V-out DAC directly into power output stage (like an F4)?

wireswithgain · 17th September 2011, 05:43 AM

What would happen if you connected a V-out DAC chip directly to a power amplifier output stage, like an F4? Lets say the DAC chip provides 1.5v out per channel.

I know it won't be loud, but in theory, the amplifier will work and produce sound, right? All a standard power amplifier is is voltage amplification and current amplification. So, we already have 1.5v from the DAC chip (i know, not a lot, but this is a theory discussion), so why not eliminate extra the voltage amplification stage inside the power amp and just go right to the output stage?

jaycee · 17th September 2011, 12:25 PM

It will work but the opamp on the output of the DAC chip isn't really providing voltage gain here - it is acting as a filter and buffer providing current gain. The current gain also takes care of driving the interconnect cable.

17th September 2011, 05:43 AM	#1
wireswithgain diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2011	V-out DAC directly into power output stage (like an F4)? What would happen if you connected a V-out DAC chip directly to a power amplifier output stage, like an F4? Lets say the DAC chip provides 1.5v out per channel. I know it won't be loud, but in theory, the amplifier will work and produce sound, right? All a standard power amplifier is is voltage amplification and current amplification. So, we already have 1.5v from the DAC chip (i know, not a lot, but this is a theory discussion), so why not eliminate extra the voltage amplification stage inside the power amp and just go right to the output stage?

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17th September 2011, 12:25 PM	#2
jaycee diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, UK	It will work but the opamp on the output of the DAC chip isn't really providing voltage gain here - it is acting as a filter and buffer providing current gain. The current gain also takes care of driving the interconnect cable.

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