[Paul L]

It is because our LW-1 or LW1S2 are passive, the source output is very important.  We have been recommending the modded ART DI/O without attenuation to our LW-1 customers and it works extremely well.  However, time move on.  With the simplicity approach, we think a non-oversampling DAC is the ideal DAC for "the simpler the better" philosophy.  We can very well to develop one of such DAC.  But if there is one out there, there is no point to develop one ourselves.  We want freinds rather than enemy.  If anyone know any nonsampling DAC with that output, please let me know.  We are searching for a good sounding nonsampling DAC with with 3V+ output.  We rather spend our time and energy to R&D a no-hold-bar poweramp.

Thanks.

Paul Lam
P.L.C.Lam Consulting Inc.

[scottnixon]

I'd find an amp with a one volt (or less) input sensitivity and use that.  I use passives all the time and never have an issue with the 2v or less from dacs.  Get the gain out of the ampifier...  that's the way to sell passive.

[sdk]

I've got an amp (Art Audio Carissa) with a 600 mV input sensitivity and a Sony CD player with 2 volt peak output (RMS is obviously lower) and I have WAY more gain than I need. My speakers are fairly effecient (Reference 3A Royal Virtuosos) so that helps too. I rarely get the volume knob above 11 o'clock on my system and at that level it's the SPLs are at least in the high 90s.

So I agree with Scott -- getting an amp with a high input sensitivity is more important that finding a DAC with a huge output.

By the way, here's a plug for Art Audio amps - they are a match made in heaven for passives. Their input sensitivities range from 300mV to 700mV and their input impedances are about 180 kOhms - perfect specs for a passive!