DACs don't have analog input because the purpose of a DAC is to convert a digital signal to analog.
Agree the modern Chinese ones do not seem to. But there are units available that do, eg Cyrus DAC XP Signature DAC / Pre Amplifier. Who knows, maybe Topping are preparing to release a unit that is a combination of one of their DACs and a Pre90? That would be interesting.
If you wanted a "proper" setup, the DAC would be set to fixed output (volume control disabled, most of them have that) and both the phono preamp and the DAC output would go to a proper analog passive preamp. Unfortunately, that would be more money and probably not worth it for "just for fun."
Agree again. Although see above the Cyrus solution.
The attraction of vinyl is multifaceted - the connection with media you can handle, the attraction of the mechanical aspect of the spinning disc, the challenge of setting up for best sound quality - and maintaining that setup, the ability to swap in components eg cartridge.
But yes sound quality - call it "difference" - is a high factor for many.
That kind of setup is far from just fun, people spend £££ on a LP12 with all sorts of upgrades, and for that setup, a dedicated preamp is a must.
But for me, I'm satisfied by having a working solution with the least amount of large boxes, and low cost!
If you wanted a "proper" setup, the DAC would be set to fixed output (volume control disabled, most of them have that)
Yes - but here the SMSL D200 seems to buck the trend of degraded sound quality when using volume control on the DAC. I read in a review that (unusually) there was no degradation on the D200 and I have now confirmed it at least using my ears!