MRC01
Major Contributor
There's an alternative solution that doesn't require attenuation and loss of resolution. Internally, use a number format that has more bits than the data stream being decoded. Align the decoded sample values to occupy the LSBs so you have a few unused MSB in each sample. Then when you convert, it will not go over full scale. You'd only need maybe 2 extra bits.Yeah, I've found bunch of tracks from my library where 3 dB headroom is not enough... I think Wolfson was first DAC chip that offered configuration option for -2 dB headroom, but it was disabled by default...
Regarding the OP question, from what I read, a DAC can be sensitive to the quality of the power supply. Here's an example from a few years ago:
That doesn't necessarily mean DACs benefit from an external PS, only that DAC implementers need to give the PS proper attention in the design.