[John Casler]

Not actually a beginner, but I have never had to do this before and wonder if it will work.

Have a system where we are using a stand alone DAC which has volume control and we use it in 2 channel as a preamp.  From the DAC, the L&R outputs go directly to the AMPS.

We want to add a HT PrePro for HT.  The PrePro has 7.1 analog outs.

We want to take the L&R outs of the PrePro and run them into an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) and run it into the above DAC as a digital signal that will then be "converted again" to Analog and out to the AMPS.

THE QUESTION IS:  Will the volume adjustment on the PREPRO make a volume adjustment in this manner, so we don't lose UNITY GAIN?

[John Casler]

In a sense, what we are trying to achieve is a HT "Pass Through".

My concern is the possible loss of overall volume control (called UNITY GAIN) from the HT from the L&R analog channels that are passing through the  Analog to Digital Converter

[JohnR]

Not actually a beginner,

Then why did you post this in the (from the circle tagline) "circle for newcomers to the hobby"? It just wastes volunteer time.

[JohnR]

With regard to your question, it depends on what input level the ADC accepts as full-scale input, and what the output level of the DAC is for full-scale. If they are the same, only then will you have unity gain. Otherwise, you don't. In either case, the volume control on the pre/pro will adjust volume, up to the point where you clip the ADC or reach full-scale output on the pre/pro.

You'd be better off with a digital signal from the pre/pro straight into the DAC though.

[John Casler]

With regard to your question, it depends on what input level the ADC accepts as full-scale input, and what the output level of the DAC is for full-scale. If they are the same, only then will you have unity gain. Otherwise, you don't. In either case, the volume control on the pre/pro will adjust volume, up to the point where you clip the ADC or reach full-scale output on the pre/pro.

You'd be better off with a digital signal from the pre/pro straight into the DAC though.

Thanks, the PrePro doesn't have a digital output, so I am stuck with the ANALOG outs.  I just have never had to try this before and thought others might have.