To preamp or not to preamp

[AndrewS (Andrew)]

Bartok as a preamplifier

On preamps, and digital volume control… Considering for a moment the role of a pre-amp in a digital audio playback system: To select different sources. To level match source and power amplifier. To set the listening volume. When comparing a DAC connected to a power amp directly vs with a preamp in line, there are potential benefits to the addition of a preamp: Interfacing between a source which has only an unbalanced output to an amplifier that only has a balanced input or vice versa. To al…