hmm, more correctly say is passive preamp, there are some budget gears, but then I still prefer a DAC + headamp + preamp all in one unit, is there any reason JDS Labs not put the DAC headamp into passive preamp function, some vendors like Audio GD got such all in one unit with a price tag rougly...

I had try to use the 1/4 output to RCA, though this considered double amped, after some long listening and verification process, I feel that the sound is harsh and more fatigue compare to directly out from DAC, it din sound right to me, now I've out of idea though, and not plan to mod it. What I...

Anybody know how to remove the foot pads? I guess it's where the screw at? I plan to send to somebody to add in some components in order to utilize the big volume knob to control DAC volume passively, is that even possible?

Well, sorry to let you know that I do not own HD650, it's my next plan purchase indeed, haha. But based on my experience, JDS Labs product is dead accurate, neutral, transparent, so you need to pair with some colorful gear, so in this case I get impressive sound pairing with British signature...

oh my oh my, this is a good element in audio. My faithful impressions:   1. The new DAC definitely better control and lower distortion than previous ODAC   2. The gain button is something useful, in case you want laid back relax sound or more push and omph, low gain or high gain   3...

Not strange at all, I use ODAC RCA line out to my power amp, I bet a lot users would like to have a complete DAC + headamp + preamp unit, though I plan to use the headphone output to feed to power amp, thus utilize headamp as preamp, hmm...I'm curious how it works...

Anybody has words on the new SA9023 controller and DAC chip  PCM5102A? It should be pretty much identical to ODAC I assume?

Besides that DAC + headamp function, it's perfect already for me, but I just need one more function, that is preamp, the DAC to RCA analog out to power amp, where the knob can be used as volume controller, is this possible?