How about going for a whole CD player? I heard a Resolution Audio CD-50 in a system recently when I went to pick up a pair of interconnects I purchased from a local audiophile, and I was absolutely blown away. He had it with a pair of Meadowlark Heron i's and the new Jeff Rowland 150 wpc integrated. My system isn't quite as expensive as his, but it's in the same neighborhood. I would, however, swap mine for his in a minute. It's the first time I've ever been asked by an audiophile "What do you think I could do to improve my system" and the only upgrade I could think of was "hire the New York Philharmonic". The volume control (analog) on the Resolution Audio was superfluous for him, but it would be great for you. I just checked and there's one on Audiogon right now for $1750. I'm not sure if its replacement, the CD-55 has a volume control, but I'm sure the folks at Resolution would be very happy to help you. If you're determined to get just a DAC, a not-terribly-cost-effective but viable option might be to get a Meridian 518 digital controller. It goes between your transport and dac, and has a digital volume control. I happen to have one, and it's great. It's also a jitter-reduction device and allows you to select from 5 noise-shaping algorithms (but the effects of these are very subtle). Steve
DACs with volume controls
Okay, I love all this audiophile stuff, but I'm a private school teacher (little money). So are there any decent used or new DACs that I can purchase with a volume control and hence skip the need for the preamp? I'm thinking I can go 1.5 grand, maybe 2 if I wait till summer. Anyone out there use this stuff or heard it? I'm new to this sonic world and have only read about the Wavelength DAC, don't know any others.