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DACs with volume controls

Okay, I love all this audiophile stuff, but I'm a private school teacher (little money). So are there any decent used or new DACs that I can purchase with a volume control and hence skip the need for the preamp? I'm thinking I can go 1.5 grand, maybe 2 if I wait till summer. Anyone out there use this stuff or heard it? I'm new to this sonic world and have only read about the Wavelength DAC, don't know any others.
tbadder
lak's avatar
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lak
4,537 posts
 
Tbadder, The Birdland Audio DAC "Odeon-lite" can be purchased new for under $1000 or used for a lot less. It is a good unit. Check out: WWW.Birdland.com
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docwarnock
63 posts
 
Creek makes such a device (OBH14???).
kr4ef94
208 posts
 
In addition to the Wavelength, take a look at the Camelot Uther which has remote control, multiple inputs and an all-analog volume control. Used may be in your $ range.
blueswan
211 posts
 
If you get a DAC with a volume control make sure you understand if it is a digital or analog control. Digital volume controls may tend to sound compressed at lower than maximum output because they are simply scaling down the numbers. I use my DAC's digital output set at max and prefer to control the volume with a preamp. I have not tried the direct route you describe because I have other audio sources which the preamp must control.
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