[sanjaygolf]

Do DACs with volume control, like the EE DAC, offer the same quality of volume control/attenuation as a preamp?

[srb]

Do DACs with volume control, like the EE DAC, offer the same quality of volume control/attenuation as a preamp?

I'm sure that the quality of volume controls varies among DACs that employ them, but I wouldn't expect their volume controls in general to compare to high-end dedicated preamps that use the very best potentiometers or stepped attenuators.  Wayne of The Bolder Cable Company did comment on the Eastern Electric Minimax Tube DAC:
 

There is a very good quality pot in it [the EE Minimax DAC].

Steve

[eclein]

I can only speak about my experience with Grant Fidelity Tube Dac-09 but have used it as line level DAC (No volume pot) and as a pre-amp (with volume pot) and I heard no difference, none. I would talk to those who have used the EE as a pre-amp if thats the unit your looking at buying and see what they have experienced.

[face]

W4S DAC-2

[Jon L]

6Moons compares several DAC's driving amp direct vs. via preamps in their W4S DAC 2 Review, which is now out.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/wyred4/dac.html