DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER


For the longest time, I believed that the best preamplifier is no preamplifier.  Eliminating a component from the audio chain would yield less distortion & greater purity.

Recently, I have had reason to re-think my logic on the matter - and I am (I think) changing my mind.  Better said, assuming that the preamplifier in the component you are using (in my case, a DAC) can produce 95% or greater quality sound compared to the preamplifier component, then no preamplifier is the best option.  The 5% represents the (estimated) loss of fidelity in adding another set of interconnects.

That said, most DACs do not have an outstanding preamplifier built in.  I think most have average passive attenuators, and the better DACs have active preamplifiers that are very good - but not as good as a quality preamplifier.

What are your thoughts?

 

 

128x128paul_lindemann

This is a great, hotly contested question. I have no opinion really. I have a Bel Canto Black EX pre/DAC and a PS Audio DAC to amp. I have considered buying a PS Audio preamp multiple times but never pulled the trigger. Paul McGowan recommends a preamp in the system. 

+1 @oddiofyl 

a great preamp is key to a great sounding system...it is the heart and soul. 

I have tried a DAC directly to an amplifier, sound horrible in my system.  I hope others happy without a preamp, didn't work for me.

My DAC has tubes and I still have a Pre-Amp. Everything sounds much better with a Pre-Amp.

My DAC has no volume, I prefer a fixed output. I’m all tube, pre, Amp, and DAC... my Tuners and Phono Pre are SS . If you have a a mix of analog and digital components a good preamp is a must in my experience

So much in this "hobby" is system dependent and/or preference based. I've had several DACs and have never preferred the sound direct compared to when a preamp is inserted into my system.