2. amps-preamps
  3. 1283297222

Do you need a pre-amp with a digital front-end?

Hi guys:

I do not know if this should go here or in PC audio.

My question is this -- all my music is ripped on iTunes. Suppose I just take analog audio out of my iMac and feed it directly into power amplifier.

So, use the DAC in the computer and skip the pre-amp altogether. Is this crazy? Or suppose I use external DAC but still feed analog signal directly into power amp with no pre-amp.

The reason I ask is that integrated amps include a lot of stuff I don't intend to use, computer can supply pot etc., so why not spend the money on just a power amp?

Would love to hear feedback on this idea.

(Am powering Zu Druid plus B&W sealed sub in massive room with lots of room problems. Use Rotel class-d right now and don't love it)
zanon

Showing 1 response by zanon

zanon OP
114 posts
 
Thanks you all.

It sounds like it is perfectly possible to plug power amp directly into analog output from iMac.

In future, I can of course add external DAC and preamp, but is not requirement.

May make most sense for me right now to spend all $$ on amp.

I am still surprised that integrateds are so much cheaper than stand alone poweramps. Maybe it is because those who buy separate components have more $ to spend so get price jacked up on them.

Now i wonder if integrated may be better deal even though I will not use 90% of it
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