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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 1 response by douglas_schroeder

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
I have had beautiful results either way, with or without a preamp. However, lately the DACs are becoming SO good that putting a preamp in the chain is putting something in the road that doesn't need to be there.

I am a strong advocate of shorter signal path typically being superior. This has almost always been the case, especially in terms of cleanness, detail and microdynamics. The issue is whether one can get the desired macrodynamics, soundstage and tonality. If those can be obtained via a DAC to amp setup, the results are breathtaking!

The problem is, most DACs can't do it well enough. :(
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