Adding external DAC to system

[ol_mcdonald]

I was about to pull the trigger on an SMSL M500 DAC when I saw the news about the SMSL SU-9. I like the form factor better, it is balanced and has no headphone output. I have a pre-amp with a Cirrus Logic 42528 DAC, which isn't horrible but not great. I would like to retain the use of my Emotiva for CD playback and video functions. I plan to input my Emotiva Pre-Pro to a Kramer VS-X4 switch (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/250688-REG/Kramer_VS_4X_VS_4X_4x1_Balanced_Stereo.html) along with the SMSL SU-8 DAC. Then depending on output selected, to the DSP and on to my amplifiers in a fully balanced signal path for streaming playback, or via the Pre-Pro for CD and video duties.

Having said all that, I understand running USB through DAC balanced output produces max performance at full output (4v +/-). My noob question is this, is there an advantage in running the DAC at full volume to extract max chip performance, then through an external passive volume control like this? https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Ful...t=&hvlocphy=9013199&hvtargid=pla-496587361838

Am I just as well off to use the built in volume control on the SU-9 with reduced performance (below 4 volts)? Your input is appreciated!

 

[Helicopter]

I was about to pull the trigger on an SMSL M500 DAC when I saw the news about the SMSL SU-9. I like the form factor better, it is balanced and has no headphone output. I have a pre-amp with a Cirrus Logic 42528 DAC, which isn't horrible but not great. I would like to retain the use of my Emotiva for CD playback and video functions. I plan to input my Emotiva Pre-Pro to a Kramer VS-X4 switch (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/250688-REG/Kramer_VS_4X_VS_4X_4x1_Balanced_Stereo.html) along with the SMSL SU-8 DAC. Then depending on output selected, to the DSP and on to my amplifiers in a fully balanced signal path for streaming playback, or via the Pre-Pro for CD and video duties.

Having said all that, I understand running USB through DAC balanced output produces max performance at full output (4v +/-). My noob question is this, is there an advantage in running the DAC at full volume to extract max chip performance, then through an external passive volume control like this? https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Ful...t=&hvlocphy=9013199&hvtargid=pla-496587361838

Am I just as well off to use the built in volume control on the SU-9 with reduced performance (below 4 volts)? Your input is appreciated!

You are better off using the volume control on the SMSL SU-9 than putting a passive volume control in the chain. Passive bolume control will still attenuate the signal, but it will degrade it more.

The only time it would be best to keep the volume maxed is when it is already going into a device with a volume control that you will use. Even then, it is not that big a deal, and you could level match a weaker source or something like that without much detriment. And for example, if you wanted to bring the SU-9 down to the level of a phono preamp, the best way to attenuate the SU-9 would still be the volume control on the SU-9.