Should extra consideration be given to DAC's which can act as a pre amp?

[Jeff]

There has been much discussion about DAC lately, which I like. As a result I'm narrowing my DAC considerations.

Should extra consideration be given to those DAC's which can be connected directly to the amp? Would connecting it to a separate (additional) pre amp be less desirable?
The main benefit for me would be controling the volume from my listening position.

Jeff

[Spearmint]

I’m not sure about some of the ones available; I know the Benchmark DAC1 is a rather average Pre, although a great DAC and Headphone amp.

There is also the Stello DP200 which I hope to get a listen to in the next few weeks.

[bigburner]

Jeff, I plan to buy the Benchmark DAC1 but I wont be using it as a preamp because it doesn't have a remote control or a phono stage.

Richard, I'm surprised to hear that you found the DAC1 to be an average preamp as quite a few people on other forums have spoken highly of it. Just as well it's not part of my plans.

Nigel.

[Spearmint]

We’ve had a couple of 2ch pre shootouts and all the dedicated pre’s faired way ahead of the Benchmark IMO, although in saying the Benchmark was the DAC for all testing.

Of all the pre’s we have auditioned to-date the Aksa Swift from Hugh Dean is the one that has me hooked sonically. It is so engaging and separates the instruments and vocals into a majestic 3D sound stage.

[JDH]

The DAC 1 sounds better to me direct to the power amp than through your average AVR then to a power amp, this being said I own the DAC 1 but am also in the process of taking delivery of a 2ch dedicated Pre-amp (NuForce P8 ).

The DAC 1 is a great DAC for the money with the added bonus that allows it to be used as a modest 2ch pre-amp and headphone amp.

We’ve had a couple of 2ch pre shootouts and all the dedicated pre’s faired way ahead of the Benchmark IMO, although in saying the Benchmark was the DAC for all testing.

Of all the pre’s we have auditioned to-date the Aksa Swift from Hugh Dean is the one that has me hooked sonically. It is so engaging and separates the instruments and vocals into a majestic 3D sound stage.

[alebonau]

Jeff, I plan to buy the Benchmark DAC1 but I wont be using it as a preamp because it doesn't have a remote control or a phono stage.

Richard, I'm surprised to hear that you found the DAC1 to be an average preamp as quite a few people on other forums have spoken highly of it. Just as well it's not part of my plans.

Nigel.

had a play with a dac1 for a couple of weeks courtesy of a friend a little while back now. Also been part of comparisons with other pres. As with spearmint. I'd say dac 1 is an excellent dac. and a competant headphone amp. but no for a 2ch pre I'd be looking elsewhere.

a 2ch pre really does play quite a part in the overall sound quality and charecter I do think it deserves some cosideration.

Certainly plenty of choices to consider standalone dacs & cd players and 2ch pres, or combined dacs and pre's, 2ch integrateds. and come to think of it there are even some quite high quality all in one units out there if that is your thing.

[Jeff]

Thanks for the replies,

It sound like the concensus is to not become to content with connecting it directly to the amp. I've only tried one two channel pre amp in my system which is the Proceed Pre. The improvement over my HT pre/pro was very small. The only way to describe it, was that it was slightly more musical. Nothing really jumped out as being being better, just a little happier. Ok, so much for scientific terminology.

I've been looking for a better HT pre/pro. Something along the lines of Classe or Proceed AVP2. What ever it is, I feel it should have balanced inputs. If I do decide on the Benchmark DAC1, I've read that using the balanced outputs is more desirable than the rca's. It also likes higher quality digital cables on the input side.

Jeff