Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi Alex, Are you saying that your DSD-S sounds better running direct to amplifiers?, you have a volume control on it?, explain what type of volume control it has, and how it benefits over a pre-amp.

Hi,

What I am saying is that the non-negative feedback pure class-A MOSFET output of the DSD-S is more powerful than any preamp I am aware of and can drive any power amp direct without a problem.

The built in hybrid attenuator with 0.5dB step is completely lossless and offers exceptional sound quality.

The DSD-S does not sound better running direct to amplifiers, your system will sound better without the preamp. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Aplhifi-usa, Alex, I am confused here, did you make a clerical error?, you said, The DSD-S does not sound better running direct to amplifiers.., Then you said,Your system will sound better without the pre-amp, mmmm, which is it?

Audiolabyrinth,

Sorry about the confusion!

Initially you've asked if DSD-S sounds better direct to amplifiers.

What I tried explaining is that, it is not a feature of the DSD-S to sound better when connected to amplifiers. It sounds as it does regardless of where it is connected.

But with its output stage and built-in attenuator, the DSD-S is perfectly capable of eliminating any preamplifier, except if you need the additional analog inputs (or phono stage built-in), or you like the added coloration/noise/distortions of the preamplifier.

Bottom line, if you have only digital sources, you don't really need a preamplifier with the DSD-S. This will result in purer audio signal path that may be beneficial for many audio systems.

Hope this explains it better. :-)

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Aplhifi-usa, by "built-in attenuator" I assume you are speaking of a tiny device that controls volume rather than a pot. If so, in my experience such devices are nowhere near a quality pot. My BMC has such a device and sounds much superior when set with it out of the circuit and the pot of the Koda K 10 used. Maybe, however, I am wrong about what you are using.

Tbg, I totally agree with you that a regular quality pot brings much better results compared to tiny devices.

Not sure if this will make any sense to you, but the attenuator in the DSD-S is a hybrid one and controlled by "tiny devices" too. However, the sound quality achieved has been tested against quality pots to make sure there is no loss of a sound quality.

Sorry, I cannot elaborate further, but thought you'd be happy to hear that the DSD-S hybrid attenuator does not sacrifice the superb audio quality of a good pot, step attenuator or a TVC.

Hope this explains it, at least to some point.

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi