As we have mentioned, one of the main functions of a preamp is to allow you to select which music source (CD player, streamer, turntable, etc.) is sent to the power amplifier and your speakers. So, what if you only have one source, for example, just a DAC? Do you need a preamp?
The short answer is, “yes” you need at least some kind of preamp if your source does not have a volume control. For example, most phono preamps and many DACs and CD players do not have a volume control. If you have this kind of music source, you will need a preamp to adjust volume.
But what if your source has a volume control? In this case, you don’t absolutely “need” a preamp. But as we discussed here, a dedicated preamp will make your music sound better. This is why many of our customers who have a single music source with its own volume control still love their Backert Labs preamp.
