Dac preference Fixed output or variable

[Theta]

I own 2 Dacs, both recommended by Amir/ Topping D10s and RME adi 2 Dac. I am using the Topping because it is a "Dac only" with fixed output to my preamp.
It appear to be a better solution because the preamp output of the RME is supposedly not too great. I have never done a AB comparison myself. Any opinions?

 

[RayDunzl]

My DAC with digital attenuation available is not attenuated and feeds a preamp.

The DAC's balanced maximum output is about 12 volts (23dBu). The preamp accepts that level.

Were I not using a suitable preamp I would attenuate the DAC's ouput via its digital attenuation, or possibly try the internal -10dB and -20dB jumpers..

The amplifier sensitivity is a claimed 2.53Vrms.

 

[staticV3]

Here you go:


If you set both the D10S and ADI-2 DAC to a reference level of 2Vrms, then the Topping wil outperform it by almost 5dB.
This is not because the RME has a poor quality preamp, but because it has a much higher maximum output voltage.

If you need a reference level of 1.7V or less, then the RME will win every time.
Ditto if you need more than 2V, since the Topping simply can't output such voltages.

 

[voodooless]

the preamp output of the RME is supposedly not too great.

Citation needed!

 

[Mikig]

I use fixed output at 0dB in the DAC and go to the preamp. I have read in many Amirm tests that in many DACs the maximum performance is achieved with the Dac volume at maximum. Actually mine goes to +2db, but I noticed that a slight distortion appears...