[xenoVa]

Hello all,

I would like to learn the differences between using two units (one DAC and one AMP) setup or using a single source device which is both DAC/AMP such as Chord Hugo. Doesn't buying a single DAC/AMP device make much more sense compared to buying two devices ? Is there a big sound quality difference ?

 

[PurpleAngel]

I'm not an electrical engineer, so just making a decent guess.
The more audio generating electronic parts you put closer together, the more chance that electrical noise generated by one part, might be picked up by other part.
Lets say If some part of a headphone amplifier is generating electrical noise, some part of the DAC function might be sensitive enough to pick up that noise.
So if a separate DAC, is being used with a separate headphone amplifier, and each is running off a different power source, less chance of getting electrical noise in the audio signal.
But it's just my best guess.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Hello all,

I would like to learn the differences between using two units (one DAC and one AMP) setup or using a single source device which is both DAC/AMP such as Chord Hugo. Doesn't buying a single DAC/AMP device make much more sense compared to buying two devices ? Is there a big sound quality difference ?

The design by itself is not an indicator of an inherent advantage or disadvantage. It just depends on which ones you get.

An AudioGD NFB-11 is an integrated unit and yet has a larger surface area than the taller Magni+Modi stack, but it can send out as much power while running a Class A circuit.

Conversely a Fiio K3 can be smaller than the same stack above but its circuit relies on USB power and can't produce as much as the Magni.

 

[jimbop54]

Separate pieces allows more flexibility, especially if you like to experiment with gear or own multiple DACs, amps, etc.

 

[tomb]

Hello all,

I would like to learn the differences between using two units (one DAC and one AMP) setup or using a single source device which is both DAC/AMP such as Chord Hugo. Doesn't buying a single DAC/AMP device make much more sense compared to buying two devices ? Is there a big sound quality difference ?

There are necessary compromises that occur with combining equipment in the same box. The biggest is that the power supplies don't match. The best in amplifier circuits need voltage swings of a dozen volts or more (if you want the best). Conversely, DACs need voltages of 3.3V, 5V, and other values from some chips. Those are not easily developed with a combined power supply. In fact, many very high-quality DACs can have two or three separate transformers to provide the voltages needed. At the very least, you need separate power circuits to produce those voltages.

Those DAC voltages also need to be very clean, with extremely low noise. This often comes down to the circuit board design, grounding, casework, and as mentioned above, the power supply. Conversely, the amplifier needs lots of voltage (comparatively speaking), and lots of current. The engineering design of those requirements sort of contradicts the focus of the DAC power supply.

Combining all of this into the same case leads to compromises on both. You will NEVER get the same quality in the same box as separate components, all things being equal. This has been true since Hi-Fi came about - separate components for phono, tape, tuner, pre-amp, and amp are always the best.

Back in the 60's, 70's, and 80's, the most popular Hi-Fi component was probably the receiver. It combined pre-amp, amp, and tuner all in one box. Because it was popular, it didn't mean that there weren't compromises. However, it did represent a fairly good quality compromise at a good price, compared to separates. That's probably the same case with DAC-amps, now. The very best of those devices are still separate.