Analyzing DACs
As I am new to the hifi hobby, reading various product reviews and noting the details of the test environment have made me very confused. I understand Stereophile is the hifi bible. In the publication’s DAC published tests the reviewers almost always tested the DAC connected directly to the amplifier. I think I understand why—nothing in the chain influencing the DAC sound. Is that the correct assumption? If that’s the case why incorporate a preamp if the DAC has a preamp section that is a common feature even on high end DACs? I’m in the market for a new DAC. I’m trying to avoid unnecessary components if possible. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Listen to a DAC direct to amp at low volume and then listen to the same DAC via a preamp like the Benchmark LA4. There are some expensive DACs that are similar to the LA4 level of volume, such as the Lumin X1 with Leedh volume control. All DACs I have owned in the moderate price range were not good direct to amp at low volume.
|
@laoman : that if I recall was the $349 Topping Class D amp. A new product. ASR considers the $3K Benchmark ABH2 amp to be the best in their survey. They rate the Benchmark DAC to be in their top class. |
@jasonbourne52 do you own any Benchmark equipment? |
