Need some help choosing DAC for connecting to my system - do I need 'DAC Only Mode'?

[citysoundman]

Hi All,
Looking to purchase my first DAC, mostly for streaming FLAC hi-res audio files to two destinations: my existing Rotel stereo (RCA unbalanced in on my Rotel preamp which then goes to the amp) and also to a balanced headphone amp (yet to be purchased but will be a separate unit). Budget is around $600-ish. I've seen DAC's like the Topping D70s that have a 'DAC Mode' where volume control is off. Can someone explain, does this mean the volume out is fixed at 100%, or does this actually bypass preamp circuitry and make it a better/cleaner signal when sending to a preamp or headphone amp like I plan to do?
I'd prefer to spend less and get the Topping EX5, and I'm thinking I could just leave the volume at maximum. But I don't know if this is OK.

 

[McFly]

schiit modi 3+ or topping e30 if you want volume control, sounds like you don't.

 

[citysoundman]

Thanks but I'm hoping to learn if DAC-Only Mode is something that I need in my situation. I won't be needing to use the DAC for volume.

 

[citysoundman]

I searched the forums and found what I was looking for, seems that DAC Mode is a nice feature but isn't different from having the volume set to 100%.