• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Math of DAC -> AMP SINAD etc?

kenshone

Active Member
Joined
May 15, 2022
Messages
197
Likes
103
Hey guys. Say you have a choice of buying an integrated DAC+amp vs. buying a DAC and amp separately.

Let's say the DAC/Amp combo under consideration has a SINAD of 115dB.

Let's say that the separate DAC has a SINAD of 120dB, and the amp has a SINAD of 120dB.

Does that mean that the combination of the separates will also have an input-to-output SINAD of 120dB? How would you compare the separates to the integrated option?
 

LTig

Master Contributor
Forum Donor
Joined
Feb 27, 2019
Messages
5,760
Likes
9,442
Location
Europe
The combination would have 3 dB less SINAD as the noises add sup, so it would be 117. The 2 dB difference at this high SINAD is nothing to worry about. Choose according to other features or specs.
 

MCH

Major Contributor
Joined
Apr 10, 2021
Messages
2,581
Likes
2,198
Hey guys. Say you have a choice of buying an integrated DAC+amp vs. buying a DAC and amp separately.

Let's say the DAC/Amp combo under consideration has a SINAD of 115dB.

Let's say that the separate DAC has a SINAD of 120dB, and the amp has a SINAD of 120dB.

Does that mean that the combination of the separates will also have an input-to-output SINAD of 120dB? How would you compare the separates to the integrated option?
Need to take into account the volume control/gain. Will be different if it is digital (in the dac) or analog (probably the case if in the amp if separate). You can read this to get an initial idea (discusses only analog volume controls):

 
Last edited:
Top Bottom