Benchmark DAC-1 used as a preamp?

[Pezerinno]

Hi, do any of you know how could the DAC-1 is when used as a pre-amp with a power amp (not active speakers) and how would this compare to a similarly priced intergrated?

Many thanks.

[Mr_Sukebe]

Never used one, but there's a LOT of discussion on the PF forums, have a scan here:
http://63.99.108.232/forum/showthrea...highlight=dac1

I seem to remember someone checking out it's ability as a pre-amp, and not being too impressed.
Having said that, there are clearly a whole bunch of people using the DAC1 directly into a power amp, and being VERY happy with the results.
The sensible option seems like buying the DAC1 and power amp initially (assuming you like the sound of it), then when you have funds available, stuff a dedicated pre-amp into the mix and see whether you think it sounds better.

[cwick]

I'm using mine as a digital pre, and more than happy. It's switching between the system in my sig, an xbox360, and a PC. It's an excellent bit of kit and if I'd known it was so capable I'd have bought one ages ago. I'd always thought it was just a damn good DAC - hadn't noticed the pre-amp, input switching or headphone amp features.

[Pezerinno]

Thing is I already have an intergrated I can use with it so I would only want to change if it were to sound better. I've never owned a power amp before but I assume a power amp always outperforms a similarly priced intergrated (assuming you like the sound of course)?

Thanks for the link - will have a read through now.

[Pezerinno]

Only just thought about the lack of a remote if using it as a preamp which would be a problem in my case as the front end will be a HTPC (and therefore I'll listen to the telly through the same stereo setup).

Will keep the intergrated