Preamps and DACs

Paul helps us understand about DACs built into preamps and why separates might be better.

[gotham]

Paul, you forgot to answer the bass management question.
I sold one of those original PS Audio Digital Links to a friend over 30 years ago, and he’s still using it today!

[ptg]

Separates definitely preferred. Helps with deferring obsolescence too....

[RichTeer]

Just remember, Paul: not all super heroes wear capes!

[carlosalvarez]

Paul, you broke my heart! 💔 I'm the proud owner of a Sprout and now the seed's been planted in my mind that it does not sound so great and must get a separate DAC! you little monster! 😅

[rosswarren]

Good short answer Paul regarding separate DACs being better, but what about the 2nd part to his question about bass management in higher end "audiophile" equipment?

[lexicon]

He didn't completely answer the question this time. But he has in another video. His PS Audio MKII DAC running through his reference Preamp then to the Amp's outperformed The DAC direct to the Amp's. He cautioned to make sure that the caliber of preamp matches or betters the caliber of the DAC. Yes that caliber of preamp will cost you at least what the DAC did. Probably more. Correct me if I'm wrong Paul.

[quantumchang]

My DAC is not a preamp but it can be connected directly to a power amp because it has volume control.

[gurratell]

Lol the guy asked a quite long question, but your answer was more or less "we sell the BEST DAC in the world, you should consider buying it!".

[NosEL]

Personally I'd say get a Dac with volume control as you can use it as a preamp..and then if you find your preamp of choice you can still use your Dac as strictly as a Dac. There is literally a million dacs out there. Some like a dac to alter or color the sound. Some like myself just wants a transparent dac with the lowest noise floor. My dac of choice is the RME ADI-2 FS. It can literally drive any amp out there, has a few PEQ bands, and is just a nice solid unit. But many audiophiles will say it's too plain Jane sounding, doesn't add any magic or any of those other high end audiophile terms. For me there are too many dacs out there, I don't know where to begin. So I picked a unit with volume control, power, and a low enough noise floor that I don't miss any of the dynamic signal. Maybe one day I'll try a more boutique dac..but for now I kinda hate all the talk about dacs, I was always under the impression we just needed them to convert the digital domain to analog while not degrading the single to it's best ability.

[joelowens]

With Dac's just like speakers and amps it comes down to what flavor and presentation you like the best. Some Dac's are ultra clean which some audiophiles think is amazing and others think are LIFELESS and CLINICAL. Everyone has a different opinion of what constitutes great sound. When you do all in one's there is only so much you can fit into the gear for shelf space. With separates you are given a lot more room to optimize design and parts to function better. With Dac's watch out as all separates are not upgradable just some so you have to check the brands and their trade in and upgrade policies.

[bergennorway]

I would go for separates!
Once I had a Nuforce DAC9 connected to my power-amp, via variable output from the DAC.
I also used it connected to a Parasound P7 pre-amp and then to the power-amp with the fixed output.
It was only at higher volume from the variable output it sounded good, at lower volume it had lost almost all dynamic.
Because I live in an apartment, the «party level» to get good sound, was not an option.

[jasonme]

I have been looking for one of them old school DACS. They are still sought after.

[marcbegine]

Great Video, love your Moog, Paul. Does it still work (Octave Records recording?)?

[karstenkrause]

hi paul
you often mention that it is PSU that makes the difference between a good and a less good DAC/Pre-amp.
I've 'learned' that capasitor with low ERS are more 'audiophile', but when it comes to the Transforator, what make a transformer 'audiophile'?
The DC resistance, the shielding, the ferrite core? etc. It only amazes me that most solid-state amplifiers often have torridio transformers, while tube amplifiers almost always use 'conventional' transformers. How much is 'Snake Oil'?

[enjoyunreality]

A good seperate dac is the most important thing in the hifi chain after speaker/placement.

[stonefree]

The PSA Stellar Gain Cell Dac is really more of a DAC with a volume control (a VERY good Gain cell volume control..) than an integrated DAC/pre.

[Jazz-Pirate]

I have never needed a stand alone dac. Every cd player I have ever owned has had a perfectly fine dac built into it.

[garyausten]

What do you suggest a first separate be? A DAC, An amp or Preamp? Not ready to commit to anything now. I have a Denon AVR, a Sony 4k Blu-ray and a linear tracking turntable.

[bikdav]

The other problem that I think I see is that as DAC software changes, the “integrated into preamps” dacs can’t be updated. That’s why a separate dac gives the user an advantage.

[gtrguyinaz]

Best cd player that has a good dac is Oppo … that’s what I did 8 years ago.. today separate dac is better but I was done 8 years ago..