How good is the PWD DAC II Preamp Section

I found that the PWD MK2 with Atma-sphere MP-3 preamp into Hypex NC400 mono blocks was better than PWD direct to NC400 mono blocks. The PWD in this case was slightly dry in the context of the very neutral NC400s.

Your mileage may vary.

How would it be possible to evaluate just the preamp section?

Wouldn't playing your kit with a preamp in the chain and the PWD volume at 100%, and comparing it with PWD running direct to amp accomplish this? I think the usual complaint is with the PWD digital volume control.

Btw, when I did this comparison, my system with an ancient Adcom pre I dug out of the garage sounded better than the PWD running direct. I concluded that the often heard criticism of the PWD pre section was not without merit.

John

Yes Ska man, I'm wondering if I can delete the preamp and just go direct with a superlative sonic result . Sounds like 2 responders like the addition of the outboard preamp. Thanks.

As far as my system goes, I also prefer running my DAC II into my preamp rather than straight into my amps.

The question was " How good is the PWD II preamp section?"

I do not believe that there is a preamp section, or any part of the analog output stage that can be bypassed by turning the digital volume control up to 100. Whatever preamp stage is in the DAC is still there and being used for the analog output. A good test would be, setting the volume at 100, then backing it down to 99 and see if you can hear any difference.

The new question is " I'm wondering if I can delete the preamp and just go direct with a superlative sonic result?"

This is a system dependent issue. As you can see, some users
prefer using a preamp. However, there are others that prefer
going the direct to amp route. The only person that can answer your question is you. Try it both ways and see which you prefer.

i had better luck with a pre as well. do not that several of the pre's i tried didn't sound better and two actually sounded worse imho.

synergy=happiness.