Preamp for power amp: which set up is “better”?

[Deleted member 18309]

This is something I was thinking of, and was wondering whether I would perceive major differences in audio fidelity in either of the below two situations, and why/why not.

Scenario A: A DAC in “preamp mode” e.g. Topping E30 to power amplifier. Speaker volume adjustments are done using DAC. Separately, for headphones, y-splitter used to feed from DAC into headphone amp, with volume to max so that headphone amp receives line level signal.

Scenario B: A DAC with full line line level output, to headphone amp, then using pre-out to power amp e.g. as with a Schiit Magni or Asgard. Speaker adjustments done using Magni/Asgard volume knob.

Besides differences in audio fidelity (if any), what are the pros and cons in each setup (besides Scenario B having the danger of blasting your speakers if you unplug headphones without adjusting volume on the headphone amp)?

 

[Evenor]

A DAC with 32-bit volume control shouldn't degrade the signal even at lower volumes and adding devices to the audio chain can't improve on the original signal. A good analog pre-amp should be good too but a bad one will degrade the signal.

I think the unplug headphones are only relevant if you listen close to the max with headphones. Don't overthink it and enjoy your new setup!

Edit: Thought you were talking about to power amp for speakers. It's probably smart to just feed an amplifier with volume adjustments line-level inputs. Higher signal to noise ratio? I don't understand every single little thing but I don't think it will matter too much either way.

 

[Blumlein 88]

Which is better depends upon the equipment and with some of the good items it likely makes no difference you'll hear either way you do it.

I'd lean toward something like this JDS Element II. Takes analog in or USB in. Outputs both to a good powerful built in headphone amp or can toggle to a good RCA output to a power amp. Pretty much made exactly for what you are wanting to do.

https://jdslabs.com/product/element-ii/
https://jdslabs.com/media/support/d...1-17.14-09-32.elementii_instructions_2019.pdf

 

[Deleted member 18309]

Edit: Thought you were talking about to power amp for speakers. It's probably smart to just feed an amplifier with volume adjustments line-level inputs. Higher signal to noise ratio? I don't understand every single little thing but I don't think it will matter too much either way.

I actually was, I was talking about using an analogue preamp (such as Schiit Asgard) fed by DAC, and using it to control the volume of a speaker power amplifier. Thanks for the advice anyway!

Which is better depends upon the equipment and with some of the good items it likely makes no difference you'll hear either way you do it.

I'd lean toward something like this JDS Element II. Takes analog in or USB in. Outputs both to a good powerful built in headphone amp or can toggle to a good RCA output to a power amp. Pretty much made exactly for what you are wanting to do.

https://jdslabs.com/product/element-ii/
https://jdslabs.com/media/support/d...1-17.14-09-32.elementii_instructions_2019.pdf

Thanks for the suggestions! But not looking to spend more money since I already have a Topping E30 and Schiit Asgard 3. I was just thinking of a possible situation in future where I get rid of my current integrated amp and replace it with a good power amp for my desk speakers (KEF Q100). Also, the Element wouldn't work for me since I use other digital inputs besides USB.

 

[Blumlein 88]

I actually was, I was talking about using an analogue preamp (such as Schiit Asgard) fed by DAC, and using it to control the volume of a speaker power amplifier. Thanks for the advice anyway!



Thanks for the suggestions! But not looking to spend more money since I already have a Topping E30 and Schiit Asgard 3. I was just thinking of a possible situation in future where I get rid of my current integrated amp and replace it with a good power amp for my desk speakers (KEF Q100). Also, the Element wouldn't work for me since I use other digital inputs besides USB.

Ok it wasn't clear to me in your original
post.

 

[watchnerd]

I actually was, I was talking about using an analogue preamp (such as Schiit Asgard) fed by DAC, and using it to control the volume of a speaker power amplifier. Thanks for the advice anyway!



Thanks for the suggestions! But not looking to spend more money since I already have a Topping E30 and Schiit Asgard 3. I was just thinking of a possible situation in future where I get rid of my current integrated amp and replace it with a good power amp for my desk speakers (KEF Q100). Also, the Element wouldn't work for me since I use other digital inputs besides USB.

For desk speakers, why not just get powered monitors and ditch the integrated amp or power amp entirely?

 

[Deleted member 18309]

For desk speakers, why not just get powered monitors and ditch the integrated amp or power amp entirely?

Have already spent all this money on my current set up, and also really love the sound of my KEF Q100. Only reason I may be replacing my integrated amp (Onkyo A-9155) is because it's kinda beat up and seems like it's the weakest link in my system. Am happy to keep everything else (Topping E30, Schiit Asgard 3, KEF Q100, REL Q150E subwoofer) for a long time.

 

[watchnerd]

Have already spent all this money on my current set up, and also really love the sound of my KEF Q100. Only reason I may be replacing my integrated amp (Onkyo A-9155) is because it's kinda beat up and seems like it's the weakest link in my system. Am happy to keep everything else (Topping E30, Schiit Asgard 3, KEF Q100, REL Q150E subwoofer) for a long time.

Perfectly rational.

But I'll see you in 3 years -- that's long enough for you to get the upgrade itch again.