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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 3 responses by zd542

zd542
5,339 posts
 
I have it both ways and get good sound with, and without a preamp.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Fully balanced components usually list 2 sets of specs.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"I've seen it all too many times. A typical example of this is my cd player which has both single ended and balanced outputs, the extra opamp they used for the balanced had gain compared to the single ended output, which bypasses the balanced opamp, therefore one less opamp in the signal path from the single ended output."

So, basically what you're saying, is that a manufacturer may raise the gain on a single ended components xlr outputs to make it appear balanced if someone were to look at the spec sheet? I never even considered something like that. My ex-girlfriend from Russia wasn't even that unethical.
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