2. digital
  3. 164531-156910

DAC as a preamp?

I need a new DAC. I use my computer for volume control, but do not trust it. I want separate volume control. The 90s me would have immediately thought preamp. But since I need a new DAC, my question stands ... DAC as a preamp?
I've posted more info about my system below.
I need some advice on the best way to go about getting volume control for these powerful asp1000 amplifiers. I've read about the high input impedance. I use a computer for my source playing Flac, wav or hi-res audio files. I'm using a very simple dongle Style USB DAC that sounds okay. I have choices, but do not know what my best bet is. For simplicity, it would seem I should just buy a better desktop DAC, such as and SMSL M500 and use the volume control knob on front. Or ANY other DAC with a volume control for that matter. I know I can use my volume control the USB. Provides through the keyboard on my computer. But with amplifiers this powerful, I figure I should have a volume control to prevent issues such as full volume noise blasts, which have happened before when the computer glitches. My second option would be to purchase a regular preamp. This would be the most expensive option, as I would want something at least as good as the Schitt Freya +, and that is $900! I would still need a decent DAC upgrade. This gets expensive with my health issues at hand. The last way I could go, is something like an all tube gain stage. I would still need a DAC, but a simple gain stage kit should only be a few hundred at most. The other two options I can think of, would be the pass B1 buffer clone kit preamp for 150 dollars, but I don't know if it would play nice with a high input impedance of the icepower amp. The most simple and cheapest route, would be be using the Sure digital volume control option. But I do not know how high fidelity that would be. I could really use some help. I've been out of this hobby for about 10 years now. I feel a bit lost and appreciate everyone who has helped so far.
flaxxer
Ag insider logo xs@2x
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Decware is really nice. If you get on the list right now. If your lucky they will be pulling parts in 4-6 months. No that doesn’t mean it will be finished.

They are really SLOW, now. The first time I ordered from them 10 plus years ago. 3-4 weeks. Now 6 months.. If I wasn’t into this for 4 months and didn’t need a direct head out tape preamp. I’d be on someone else’s list. That guy needs to hire some help.. You’d think it was a Dodd special or something..

He is loosing a ton of sales, behind it.. I know a buddy just dropped 25k on new MB. Decware would have gotten the business. He got his MB in 3 weeks. I haven’t has a chance to even see them. I think it was Triangle Art. He has 2 or three of their TT, I'm looking at one of their TT myself.  That same guy has 3 Dodd units.. One of my top 5 picks of all time.

Regards
brockwired's avatar
brockwired
53 posts
 
All of Schiit Audio's headphone amps can be used as a preamp. I own a Modi Multibit (DAC)/Vali(tube headphone amp/preamp) combo that I am using in my bedroom. It sounds fantastic. 

In my main system I am using a Schiit Jotunheim with a phono card. It gives me one phono input, one RCA input and one XLR input. It has XLR and RCA outputs. You could substitute a DAC card. I went external with a Gungnir Multibit. If you want a DAC that is the same size that would stack with the Jotunheim you would be looking at the Modius or Bifrost DACs

My living room system...the system I have had the longest...has a Saga and Modi3. I really like all of them. I also admit to being a Schiit fanboy that prefers tube amps. 

On the low end you could have a Modi 3/Magni combo for $200, a Modi 3/ Vali for $250 or a Magnius/Modius for $400. The Jotunheim is the only headphone amp/preamp that has three inputs. The $100 DAC card is a USB only Modi. The $200 Multibit DAC card is a USB only Modi Multibit. 
flaxxer OP
76 posts
 
@oldhvymec ... does the insides look like $700 to you? Don't you figure that could be figured out fairly easily by someone who hand builds DIY amps and preamps here on the forum? Or is that really special magic they are doing, and can't be easily cloned? My ignorance is deep.
flaxxer OP
76 posts
 
Hi brockwired. I see you're a Schiit fanboy indeed! Someone recommended one of their $400 preamps. But after reading numerous comparison reviews between the Schiit preamp models, I realized I would have to have the Freya +. Because the rest all are reviewed to be a bit lean on the lower end, with the Freya+ sounding more fleshed out. After adding a new DAC, that is out of my budget range. I'd seriously be looking at the Musical Paradise MP-701 MK2 Tube Preamp. It is balanced, and uses boutique high end parts inside. I feel it's a steal at $700. I may just sell my Focal Flax drivers to aid in affording one. I'd love to see how it would compare with the Freya+
loomisjohnson
1,903 posts
 
Smsl su9 is incredible for $400
More to discover