2. amps-preamps
  3. 186593-9734

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
ghdprentice
6,581 posts
 

A low hiss is not normal from a good quality or better tube preamp. Deed quiet is the mark.

mofojo
2,242 posts
 

Low hiss, can you hear it from your seat? If not… not a problem. Even if does, does it go away at low volume? Tube stuff is never gonna be DEAD quiet IME.

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jrsyby
10 posts
 

On the topic of tube hiss. I have all-tube cj gear: hiss evident at idle, although not loud enough to spoil my enjoyment of music. Replace factory-supplied tubes with some NOS Westinghouse and GE pre-amp and amp input tubes (not power output - couldn't afford that) from Vintage Tube Services. System now dead quiet at idle. Based on my experience, tube equipment can be quiet - all depends on the tubes, and the equipment of course.

kennyc
1,302 posts
 

+1 it depends on your unique situation.  Some chains sound better with a preamp, other without. It’s not easily predictable, best to try in your own audio chain.

moto_man
330 posts
 

I an MSB Discrete DAC with Premier Power base, an ARC Ref 6, Pass Labs 250.8 and Wilson Sabrina X's.  Although MSB's National Sales manager thought that I should definitely run the DAC direct to amp, I experimented first with a loaner ARC LS 28SE, then a Renaissance Mark V, and finally, the ARC REF 6. Don't get me wrong, DAC direct to amp sounded good.  I found that the LS28SE was a very small improvement and definitely not worth it.  I found the Mark V somewhat better, but still not worth it.  However, the REF 6 was a noticeable and positive improvement in my system.  I just liked the way it sounded, and I thought it improved all aspects of the music, including the soundstage.  So I am very happy that I was able to add the right preamp to it.  As I said in another thread, I have flirted with the idea of putting in a Pass Labs XP-32 preamp instead of the ARC only to get away from the need to replace tubes and the potential unreliability years down the road of the availability of replacement tubes, but I already have a backup full replacement set, so I am definitely good for a few years.  I haven't yet made that leap to the XP-32 yet and not sure that I will, since I think that it is probably safe to assume that with all of the tube equipment out there, there will be a continuing supply of tubes, but who knows?

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