2. amps-preamps
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Do you need a pre-amp with a digital front-end?

Hi guys:

I do not know if this should go here or in PC audio.

My question is this -- all my music is ripped on iTunes. Suppose I just take analog audio out of my iMac and feed it directly into power amplifier.

So, use the DAC in the computer and skip the pre-amp altogether. Is this crazy? Or suppose I use external DAC but still feed analog signal directly into power amp with no pre-amp.

The reason I ask is that integrated amps include a lot of stuff I don't intend to use, computer can supply pot etc., so why not spend the money on just a power amp?

Would love to hear feedback on this idea.

(Am powering Zu Druid plus B&W sealed sub in massive room with lots of room problems. Use Rotel class-d right now and don't love it)
zanon
zanon OP
114 posts
 
Thanks you all.

It sounds like it is perfectly possible to plug power amp directly into analog output from iMac.

In future, I can of course add external DAC and preamp, but is not requirement.

May make most sense for me right now to spend all $$ on amp.

I am still surprised that integrateds are so much cheaper than stand alone poweramps. Maybe it is because those who buy separate components have more $ to spend so get price jacked up on them.

Now i wonder if integrated may be better deal even though I will not use 90% of it
sfar's avatar
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sfar
1,352 posts
 
An inexpensive way to bypass the internal DAC of the computer and give yourself a dedicated external volume control is with the NuForce uDAC. It's $99, has a USB digital input, a volume control, analog output, coax digital output and a decent headphone amp. It's very impressive for the money.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
I wouldn't skip the preamp part.Controlling the volume from the computer alone can vary to much,and have a high enough output to blow your speakers.Keep a volume somewhere else (preamp,or integrated)besides the internal volume in the computer only,if your using its DAC.
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