I have an external DAC. Ayre QB-9 most all music software has volume control through the computer. Songbird, iTunes, Pure Vinyl, etc. they all have a slider to raise or lower volume. What I'm asking is. Would I get better results letting the DAC play at full volume and control with a preamp or does it make a difference?
DAC needs a Pre Amp ?
I'm wondering how many DAC / Mac Mini users source into a preamp? I have been using a 45 tube SET amp 1.7 watts per ch and Songbird to listen to my Hi Rez downloads from HD Tracks. Volume control is done with songbird. Today I hooked up another amp about 4 watts per channel and just about blasted myself out of the room. I'm guessing most of you use some sort of preamp or maybe another program other than songbird.