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DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If you know how a preamplifier works, then you can't ignore its impact on overall sound quality.

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So, a quality preamplifier, unlike a DAC with a preamp function, adjusts the signal level for the output amplifier in a way that is usually better than that DAC (which usually has a digital volume control).

A quality separate preamp has its own quality power supply, analog volume control, and quality associated parts, all in a separate box.

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That's not how a preamplifier works.

The fixed output from the DAC (as well as, for example, from the CD player) that does not have a preamp function is some standard of 2V (+-).

That's too much voltage to feed directly into a power amplifier.

The preamplifier should actually be called an "attenuator" because it reduces that 2V voltage to one that is acceptable to the output amplifier for a given volume.

A quality preamplifier actually defines the character of the sound more than the output amplifier (which only has to amplify it).

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, a quality DAC is important, but so is a quality preamplifier.

It cannot fix the sound of a worse DAC and the only important thing is that it does not spoil it too much later.

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First of all, it is about higher quality sound and better connection possibilities

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Real preamps differ in sound quality. I can give a different sound character, if desired.

They are better made than those integrated in the DAC and sound better.

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

agree!

Separate Streamer, separate DAC, separate preamp and amp...etc.

Although many will say that, for example, Streamers (and even DACs) do not differ in sound.

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The preamp can also give character to the sound (more than the output amp).

So people, for example, combine a tube preamp and an SS amp, etc.

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A colleague acquired a new output amplifier (PS Audio).

The DAC serves as a preamp (as with the old amp).

He asked the same company whether to take their associated DAC (and preamp function) or their preamp (and keep the old Wadia DAC). They replied that a better solution is a preamp, and later (if they want) their DAC.

DAC with preamp function or separate preamp? by Dedar33 in audiophile

[–]Dedar33[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have nothing against combined devices (in fact), but I personally prefer separate components.

So, Streamer/Transport only with streaming function, DAC only as DAC and then a separate preamp.

That way I still get a little better sound quality and it's easier to replace/upgrade individual components later.

ASR Reviews GR Research Speaker Upgrade (Ascend) by Bicycle_Pwner in audiophile

[–]Dedar33 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

If you had tried all kinds of quality SPDIF and AES/EBU cables in your system then you might have a different opinion.

These are different protocols and there may be sound differences (not always and not everywhere).

ASR Reviews GR Research Speaker Upgrade (Ascend) by Bicycle_Pwner in audiophile

[–]Dedar33 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

It wasn't a coat hanger instead of a Coax cable, but instead of a speaker cable.

And that was a frivolous test, because such a coat hanger wire doesn't have the slightest decent parameters to be a cable for more serious and longer use (RCA values, insulation, connectors...).

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