[NimbleTurtle]

So how exactly does an amp (or DAC) bring out the best dynamic range possible? Does it have something to do with the damping factor? 

 

[bigshot]

This isn't my area of expertise, but it's my understanding that damping is related to speakers, not amps. Dynamics is the simplest issue with solid state electronics. Usually it just comes down to how far down the noise floor is. Others will certainly have more info for you.