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DAC with volume control + Integrated Amp = bad?

Hi! I would like to start by asking for your patience here as I am just a beginner in Hifi... but I am really willing to learn :)

I am thinking of ordering a DAC from AudioEngine named Audioengine D1. It is equipped with AKM4396, a sought after DAC chip.

However, I only have integrated amplifier. So it means the signal from my hard drive basically need to run through 2 pre amp (one from the DAC, one from the Inte Amp). Is it a bad thing and how will it affect sound quality?

Should it buy a HRT Music Streamer for 150 usd instead? It does not have volume control but it using PCM1793 D/A chip, supposedly inferior to AKM 4396.

Thank you very much for reading the post! I am really looking forward for your help!
bepositive

Showing 1 response by magfan

magfan
1,583 posts
 
The new DACMagic Plus has a switchable volume control. Turn it on for use in a simple system driving powered speakers or an amp and OFF for running it into a preamp...a more traditional approach.
The vol control always controls headphone level, for which it has a 1/4" plug.
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