Multiple DACs in system (streamer/DAC + preamp/DAC)

[J-HY]

Hi all! Please excuse my newbness, but want to better understand the architecture of using separates w/ redundant features. When using something like:

Module A (streamer + pre amp + DAC) >> Module B (preamp+DAC) >> Module C (power amp)

1.) Does the redundant DAC degrade signal?
2.) Is there a way to "bypass" module A or B DAC function depending on connections?
3.) Is there an implication to double pre-amping the signal?
4.) Is there a way to bypass one of the preamp functions depending on connections?
5.) If running through both pre-amps, is it advisable to leave the volume control max'd on the module not being used to actively control volume?

Hope those questions make sense. Appreciate any help in understanding. Thanks!

 

[voodooless]

Generally, you cannot connect one DAC to another. What specific devices are we talking about here?

 

[Vincent Kars]

Assume you have a streamer with both digital and analog out.
Assume you have a pre-amp with both digital and analog inputs.

If you use the analog output of the streamer, you use the DAC inside the streamer. You can only use the analog input of the pre-amp. You are daisy chaining two pre-amps.

If you use the digital out of the streamer, you are bypassing its DAC. You must use the digital input of the pre-amp. You use the streamer as a transport. Its volume control might still be active but you can set it to unity gain to avoid dual volume control. This is a often used scenario, you have a cheap streamer so it has a moderate DAC. Use its digital out into a external higher quality DAC and you have excellent sound quality at bargain price (e.g. WiiM mini)

 

[J-HY]

Assume you have a streamer with both digital and analog out.
Assume you have a pre-amp with both digital and analog inputs.

If you use the analog output of the streamer, you use the DAC inside the streamer. You can only use the analog input of the pre-amp. You are daisy chaining two pre-amps.

If you use the digital out of the streamer, you are bypassing its DAC. You must use the digital input of the pre-amp. You use the streamer as a transport. Its volume control might still be active but you can set it to unity gain to avoid dual volume control. This is a often used scenario, you have a cheap streamer so it has a moderate DAC. Use its digital out into a external higher quality DAC and you have excellent sound quality at bargain price (e.g. WiiM mini)

Very helpful, thank you!

Can you clarify what you mean by "unity gain"?

Specifically, talking budget streamer (WiiM Ultra), older preamp (Adcom GFP555ii) and older power amp (GFA555ii).

 

[EJasonC]

I can answer #4.):
Yes, when you have HT Processor & Stereo Preamp with HT bypass.

In my experience 'less = more'; keep it simple:
Source (Streamer or CD Transport) to DAC;
DAC to Preamp;
Preamp to Power Amp;
Power Amp to Speakers.

 

[Nopiano]

Specifically, talking budget streamer (WiiM Ultra), older preamp (Adcom GFP555ii) and older power amp (GFA555ii).

The starting point is this: use the Wiim as a streamer. Analogue out into Adcom preamp. Preamp into power amp.

If your preamp has its own DAC, you can alternatively use the digital output from the Wiim Ultra into the digital input on your DAC-pre.

 

[voodooless]

Specifically, talking budget streamer (WiiM Ultra), older preamp (Adcom GFP555ii) and older power amp (GFA555ii).

There is no second DAC here… it’s just a DAC->pre->power situation. It’s as vanilla as can be.

If you have no other sources (or only one), you can skip the pre.

 

[J-HY]

There is no second DAC here… it’s just a DAC->pre->power situation. It’s as vanilla as can be.

If you have no other sources (or only one), you can skip the pre.

Sorry, bad example there. The intention was to cite a pre/DAC combo. But great clarification nonetheless the less.

Can you clarify what you mean in your last statement? Assuming you mean the pre function handled by the WiiM in that case?

 

[voodooless]

Can you clarify what you mean in your last statement? Assuming you mean the pre function handled by the WiiM in that case?

Yes, the WiiM can act as a pre just fine. If you have no more than 1 analog source, it will suffice. If you have multiple, you’ll need the pre to switch between them.

 

[J-HY]

Yes, the WiiM can act as a pre just fine. If you have no more than 1 analog source, it will suffice. If you have multiple, you’ll need the pre to switch between them.

Makes sense! In the event of running the WiiM as a source (via digital out) into another pre.. does the WiiM volume control have any effect on the signal, or is that bypassed?

 

[voodooless]

Makes sense! In the event of running the WiiM as a source (via digital out) into another pre.. does the WiiM volume control have any effect on the signal, or is that bypassed?

It will still work. In that case, set it to max, or enable fixed output mode in the settings to fix it.

 

[J-HY]

It will still work. In that case, set it to max, or enable fixed output mode in the settings to fix it.

Super helpful, much appreciate the crash course in signal transport 101!

 

[Vincent Kars]

"unity gain"

Neither boosting nor cutting the volume. Equal to connect the input straight to the output.