NAD 320BEE + Computer sound card

I've heard that the preamp section of the NAD 320BEE could be better, and since this integrated amp has the ability to be connected to an external preamp, I thought it might be possible to connect it directly to a computer sound card and bypass the internal preamp. This way I could control the volume of the amp via computer. (the sound card will be the only source of signal anyway)

I haven't bought the NAD 320BEE yet, but I will be getting it soon...
At the moment I have a Sound Blaster Live 24bit card (24bit/96kHz DAC), but I will be getting a much better sound card for my source.

The questions... Is this possible / recomended?
Will I get better quality sound by bypassing the preamp?
Any thoughts? :idea: :confused:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr_Speedy

I've heard that the preamp section of the NAD 320BEE could be better, and since this integrated amp has the ability to be connected to an external preamp, I thought it might be possible to connect it directly to a computer sound card and bypass the internal preamp. This way I could control the volume of the amp via computer. (the sound card will be the only source of signal anyway)

I haven't bought the NAD 320BEE yet, but I will be getting it soon...
At the moment I have a Sound Blaster Live 24bit card (24bit/96kHz DAC), but I will be getting a much better sound card for my source.

The questions... Is this possible / recomended?
Will I get better quality sound by bypassing the preamp?
Any thoughts? :idea: :confused:

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Yup been there and done that. It actually works well. NOTE: before turning on the amp turn down you volume control on your PC to zero and then turn the amp on. The bring the volume meter on the PC up very slowly. Otherwise you will get a very big surprise that could be bad.