DAC as an attenuator?

You can do it but it defeats the purpose of using the built in volume control.

Zd542. The idea would be to use the DAC to attenuate CD signal into the preamp input so as not to relatively overdrive it, quite common with low sensitivity input line inputs.

EDIT: that would be HIGH sensitivity line inputs.

"09-01-14: Big_katydid
Zd542. The idea would be to use the DAC to attenuate CD signal into the preamp input so as not to relatively overdrive it, quite common with low sensitivity input line inputs."

Unless you have a very odd preamp, you shouldn't have any problems over driving it. Even though the DAC has a volume control, you treat it the same as any other line level source. It will say in the manual what settings are best when going from the dac to a preamp.

Of course it will work. I use my Eastern Electric DAC that way. It has an Alps analog volume and I use it to level match to my other sources. My pre ampis more linear at upper volumes with better control over small changes in volume. Digital attenuators may reduce the bits and thus may throw away resolution if dialed down. Analog volume controls should not but require better designs for linearity and noiseless function. At least that is my primitive understanding.