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CONFUSED!! Concerning Pre-Amps, DAC's, and the like...

post #1 of 4
12/24/10 at 9:23pm
Thread Starter 

What is the point of a Pre-Amp? What exactly does a DAC do? I know its "Digital to Analog Converter", but if a laptop or audio player already has one, why do you need an external one like in a FiiO E7 DAC/Amp combo?

 

Semi-Related Question:

Does the FiiO E9 need the E7 docked on it to operate? If its not necesary, what is the advantage of the combo? What makes it a necessary combo, if that is the case...

 

Sorry for the barrage of questions, but I've been searching the forums and can't find clear answers to the above, and being confused like I am now really bugs me...

 

As always, any and all advice is greatly appreciated ;)

 

Cheers,

Taylor

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post #2 of 4
12/24/10 at 11:58pm

Pre amps are usually used on turntables. If you don't have an analog source there is probably no need for them, but they can still add to the sound.. DACs convert a digital audio signal into an analog one. All digital players have one, like CD players, PC's, MP3 players, etc. An external DAC can provide for better sound than onboard audio, much better. 

 

The E9 does not need the E7, there is just the option to dock it so the E7 can be charged and used as a DAC which then runs to the amp. If you are using a computer you can use the E7 as an external DAC which is then amplified using the E9. Capiche?

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post #3 of 4
12/25/10 at 12:04am

I use my E5 as a "pre-amp" for the bass boost so i'll generalise preamps as an amp that's not your main one but is part of the audio chain.

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post #4 of 4
12/25/10 at 10:05am
Thread Starter 

Oh ok. That makes sense. Thanks for the info!

 Merry Christmas!

Cheers,
Taylor

 

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Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › CONFUSED!! Concerning Pre-Amps, DAC's, and the like...