditure.  I am considering moving to an integrated amp, but I'm not sure I can get the sound quality I'm getting through my current Calypso Eclipse/Pass Labs pairing.  

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