True, this DAC will be used with many small amps,wish more DACs that can act as a preamp would offer volume buttons - it's an essential feature for a preamp imo
My topping PA3 lists input
I found these specs for the PA3
Input sensitivity: 0.6Vrms (4Ω); 0.9Vrms (8Ω)
I believe I need to keep the DAC output below 1v to avoid clipping with loud source signals.
If you were to hook this DAC up to a PA3 or other chip amp and run it at 100% at the source that could cause issues.
Better to leave the source fixed to avoid clipping then use amp or DAC volume I thought.