Topping DX5 - Pre or DAC

[Favalessa]

Hello,
I use my Topping DX5 not only with headphones, but also as source of a stereo amplifier (PA5 II Plus, with balanced connection) to drive speakers.
In this case, is it better to have the DX5 in DAC mode (pure DAC, no volume adjustment) or in PRE mode (pre-amplifier)?
Does it make any difference in terms of sound quality?

I hope somebody can answer this.

 

[staticV3]

In theory, setting the DX5 to DAC mode and using the PA5's analog volume control will result in higher SNR, at the expense of possible channel imbalance.

In practice, it almost certainly will not affect the sound quality, so use what's more convenient to you.

 

[Favalessa]

In theory, setting the DX5 to DAC mode and using the PA5's analog volume control will result in higher SNR, at the expense of possible channel imbalance.

Thank you for your prompt reply.
Why can channel imbalance occur? I don’t understand this point.

F.

 

[staticV3]

Thank you for your prompt reply.
Why can channel imbalance occur? I don’t understand this point.

Because the PA5II uses an analog potentiometer for volume control.
Those inherently suffer from channel imbalance, most severely at low volumes.

If you want volume control with perfect channel balance, only two solutions exist: Analog volume control via a stepped attenuator, or digital volume control, like what the DX5 uses.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

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