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Any comments on DAC directly to Power amp with no

Do you have any comments of running a DAC directly to power amplifier with no preamp? I can think of several advantages to not using a preamp but would really like your opinion, since, it seems, many of us are opting to go direct these days.

For example, let us assume the DAC goes straight into the power amp's XLR inputs; the DAC's volume control is digital, runs in 32 bits (or 24bits) and is very well implemented.

I have been told that some users do not like the idea of running a volume control well down in its range so use fixed attenuators but many have reported a loss of SQ in the process. Others have stated that they prefer the sound through a preamp stage. And, as expected, others state the sound quality is improved when the preamp is eliminated.

I hope to test these options, with and without the pre-amp, shortly and am interested in hearing about your experiences.

Any comments on this would be appreciated.
hgeifman

Showing 6 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Hgeifman,
You have received good replies, this topic has been covered multiple times
on this site. By now thousands of opinions are available to read and will be
no different from what you'll get this time around. There's no single answer
that will be applicable to everyone as too many variables exist. It depends
greatly on the quality of the particular preamp and what type of sound you
are seeking. You'll get many supporters on either side of this. Truthfully
you just have to compare both approaches directly in your system, listen
and decide. This debate won't be resolved with universal consensus.
Good luck to you.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Hgeifman,
What preamp do you plan to use? My understanding is that the Bricasti M1 has a preamp section/output that's likely to be of high quality. You'll need to choose a high quality active preamp for this comparison.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Thanks George,
I'm interested in Hgeifman's listening impressions as I suspect that both methods can sound quite good but certainly different.
I happen to agree with you in regards to balanced compared to single end RCA. The simpler RCA usually sounds better to me despite the touted advantages of going balanced. Certainly fair to say YMMV. On the other hand I do hear advantages with balanced AC power compared to non balanced AC.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Good points George! I can't see the Opamp solution being ideal for sound quality. A genuine differential balanced circuit would seem a better choice if someone is seeking true balance components. Still not a sure guarantee it will necessarily sound better than a well implemented single end circuit.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Congratulations on obtaining the Bricasti M1, much good has been said and written about it. Your Luxman likely has a fine preamp section and that's why you preferred its inclusion in the signal path. It's good to know that you trust your ears.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Hgeifman,
Congratulations on your successful system implementation. You did it the right way via listening  to both approaches. Using your ears and then deciding, the only way to know what suits you best.
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