dac fixed line out vs. pre-amp out w/external preamp

[gad]

Any benefit for dac with fixed line out vs. pre-amp out when used with an external preamplifier?

I am considering the Sabaj D5 and am curious as to the implications, if any, of no fixed line out, but rather a pre-out.

thanks,

gad-

 

[rwortman]

Should work fine. Just turn it up all the way and connect to you preamp. The volume control is just attenuating the line level signal.

 

[M00ndancer]

Any benefit for dac with fixed line out vs. pre-amp out when used with an external preamplifier?

Yes, one less volume control to contend with and maybe a better signal path (totally dependent on the implementation of the volume control)
I find it a hassle to have a DAC/headphone AMP with a pre-out (But that is what I have at the moment)

 

[Willem]

I am all in favour of using a DAC with volume control instead of a pre amplifier. In my book for all intents and purposes such a DAC is a pre amplifier, provided you have given up all analogue sources.

 

[gad]

Thanks folks. I almost want to buy the Sbaj D5. If the double process from a dac preamp to external preamp may create measureable repeatable data relevant to SQ that would be worth knowing. My speakers, preamp, amp were bought before computer audio ruled. I'm a speaker only guy
(old); really have no use for head phone amp, xlr outs, all in one dac/pre; what has me interested is a <$500 well implemented ess9038pro dac. If
it comes with a side of fries such is life. It might even entice me to try some new tricks that score well on Amirm's graphs

 

[rwortman]

Amir measured the line output with the volume all the way up. It measured fine. That’s not going to change when you plug it into your preamp.

 

[Daverz]

A variable DAC output is useful for:

* avoiding intersample overs
* adjusting DAC volume so that the pre-amp volume control is in its optimal range

 

[M00ndancer]

adjusting DAC volume so that the pre-amp volume control is in its optimal range

In that case I would limit the digital input instead, but that's just me. (I'm not worried about losing bits on digital volume controls)

 

[VintageFlanker]

A variable DAC output is useful for:

* avoiding intersample overs
* adjusting DAC volume so that the pre-amp volume control is in its optimal range

* avoiding to buy any preamp because it becomes useless if your DAC variable output is cleaner.

 

[rwortman]

Some folks have more inputs to switch.

 

[Willem]

A pre amp is useful if you have multiple analogue inputs, but what are they these days? Internet radio is at least as good as FM, the better disc players have digital outputs and so do televisions. Realistically we are only talking about a turntable. For that I bought a Pro-ject Optical E box, a MM preamp with optical output.

 

[graz_lag]

... Some folks have more inputs to switch.

Indeed

 

[Willem]

I am using this automatic switch to connect a number of optical sources: https://www.tindie.com/products/Beni_Skate/automatic-spdif-opticalrca-audio-switch/ It works very well, as long as the source can be switched off when not in use.