cgolf
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DAC
Dec 17, 2018 15:17:24 GMT -5
Post by cgolf on Dec 17, 2018 15:17:24 GMT -5
I have a simple, but maybe stupid once I see the answer, question. Which is correct or does it matter or is there only one way it can be setup? For 2 channel. 1. Source > Receiver/Processor > DAC > Amp 2. Source > DAC > Receiver/Processor > Amp
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Dec 17, 2018 16:04:23 GMT -5
DYohn likes this
Post by mountain on Dec 17, 2018 16:04:23 GMT -5
2
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Dec 17, 2018 17:21:57 GMT -5
Post by brubacca on Dec 17, 2018 17:21:57 GMT -5
Unless there is something specific about the DAC #2 is the only answer.
A DAC would have to have an Analog Input, a Volume Control and HT bypass to work in #1.. Not saying it doesn't exist, but it would be a specialized feature set. I can actually do this with my Naim UnitiQute (it also has a Amp and Source Built in).
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Dec 18, 2018 2:54:15 GMT -5
Post by boomzilla on Dec 18, 2018 2:54:15 GMT -5
And to use #2, the receiver or processor would need an "analog bypass" mode. Otherwise, the receiver or processor would REDIGITIZE the analog output of the DAC, do room correction/bass management/DSP and then use its OWN DACS to move to analog again. For the best sound quality, you MUST minimize the number of AD-DA conversions. Therefore, the use of an outboard DAC with a AVR or processor is NEVER recommended, unless that analog bypass is available. You should get better sound by either using the receiver/processor's own DAC or else by going from the DAC directly to either an analog stereo preamplifier or to the power amps directly. For the latter to work, the DAC must have its own volume control.
Boom
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Dec 18, 2018 6:14:15 GMT -5
Post by brubacca on Dec 18, 2018 6:14:15 GMT -5
It is getting quite common to have a HT Bypass input on a stereo Pre-amp or integrated amp. FOr example the XSP-1 Pre-amp from Emotiva...
You put the XSP-1 between the HT Receiver and Amps. Your good DAC/Source are plugged into the XSP-1. When you want "good stereo" you simply leave the HT Receiver off and use the XSP-1. When you want HT you put the XSP-1 into HT Bypass mode.
There are other products that do this, like the Rogue Audio RP-1. This product goes into HT Bypass Mode when you turn it off. So its not an input you select. I really like this implementation because it should "Always work".
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cgolf
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Dec 18, 2018 9:42:06 GMT -5
Post by cgolf on Dec 18, 2018 9:42:06 GMT -5
And to use #2, the receiver or processor would need an "analog bypass" mode. Otherwise, the receiver or processor would REDIGITIZE the analog output of the DAC, do room correction/bass management/DSP and then use its OWN DACS to move to analog again. For the best sound quality, you MUST minimize the number of AD-DA conversions. Therefore, the use of an outboard DAC with a AVR or processor is NEVER recommended, unless that analog bypass is available. You should get better sound by either using the receiver/processor's own DAC or else by going from the DAC directly to either an analog stereo preamplifier or to the power amps directly. For the latter to work, the DAC must have its own volume control. Boom This is basically why I asked the question. It seemed to me that this would happen using #2 setup and wasn't sure how to prevent it. Makes sense.
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Dec 18, 2018 10:09:57 GMT -5
Post by boomzilla on Dec 18, 2018 10:09:57 GMT -5
Actually, the #1 setup would also work - If the source (digital) signal is merely passing through the receiver with no conversion to analog, then it effectively "doesn't exist." However, if the receiver/processor is doing ANYTHING to the signal (volume control, room correction, or DSP), then you are likely (not positively, but likely) adding additional DA-AD cycles to the signal.
As an example, my Oppo UDP-205 is a Roon endpoint for my server. It uses Ethernet input & outputs a coaxial digital signal (No DA conversion involved). I can then put that coax signal into my DAC and get analog out without any extra conversion cycles. If your receiver or processor will do the same, then the signal is still as good as it gets.
Cheers - Boom
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