Hi Sean,
I've read many responses that basically says digital attenuation isn't desireable because you are taking away 1 bit of resolution for every 6 db attenuated.
For now, I am going direct from Alpha dac to amp. I don't have a fantastic preamp, so this is the best method so far. Attenuation is done with a digital preamp, Meridian 518.
I am getting an ARC integrated amp. Most posts I've read claimed their Wadia suffered from lowered resolution at lower volumes. I don't feel I lose any resolution with the Meridian. I'd see if I get higher resolution using ARC's preamp secion instead of the Meridians.
Regarding the gain, I have two dacs to compare. One Sigma and one Alpha. The Sigma is 2.0v and Alpha is 3.5v. I hear no difference in volume between the two when directly connecting to amp, at least not obvisouly so. The Alpha obviously sounds better, but I doubt it has anything to do with the difference in output gain.
Regarding impedance, I don't know how to figure these things out. Before I went direct, I asked some gon members whether Cal dacs can go thru a passive preamp to my Aragon amp in regards to their impedance compatibility. They said I can't because their impedance didn't match. Well, they are working great being directly connecting.
One thing I don't understand is digital cables. I expressed my feelings to Rick at Virtual Dynamics that analog cables sound better than digital cables in my system. He then told me his digital and analog cables are one and the same. He also added digital cables are the furthest behind in terms of technology. My D-60 sounds harsh. I bought it used and burned it in for a week already.
To connect dac straight to amp, my best configuration is to use analog cables throughout; trans to pre to dac to amp.
I hope my two cents help.
I've read many responses that basically says digital attenuation isn't desireable because you are taking away 1 bit of resolution for every 6 db attenuated.
For now, I am going direct from Alpha dac to amp. I don't have a fantastic preamp, so this is the best method so far. Attenuation is done with a digital preamp, Meridian 518.
I am getting an ARC integrated amp. Most posts I've read claimed their Wadia suffered from lowered resolution at lower volumes. I don't feel I lose any resolution with the Meridian. I'd see if I get higher resolution using ARC's preamp secion instead of the Meridians.
Regarding the gain, I have two dacs to compare. One Sigma and one Alpha. The Sigma is 2.0v and Alpha is 3.5v. I hear no difference in volume between the two when directly connecting to amp, at least not obvisouly so. The Alpha obviously sounds better, but I doubt it has anything to do with the difference in output gain.
Regarding impedance, I don't know how to figure these things out. Before I went direct, I asked some gon members whether Cal dacs can go thru a passive preamp to my Aragon amp in regards to their impedance compatibility. They said I can't because their impedance didn't match. Well, they are working great being directly connecting.
One thing I don't understand is digital cables. I expressed my feelings to Rick at Virtual Dynamics that analog cables sound better than digital cables in my system. He then told me his digital and analog cables are one and the same. He also added digital cables are the furthest behind in terms of technology. My D-60 sounds harsh. I bought it used and burned it in for a week already.
To connect dac straight to amp, my best configuration is to use analog cables throughout; trans to pre to dac to amp.
I hope my two cents help.