DAC as preamp?

[erfmd]

Can a DAC with multiple inputs function credibly as a preamp to a good power amp? Thanks!

 

[iriverdude]

No. Speakers go bang! You need a pre-amp, and DAC are line level out.

 

[erfmd]

thanks!

 

[Alex_O Rules]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iriverdude /img/forum/go_quote.gif No. Speakers go bang! You need a pre-amp, and DAC are line level out.

This isn't necessarily true. For example, the Benchmark DAC1 PRE can function as a source and preamp.

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex_O Rules /img/forum/go_quote.gif This isn't necessarily true. For example, the Benchmark DAC1 PRE can function as a source and preamp.

But the DAC1 Pre is a pre-amp with built in DAC. At least according to Benchmark themselves...

"The DAC1 PRE is a reference-quality stereo pre-amplifier, headphone amplifier, and computer audio playback device, incorporating the 24-bit, 192-kHz DAC1 digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) system."
DAC1 PRE Overview | Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.

 

[iriverdude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex_O Rules /img/forum/go_quote.gif This isn't necessarily true. For example, the Benchmark DAC1 PRE can function as a source and preamp.

A DAC with a pre-amp isn't a DAC. It's a hybrid. A DAC just converts digital audio to analogue and sends that out at line level.

By your logic, a av amp is a DAC also.

 

[blessingx]

A DAC with a variable out (forget about the preamp label) can. Basically if there is a volume/output adjustment (on DAC or down the line), yes. If not, as iriver said, boom. Quality though as a functioning preamp likely varies (as have the three I've owned with adjustment - DA10, Duet, Pico).

I did run a tiny Pico into a large Emotiva RPA-2 for a while. Looked funny, but sounded pretty good.

 

[erfmd]

thanks to everyone for the responses.