Hello, I'm in search of finding suitable DAC from my PASS LABS INT-25 integrated amplifier, so far I have two contenders.
1. Auralic Altair G1
2. Aurender A100
When I compare the specs between this two particular models I can see that the Auralic has Unbalanced: RCA (4.5Vrms at 0dBFS, output impedance 50ohm) while the Aurender has Unbalanced (RCA): 2Vrms, output impedance not specified. My amplifier have 48 Kohm input impedance. So, my question is: will the Auralic play louder compared to the Aurender. This is of great significance for me because as per my understanding the INT-25 preamp doesn't have gain stage the volume only works as signal attenuator and I find my self often at 45-55 volume level out of 63. I also have a feeling like I'm not able to use all the watts the Pass Labs can provide.
1. Auralic Altair G1
2. Aurender A100
When I compare the specs between this two particular models I can see that the Auralic has Unbalanced: RCA (4.5Vrms at 0dBFS, output impedance 50ohm) while the Aurender has Unbalanced (RCA): 2Vrms, output impedance not specified. My amplifier have 48 Kohm input impedance. So, my question is: will the Auralic play louder compared to the Aurender. This is of great significance for me because as per my understanding the INT-25 preamp doesn't have gain stage the volume only works as signal attenuator and I find my self often at 45-55 volume level out of 63. I also have a feeling like I'm not able to use all the watts the Pass Labs can provide.
According to Stereophile the INT-25 has a gain of 26dB. So both of those DACs will be able to drive your Pass Labs into clipping.
Ok, understand that. Still, does the streamer with the higher voltage will play louder at the same volume level. Psychologically I would feel more comfortable if I listen at 20-30 volume level out of 63 instead of 50-60.
thing with sources is that you need as much voltage is needed for your amp feeding your speakers in your room listening with your ears
regarding volume pot setting - you got it all wrong
I'm happiest when pot is near max
read this, carefully :
What is Gain Structure?
Run it high like Zen Mod said this is best. The gain can actually be increased on the Int-25 with a internal jumper.
I am not sure if it is in the manual but gives about 4 dB more. I think it is seldom used because it isn't usually needed but I did put it in the circuit.
I am not sure if it is in the manual but gives about 4 dB more. I think it is seldom used because it isn't usually needed but I did put it in the circuit.
Thank you all for your answers. I believe l learned much from this thread. I worried for something I should be happy 🙂 My speakers have modest 88db sensitivity (Sonus Faber Olympica II) and my source is ProJect Dac Box s2+ with 1.5V output voltage. Still, when cranking the volume up I hit 80+ dBs SPL which is more than I will ever need.
Hi. I measured 2 different DACs. Canary dac and FX audio dac6x. Both gave same signal value. 500mV pp max.I opened 1khz signal 0dbrfs on YouTube .I connected it to Samsung TVs via optic cable. Is the value normal ? I couldn't find output values on datasheets of them.
