With dedicated DACs becoming so cheap, and computer-consumed media becoming so common, single source systems are starting to become more popular, maybe removing the need for large parts of what pre-amps typically offered to end users, namly source selection and integrated phono pre-amps.
One thing that is still needed between your source and power amplifier though is an attenuator of some sort. Assuming a "standard" setup of 16-bit playback that outputs 2 volts, it seems like there are a two options, attenuate the playback signal, outputting less than 16 bits and losing resolution, and outputting less than 2 volts.
1. Attenuate before the dac. In the case of PC playback, this means the digital volume there. This has the benefits of being able to easily control remotely (from your phone, for example), but should have the effect of reducing resolution (less available bits). Is this at all a feasible choice given alternatives? Are there playback stacks that allow attenuating here while still maintaining resolution?
2. Digital volume control on the dac. Topping D50 stands out as an option here. This seems like it will "just" attenuate the output signal, so no loss of resolution, and in addition is digital so perfect channel tracking. Downsides is this limits DAC choice to somewhat more expensive options. DX7 allows remote control here, which is a worthy consideration, but again increases price somewhat.
3. Passive attenuator in between DAC and downstream. Something like the Mackie BigKnob, schiit sys, various nobsound products. Essentially attenuator in a box, with 2 rca inputs, 2 rca outputs, and a knob to control output. These should reduce output, but will impedance matching become a problem here? In some worlds you can even locate this box near the listening position to allow ease of adjustment (especially if you can get XLR to help with noise rejection on the longer runs).
4. "Real" preamps. This includes stuff like AV receivers with pre-outs, emotiva pt-100, exotic things, etc.
5. Other pro audio things that I'm missing? The passive knobs tend to be in the pro audio realm, maybe there's some other choices here?
The idea of option 3 is appealing to me, and is largely the reason why I'm typing this, because something like Topping D10 + a knob of some sort comes out to <$200, and probably <$150 and seems very appealing to front a signal chain that either goes directly to an amp next, or goes to some sort of other signal processing next (minidsp etc for sub crossover, for example), maintaining flexibility while still having great options to choose various components. It also allows me to easily add a splitter of some sort in order to get output to headphones as appropriate.
Are the potential impedance problems with a passive volume control really a problem with well designed amp and dac? Am I better off just grabbing either a D50/DX7 or some emotiva type product as the "front" of my system? Are there other options/science to consideR?
One thing that is still needed between your source and power amplifier though is an attenuator of some sort. Assuming a "standard" setup of 16-bit playback that outputs 2 volts, it seems like there are a two options, attenuate the playback signal, outputting less than 16 bits and losing resolution, and outputting less than 2 volts.
1. Attenuate before the dac. In the case of PC playback, this means the digital volume there. This has the benefits of being able to easily control remotely (from your phone, for example), but should have the effect of reducing resolution (less available bits). Is this at all a feasible choice given alternatives? Are there playback stacks that allow attenuating here while still maintaining resolution?
2. Digital volume control on the dac. Topping D50 stands out as an option here. This seems like it will "just" attenuate the output signal, so no loss of resolution, and in addition is digital so perfect channel tracking. Downsides is this limits DAC choice to somewhat more expensive options. DX7 allows remote control here, which is a worthy consideration, but again increases price somewhat.
3. Passive attenuator in between DAC and downstream. Something like the Mackie BigKnob, schiit sys, various nobsound products. Essentially attenuator in a box, with 2 rca inputs, 2 rca outputs, and a knob to control output. These should reduce output, but will impedance matching become a problem here? In some worlds you can even locate this box near the listening position to allow ease of adjustment (especially if you can get XLR to help with noise rejection on the longer runs).
4. "Real" preamps. This includes stuff like AV receivers with pre-outs, emotiva pt-100, exotic things, etc.
5. Other pro audio things that I'm missing? The passive knobs tend to be in the pro audio realm, maybe there's some other choices here?
The idea of option 3 is appealing to me, and is largely the reason why I'm typing this, because something like Topping D10 + a knob of some sort comes out to <$200, and probably <$150 and seems very appealing to front a signal chain that either goes directly to an amp next, or goes to some sort of other signal processing next (minidsp etc for sub crossover, for example), maintaining flexibility while still having great options to choose various components. It also allows me to easily add a splitter of some sort in order to get output to headphones as appropriate.
Are the potential impedance problems with a passive volume control really a problem with well designed amp and dac? Am I better off just grabbing either a D50/DX7 or some emotiva type product as the "front" of my system? Are there other options/science to consideR?