2. amps-preamps
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Downsize to Digital Integrated Amplifiers?

I am planning to shift to Computer Audio completely and am looking forward to downsize my existing setup (Pre+Power+CDP+Computer) without a downgrade in audio quality.

Digital Integrated Amplifiers like NAD M2, Esoteric AI-10 that accept direct digital inputs (analog inputs also) look promising to me. These amplifiers eliminate the necessity of a preamplifier, interconnect cables, and digital to analog conversion before the preamplifier; thus reducing the space occupied. In addition, digital amplifiers are more efficient, and do not heat up.

Do you think this is a move in the right direction? Digital Integrated Amplifiers seems to be the future to me. I would appreciate if you could add whatever your experiences / opinions are regarding this question.

http://esoteric.teac.com/amplifiers_&_preamps/ai-10

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/M2-Direct-Digital-Amplifier

http://nadelectronics.com/img/datasheets/M2-white-paper-EU-Web.pdf
bssk

Showing 1 response by bssk

bssk OP
22 posts
 
I agree that the sound quality depends on the quality of the DAC. The DAC is used only in the output stage (before the speakers) after the signal has been amplified.

Digital amplifiers like these should give a better S/N ratio, thus blacker background, since low level signals from the source is not being processed i.e. converted to analog and passed through a preamplifier, where the chances of introducing noise is high. The PCM digital signal from the source is amplified by converting PWM. The amplified digital signal is converted to analog at the output stage.
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