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A DAC into a DAC?

Help me understand the signal path and clarify my options…

A little background: my digital source feeds into a pre-pro which I am using as a pre-amp only. It has Burr-Brown 24/192 DACs, (I don’t know which ones, nor can I bypass them). I am converting to a 2 channel system, which would include a new DAC, but I believe my pre-pro is limiting my options if I keep it in the chain.

Here’s my understanding: If I insert (between my source and the pre-pro), a new DAC that’s SUPERIOR to the pre-pro’s DAC, I assume that the pre-pro would limit or degrade the SQ of the new DAC. Correct? Is feeding the signal from the pre-pro an option in this case?

And if I insert some INFERIOR DAC into the chain, I assume that I couldn’t hear it at all, (preventing A/B comparisons). Another waste. Correct?

With my current set up, it seems like either I would have to abandon the idea of A/B comparisons of any new DACs OR that if I wanted to A/B, I would need to commit to a DAC that also functions as a pre-amp, or else buy a new pre-amp, which I don’t want)… Am I on the right track?

Thanks!
Michael
mkh1099

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"If I insert (between my source and the pre-pro), a new DAC that’s SUPERIOR to the pre-pro’s DAC, I assume that the pre-pro would limit or degrade the SQ of the new DAC. Correct? Is feeding the signal from the pre-pro an option in this case?"

ANY preamp will add some distortion, compression and noise to the analog signal, but you need some way of controlling volume and achieving a low-output impedance drive to your amps in order to get decent dynamics.

Most decent DACs (over $1K) will outperform the DAC in a SS processor. All you need to do is feed the analog outs from the DAC to the SS proc and control volume with the SS proc. This will probably improve the SQ over the SS Proc. internal DAC, but you have the preamp adding noise and distortion.

A better solution is to get a DAC with good output drive and replace the SS proc. with a transformer-based linestage like a Music First.

Another option is to get a DAC with good output drive and a good volume control technology and replace the SS proc. This is what I do. In order to insert other analog sources such as home theater or vinyl, I use a Final Drive after the DAC and before the amps.

Final Drive:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/final-drive

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"The Pre-pro is an Onkyo PR-SC885, and I assume it's of pretty good quality with those Burr-Brown's."

I would not consider the Onkyo good quality just because it uses a particular chip. Its the design, implementation and particularly the power supplies and regulators that make a good DAC.

I have owned a lot of mid-fi stuff in my 40+ years of upgrading, including Onkyo and Denon. Not even in the same league as good audiophile grade equipment. Sounds like stereo, not music.

I have listened to the most expensive SS procs and non of them stack up to a good DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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