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DAC as a preamp?

I need a new DAC. I use my computer for volume control, but do not trust it. I want separate volume control. The 90s me would have immediately thought preamp. But since I need a new DAC, my question stands ... DAC as a preamp?
I've posted more info about my system below.
I need some advice on the best way to go about getting volume control for these powerful asp1000 amplifiers. I've read about the high input impedance. I use a computer for my source playing Flac, wav or hi-res audio files. I'm using a very simple dongle Style USB DAC that sounds okay. I have choices, but do not know what my best bet is. For simplicity, it would seem I should just buy a better desktop DAC, such as and SMSL M500 and use the volume control knob on front. Or ANY other DAC with a volume control for that matter. I know I can use my volume control the USB. Provides through the keyboard on my computer. But with amplifiers this powerful, I figure I should have a volume control to prevent issues such as full volume noise blasts, which have happened before when the computer glitches. My second option would be to purchase a regular preamp. This would be the most expensive option, as I would want something at least as good as the Schitt Freya +, and that is $900! I would still need a decent DAC upgrade. This gets expensive with my health issues at hand. The last way I could go, is something like an all tube gain stage. I would still need a DAC, but a simple gain stage kit should only be a few hundred at most. The other two options I can think of, would be the pass B1 buffer clone kit preamp for 150 dollars, but I don't know if it would play nice with a high input impedance of the icepower amp. The most simple and cheapest route, would be be using the Sure digital volume control option. But I do not know how high fidelity that would be. I could really use some help. I've been out of this hobby for about 10 years now. I feel a bit lost and appreciate everyone who has helped so far.
flaxxer
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,836 posts
 
A true active preamp of quality is noticably better then a digital volume from the dac. ,for having an active preamp it has transformers ,capacitors, Mosfets, or FETs to stabilize the performance the soundstage is more stable, as well as dynamics and imaging .
I have tried a bunch of digital volume controls that are respectable but having a good active class A preamp in the mix always sounds better from my experiences . 
flaxxer OP
76 posts
 
But I only need to attenuate my volume. Not increase it.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
But I only need to attenuate my volume. Not increase it.
So all you need is an attenuator.
Not more gain/distortion/colouration that an active preamplifier gives.

If you have a digital volume control in a dac, all that does is attenuate the dacs full max level. Which is what your after.

Or if the dac only has a fixed max level (no digital volume), then all you need is a passive attenuator like a $49 Schiit Sys passive. 
https://www.schiit.com/products/sys

Cheers George 
today's avatar
today
4 posts
 
I like my Benchmark DAC-1 HDR. No digital volume control here. It has a remote control motorized Alps potentiometer for level adjustment. Works great in my system. I get a cleaner, less cluttered sound than I had with my Audible Illusions 3b tube preamp in the signal path. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I get a cleaner, less cluttered sound than I had with my Audible Illusions 3b tube preamp in the signal path.

I'll always agree with that.
One of the few later ones that are analogue domain volume controlled.
I prefer this "only if" there’s a chance of "bit stripping" with a digital domain one then, (still not called a preamp) more like an internal passive.
That’s why the $49 Schiit Sys is great to have, just in case the digital domain volume is too low (<70% of full) and could be "bit stripping"

Cheers George
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