What DAC needed for hooking up stereo system / subwoofer?

[lh]

What sort of hookups or input output ports would I need on a DAC to hook a  subwoofer to my computer & speakers? & How does one wire a subwoofer?

& for much later; how does one hook an entire stereo system to the computer? & maybe be able to switch the stereo part off and keep the A 5's on?

Does anyone know of a simplistic group of wiring diagrams? That might ELI5?

[knucklehead]

The easiest way IMO is to connect your computer directly to a stereo receiver. Something like the Onkyo TX-8050 or the newer Onkyo 8160. Both have internal DAC's and subwoofer out jacks. I have an 8050. The sound quality is pretty decent for the outlay. If you will be using your computer for sounds through your home theater gear most AVR's are even easier to configure - subs and mains can be easily crossed over for well integrated sound.

[lh]

Thank you. The problem is my stereo is in storage until I move, which may not be for a year or so. So, until then I'll have just the computer, speakers and then a subwoofer.
But either way, I *think* you've answered part of the question- I would hook the output from the DAC into a receiver.

Do I need to add a receiver if I want to add a subwoofer before hauling the whole system out of storage?

&, if so, can the A 5's just be plugged into a receiver?

[brand]

For a PC setup I'd get a DC-1 by Emotiva. Small does everything you need, great DAC that can be used as a Preamp which is all you need with powered speakers (Audioengine A5?). Depending on your soundcard you might be able to connect the sub (and speakers) directly to the PC.

[lh]

Thanks! Had the speakers connected to the computer and trying out a cheap DAC I borrowed and the speakers already sound better.
I might try a peachtree as the high notes are a little irritating to me. I think I want to warm them up. From what I'm reading peach tree is warmer on high notes. But... Maybe I would need a warm preamp instead of/along with a warm DAC?

Sorry for the stupid basic questions. I am not very good with tech set ups.

[Deleted]

Preface:  All this time since this is an Emotiva forum I thought you were referring to an Emotiva Airmotiv 5 speaker.   Looks like you might be referring to an Audioengine A5 (A5 or A5+), I'm cornfused.  Plus I had to look up what the hell EL15 meant.  Sure would be nice in the future if you would spell things out for us old farts over 21 71 years old, complete with brands and model numbers, etc.   Oh well, perhaps some other folks might find my post helpful since it doesn't look like your Audioengines have XLR outs, unless your sub does.  OK, maybe they will work with a sub and XDA-2, you'll have to figure that out, sorry. 

Thanks     PS:  If your speakers sound irritating it is most likely your speakers and not the DAC.  Most DAC's regardless of what you read online sound almost identical.  Irritation/edginess in the highs/treble is usually the speakers or your sound sources.  Make sure you are listening to a high quality sound source to evaluate the highs and not some MP3, etc.   Try toeing (angle) in or out your speakers slightly so that the tweeters (maybe rather bright) are not pointed directly at your ears, this might help.  If you do have the Airmotiv 5's or the A5's with a tweeter control turn it down.



I have a pair of Airmotiv 4's and an 8" Mirage Omni S8  sub (under my computer desk) hooked up to my Emo XDA-2 (DAC) via USB cable from my desktop.  I use the CD player in the computer or online music.  It sounds great and plays cleanly up close/near field and throughout the room up to 90dB's +.  It is very flat, accurate and smooth down to 30Hz.

I hooked up the Airmotiv to the XDA-2 via XLR cables and the sub to the XDA-2 via RCA/y-connector - 2 to 1 to the mono sub RCA mono input.  I use the bass shelfing EQ dial on the back of the Airmotiv 4 (called Low-frequency Equalization
on the model 4S) to drop down the bass on the model 4 so it is a nice blend with the sub's bass.

I would forget  the Emo DC-1 DAC versus the Emo XDA-2 DAC (1/2 the price .... find a used one), since I feel you will hear little if any difference.  Those who tell you there is night and day difference are like Lyin' Ted or nuts.  The XDA-2 has a nice headphone amp too and remote control.  Same goes for the USB feed from the computer.  I did an A/B comparing the computer's CD and Emo ERC-2 CD player and very little if any difference.  Try to keep the speakers away (at least 6" or more) from the wall behind.

This is a very impressive system for low to somewhat loud levels, 90-92dB's before I can detect any audible distortion.  This is in the dining room section of my great room next to the kitchen in one direction and the the living in the opposite area where my main system is.  I use it frequently while at the computer and also for casual listening throughout the great room at fairly loud levels (as loud as my wife ever tolerates).

emotiva.com/resources/manuals/xda2_manual.pdf

Inputs:

S/PDIF (Coax); two, via standard RCA connectors.

S/PDIF (Toslink); two, via standard Toslink optical connectors.

AES/EBU; one via XLR type connector.

USB; one via USB type B connector (USB Audio Class 2; appears as “USB sound device”).


Outputs:

Main Outputs (balanced); one stereo pair of XLR connectors, variable level.

Main Outputs (unbalanced); one stereo pair of RCA connectors, variable level.

Headphone output; one stereo 1/8” connector (front panel).

   

Steve Guttenberg, Inner Fidelity) said:  The XDA-2 shined with headphones, but I enjoyed it even more as a digital preamp driving my Airmotiv 4 speakers.





(That's a Belkin PF30 PC  unit above the XDA-2)




 (Model 4 on top of Mirage Omni S8 sub,  
  with grill cloth and sits below my PC desk.
  Any nice sub 8" or larger should be fine)

[KeithL]

You have lots of options.... and there are several different kinds of DACs..... and your results will depend on which one you choose.

For example, our Ego DACs are essentially a "black box" DAC, which have a headphone output, or you can connect between your computer and a receiver or integrated amp.
If you do it that way, then your sound quality will be limited mostly by the sound quality of the receiver you choose.

Then, if you move up a bit, our DC-1 (and many of what are usually called "desktop DACs") also include their own volume control - and so can be used as a preamp as well as a DAC.
(So you can connect them directly to a power amp without a preamp.)
Almost all desktop DACs DO NOT have built-in bass management; this means you can connect speakers and a sub to them, but only if the sub has its own crossover and level controls.
(But you can add a passive crossover between the DAC and the amp or speakers.... Here's one that would work - the 2W-1 version     www.hlabs.com/products/crossovers/index_files/Page384.htm  )

You can also get units (like our new PT-100) that are essentially a preamp with digital inputs (or, if you prefer, a DAC with analog inputs, and volume and tone controls).
(Then you add a power amp and a powered sub...)

Most receivers have bass management (the crossover to separate what goes to the sub and what goes to the other speakers.)
Most other devices do not; but many powered subs have their own.

As far as sound quality, it sort of depends on what level you're at.
In terms of sound quality, receivers in general range from "really bad" to "pretty good".
Connecting a good DAC to a receiver that isn't very good will probably degrade the sound.
However, as someone already mentioned, and especially at the lower end of the chain, speakers are going to make the biggest difference in sound - by a huge margin.
Speakers sound VERY different from each other; in contrast, while different DACs sound different, the differences are much smaller.

Also note that, while the goal of most DACs is simply to convert digital into analog, some few have things like tube stages in them to deliberately alter the sound.
With those, you've got a "DAC plus something else" - and some of them may alter the sound quite a bit .
(Generally those will "smooth over" the sound rather than make it harsher or very much brighter.)

Note that PeachTree, who was mentioned specifically, makes both "pure DACs" and "DACs with tubes in them".
(I believe that at least one of their models used to include a tube stage - but it's been omitted from the latest version - so read the details carefully.)

Jul 27, 2016 20:55:08 GMT -5 lh said:

Thank you. The problem is my stereo is in storage until I move, which may not be for a year or so. So, until then I'll have just the computer, speakers and then a subwoofer.
But either way, I *think* you've answered part of the question- I would hook the output from the DAC into a receiver.

Do I need to add a receiver if I want to add a subwoofer before hauling the whole system out of storage?

&, if so, can the A 5's just be plugged into a receiver?

[lh]

Thank you both, that is a lot of information. I just got a good soprano opera recording today and the highs are better. I was listening to flacs last night, but not all were good recordings. These are excellent clear speakers. I am still thinking I would like to soften the highs a hair, but will have to read the manual and check tweeter levels & then see.

Does anyone know of a website that explains audio equipment for idiots? Seriously, I get confused as to what does what and what small parts and what wires go where... or what a crossover is.

Little CN, I do have the Airmotiv 5's. I'm sorry, "ELI5" is short for "Explain it Like I'm 5 years old". I'm VERY glad to hear the tweeters can be turned down a bit. That may be the problem or part of it.


Keith, The PT-100 looks sweet and a nice price, can you tell me about the tone controls? Are they changing the tone itself or do they raise and lower the intensity/prominence of various ranges? does it have levers like the old "equalizers"? & yes, I was looking at the old Peachtree Nova which is DAC and Pre-Amp & has a tube which can be switched on and off- from tube based to digital based. I'm pretty sure I do like the sound of a tube on some music, but not others.

By the way Keith, About the Airmotiv's... I am listening to that new album and have been crying. These speakers really are wonderful- beautiful sound. Just a few hairs off "meltdown" stage for me. I asked a lot of questions online before buying these and am certain I chose the right ones. I'm not sure which DAC, but will definitely be looking at your other speakers when I can finally drag the stereo out.

>As far as sound quality, it sort of depends on what level you're at.
I have a fairly good ear and a lower budget. I categorize music in a radio station's library. I am completely ignorant when it comes to technical.
>In terms of sound quality, receivers in general range from "really bad" to "pretty good".
My receiver is pretty good at best. I guess I need to think about that. I think it's a Pioneer, and I may still have another older better one with tubes which have never had very good speakers- so I have no idea if it's good or not. Or if it still works at this point.