If only playing CD's then check out Ric Schultz at tweakaudio.com who sells his EVS Ultimate Attenuators for $350 per pair, list price. The attenuators attach directly onto the amplifier RCA input jacks so that there is no separate preamp, and one less set of interconnects needed. You can use any DAC or fixed output CD player. These attenuators act as stepped volume controls with any amp whose sound you love. There is a model for either tube or transistor amp. This allows you to simply look for the best sounding CDP or DAC without caring if volume control provided. The main drawback is that adjusting volume is not by remote control, and the main benefit that the ultimate quality of sound is simply that of the DAC and the amp.
Best DAC with Volume Control?
I am looking for a few very good DACs that have a volume control to run direct into an amp. What do you suggest or have heard? The Birdland Audio Odeon-Ag with Reclocker is one. Are there any others I should consider? What did you hear and how did yours compare to the top CDPs AA Cap, Mephisto, EMC-1, etc.
Thanks and Happy Listening.
Thanks and Happy Listening.