Analyzing DACs

DAC, Phono Stages: I suggest you buy from a source that accepts returns. 

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.

Well, not to me but I rely on their measurements.  I take only my own advice when it comes to sound quality.

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?

Yes, fewer variables involved.  You already have the issues of the reviewer's speakers and room (not to mention advertiser dollar) influencing the experience. A preamp is yet another major variable the reader has to interpolate from.

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?

The role of a preamp has changed a lot, making it almost a vestigial component.  Besides switching sources, preamps also provided equalization (i.e. treble, bass, phono) , gain and impedance matching between a variety of sources and amplifiers.

If your needs are simple, with modern solid state amps and no vinyl playback, there's no electronic NEED for a preamp.   The reason you might incorporate a preamp is for the appeal of the sound quality of the preamp.  Nothing wrong with using a juicy and overly sweet preamp if you like the sound quality.

My one time experience with using a DAC as a preamp was that I didn't like the sound quality that much and if statically shocked during winter months the volume would jump to 100%, causing an alarmingly loud output. Instead I've settled on an integrated amplifier, and an outboard DAC.

@mastering92 That is exactly what I said. Open up one of these boxes and look at the poor quality components contained therein. Seriously, how could it be otherwise given the pricing.

As I've said elsewhere, ASR doesn't do science.  They do quality assurance.

The idea of using those measurements alone to determine the pleasure I would derive from listening is ludicrous.  It's like knowing the HP of a car without knowing how it feels driving it.

If you want to know if you would like the sound of a DAC, or would prefer brand X over brand Y you need to listen for yourself.

@tee_dee

First, you will need to decide if you want your system to excel when bench tested, or to sound good. If the former then visit ASR, which does an excellent job of measuring and if the later, throw out sources that take money from the industry and use your ears.

In general, something that cost $1000 out performs something that cost $10, but this isn’t always the case. I recently put together a system from scratch over eight months. I had been heavily into this hobby twenty years ago, but then got married and lost my listening space. Now rectified, I had a 131/2’x24’x10’ dedicated room without anything in the room. So, to start out is the question of money. I started building the system without realizing that realistic musical reproduction requires lots of money. Consider building a digital system and forget the extra musicality of analog. That dream greatly increases expense. Next, visit your local shops with a budget in mind for an integrated amplifier and speakers. Only purchase based on the pairing that you have listened to. Buy the speaker/integrated combination together. Then I found a major internet dealer with a sixty day no questions asked return policy and most importantly, I found a sales person that really knew what he was doing. This step can also be provided with local dealers, but I will say that my purchases from local dealers were at MSRP and those through my internet dealer was greatly discounted. My sales person first concentrated on clean power and proper budget appropriate cables.. I made multiple trades, including returning some equipment and then buying a different component from a forum/dealer/member here who I have found to be absolutely reliable. Lastly, there are at least half a dozen people that post on this forum that have decades of experience and are willing to help you out.

So step number one is to decide if you are going to trust measurements, or your ears. Notice I’m saying trust your ears and not mine.