Can RME ADI 2 be used as preamp?
This "analogue bypass" allows the ADI-2 FS to be used as an analogue preamp. ... In this mode, the ADI-2 FS supports analogue levels up to +28 dBu balanced and +21 dBu unbalanced. In addition, it can work as a converter balanced to unbalanced and vice versa. The front panel knob adjusts the volume of the headphone output.
Can a DAC be used as a preamp?
Now that many DACs provide the option of volume controlled outputs, in a digital system, the DAC can potentially be used as a preamp. Unfortunately, the sensitivity of many amps is too low to be fully driven by a DAC's RCA/XLR outputs.