Quote:
Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif
True! Dac, pre-amplifier and amplifier are all different parts/units of an audio system. They can be collected in one box though...
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That's one way to look at it.
I see these as seperate functions, but for a significant segment of the market it is desirable to bundle some of these functions into one box. Not many would question the logic of a headphone amp integrated with a DAC, so why does a line stage/preamp look "odd" in the same context?
Considering that most people don't have 100 lbs amplifiers and 6 feet tall speakers, and most "quality" entry-level systems are CD or iPod based, I see the combination of a DAC and Preamp very desirable.
It makes even more sense to have a higher level of integration and offer a headphone amp with a preamp. Just think about a main system that usually drives speakers but late at night cannot be played - unless you plug in headphones. Isn't it more sensible to have the exact same sources and the exact same user interface for the headphone system as the speaker system?
I have to agree with some of the comments that the functions have to be kept as pure as possible, i.e. keep the analog inputs in the analog domain. Correctly implemented, the single-box solution can reduce cost (less interconnect, shared analog section, some sharing in the power supply) and optimize noise performance (short signal paths, designer has control over ground issues).
As long as we have digital and analog sources, the concept of a DAC with Preamp would continue to make sense. My 2 cents and I have to caution you that I am very biased regarding this topic...