|
Post by faralon on Dec 12, 2019 16:04:27 GMT -5
Posted earlier in the "Stupid Question Zone", about powering a 2.1 setup. After that thread (thanks for the advice...)
I just got an email from Emotiva re: the S8 Sub, which is perfect!
What else do I need? Do I need a DAC? I've never used a DAC, but I've also never setup an 2.1 system.
B1+ Pair A-100 Amp S8 Sub - using the line out's, with the x-over set to 80HZ
2.1 system done, just go order it now?
Thanks for the 2nd look!
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Dec 12, 2019 16:13:42 GMT -5
Posted earlier in the "Stupid Question Zone", about powering a 2.1 setup. After that thread (thanks for the advice...) I just got an email from Emotiva re: the S8 Sub, which is perfect! What else do I need? Do I need a DAC? I've never used a DAC, but I've also never setup an 2.1 system. B1+ Pair A-100 Amp S8 Sub - using the line out's, with the x-over set to 80HZ 2.1 system done, just go order it now? Thanks for the 2nd look! Congratulations! All of this sounds like it's going to sound GREAT! So.... how are you getting the music to your amplifier? What is your source? Depending on the source you may or may not need some sort of DAC. Also do you need a REMOTE CONTROL for your volume?
|
|
|
Post by faralon on Dec 12, 2019 16:27:03 GMT -5
Source will be iPhone and/or laptop. I was thinking 3.5mm to RCA for a start? I won't need a remote for the volume. This will be on my desktop for the home office, so everything will be within arms reach.
Would you suggest a DAC for those inputs?
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Dec 12, 2019 16:35:54 GMT -5
Source will be iPhone and/or laptop. I won't need a remote for the volume. This will be on my desktop for the home office, so everything will be within arms reach. Would you suggest a DAC for those inputs? I'm assuming your iphone doesn't have a headphone jack. So there are two ways you can do it. You can get the little iphone headphone adapter. $9 (click below) www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-Headphone-Jack-Adapter/dp/B01LXJFMGFThen you'll need to buy a 3.5mm to RCA stereo cable. Like this one ($7) www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-2-Male-Adapter-Stereo/dp/B01D5H8JW0/So that's the cheap way. If you want a step more than that, you'll need to find a DAC that workw with an iphone input PLUS a lightning to USB converter box called the camera connection kit that puts out a USB connection ($30). The Emotiva DC-1 should work. But you are going to want a DAC with a volume control if you go this more expensive route.
|
|
|
Post by Ex_Vintage on Dec 12, 2019 18:21:28 GMT -5
Buy a Bluesound Node2i and have streaming capability of CD quality and access to any local digital storage. One of the most useful pieces of my set-up.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2019 18:32:56 GMT -5
Get this- Behringer U-Control UCA202 Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output, $30 @ amazon iPhone to UCA202 to A100 and you're set. You can also connect UCA202 to pc USB and play from it.
|
|
|
Post by creimes on Dec 12, 2019 18:40:53 GMT -5
One thing to note is the RCA out loop on the A-100 are not variable so they will not change output volume with the front A-100 volume pots, your sub would be running at full volume and you would have to adjust the subs volume on the rear as you change the A-100 volume which would not be ideal, the TA-100 would be a better solution though costs a bit more and is a bit larger in size.
Chad
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Dec 12, 2019 18:46:45 GMT -5
Get this- Behringer U-Control UCA202 Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output, $30 @ amazon iPhone to UCA202 to A100 and you're set. You can also connect UCA202 to pc USB and play from it. I don't think the iphone to UCA202 would work. THe iphone probably doesn't have enough power to power the UCA 202 DAC. The Emotiva DC-1 may work better as its USB does not require power. But it's a lot more money.
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Dec 12, 2019 18:47:43 GMT -5
Get this- Behringer U-Control UCA202 Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output, $30 @ amazon iPhone to UCA202 to A100 and you're set. You can also connect UCA202 to pc USB and play from it. Having said that it could be possible to do it as long as you have a BATTERY connected to the other input on the camera connection kit.
|
|
|
Post by faralon on Dec 12, 2019 19:34:52 GMT -5
One thing to note is the RCA out loop on the A-100 are not variable so they will not change output volume with the front A-100 volume pots, your sub would be running at full volume and you would have to adjust the subs volume on the rear as you change the A-100 volume which would not be ideal, the TA-100 would be a better solution though costs a bit more and is a bit larger in size. Chad I was thinking iPhone/Laptop RCA to the line IN on the sub. Line out to the A-100, to utilize the built in crossover of the new S8, so I assume volume control would then work normally.
|
|
|
Post by knucklehead on Dec 12, 2019 20:18:44 GMT -5
Use a pair of RCA splitter adapters at the amplifier inputs, and send the L/R signals from there to the sub. Volume control would have to come from the laptop, but its cheap, and will work. Turn up the volume on the amplifier as far as you dare, just in case the laptop goes full volume when booting up. You never know about software.
|
|
|
Post by creimes on Dec 12, 2019 21:25:10 GMT -5
One thing to note is the RCA out loop on the A-100 are not variable so they will not change output volume with the front A-100 volume pots, your sub would be running at full volume and you would have to adjust the subs volume on the rear as you change the A-100 volume which would not be ideal, the TA-100 would be a better solution though costs a bit more and is a bit larger in size. Chad I was thinking iPhone/Laptop RCA to the line IN on the sub. Line out to the A-100, to utilize the built in crossover of the new S8, so I assume volume control would then work normally. I did not notice that, I guess that's doable then and should work fine, I myself prefer a better way to control volume than just a smartphone but whatever works best for you, one thing you could add for better/easier control of the volume is a Schiit Magni 3, they have them on closeout for $59 from the msrp of $99, you could put it between the smartphone and sub as it has RCA in's and out's and it's also a headphone amp and a decent one at that www.schiit.com/products/magni-3-1Also a member here has a pair of B1 for sale new unopened for $200 which would save you some moolah emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/55965/airmotiv-200-shipped-new-boxCheers, Chad
|
|
|
Post by faralon on Dec 13, 2019 10:03:57 GMT -5
Ok, am I envisioning this all correctly??
iPhone / Laptop RCA'd into the Schiit Magni 3 | Magni into the S8 Sub | S8 Sub Xover outs into the A-100 | A-100 to the speakers
This would allow me to set the A-100 at a reasonable volume level, (set it and forget it), and use the Magni as the "Master Volume" right?
I could upgrade to a DAC down the road.
I could essentially hide the A-100 and just have the Magni on my desktop for a "clean" install.
Anyone see any issues?
Thanks!
|
|
KeithL
Administrator
Posts: 9,934
|
Post by KeithL on Dec 13, 2019 10:19:00 GMT -5
The arrangement you have described should work just fine.
Just to be clear here we're talking about the BasX A-100 amp (there is no T-100).
You'll also have to do a little experimentation to determine what Volume settings work the best all around.
(I would start with the A-100 and the sub both somewhere around half-way up and go from there.)
However, as someone else mentioned, the analog outputs on a phone often aren't very good quality, and the ones you'll find on a laptop are often downright awful.
(As for sound quality, it couldn't hurt to try, and you might luck out... but, if things don't sound as good as you might like, that would be the weak link in the chain.)
You may also have ground noise issues with a laptop - especially if you run it plugged into the wall (if you do then try it on batteries only)
Ok, am I envisioning this all correctly?? iPhone / Laptop RCA'd into the Schiit Magni 3 | Magni into the S8 Sub | S8 Sub Xover outs into the T-100 | T-100 to the speakers This would allow me to set the t-100 at a reasonable volume level, (set it and forget it), and use the Magni as the "Master Volume" right? I could upgrade to a DAC down the road. I could essentially hide the T-100 and just have the Magni on my desktop for a "clean" install. Anyone see any issues? Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by faralon on Dec 13, 2019 10:25:48 GMT -5
Thanks Keith, updated my post to reflect the proper product name.
So you're saying I should just get a DAC too then eh?
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Dec 13, 2019 10:47:13 GMT -5
Thanks Keith, updated my post to reflect the proper product name. So you're saying I should just get a DAC too then eh? Depends on what you plan to use this for. For instance I use the speakers in my living room. So having to "plug in" my phone to the sound system is a real PITA. Therefore for me a remote control is a must. But if you are going to be in reach of the volume control what you described should work. BTW, if you are planning to use headphones - the A_100's headphone output is VERY potent. Especially when you engage the internal jumper, it's one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers on the market - at least at sane price levels. Also for me, a DAC is a must. BUT...a lot of people won't notice a difference. In terms of measurements the apple dongle is actually quite high quality. For instance it performs better than the Schiit Ygdrassil (in terms of measurements). Does it sound good? I have no idea. (I have my doubts). Here are the measurements for the dongle. www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-apple-vs-google-usb-c-headphone-adapters.5541/
|
|
KeithL
Administrator
Posts: 9,934
|
Post by KeithL on Dec 13, 2019 11:02:51 GMT -5
Hmmmm....
The analog audio output on iPhones (in specific) is actually pretty good.... And they can be fussy to get to work with a DAC (you will need some sort of "iPhone to Camera Adapter" and, if you want to use a USB-powered DAC, you'll also need a powered hub in there somewhere). And it will also depend on exactly what your source is. For example, if you use Spotify or Pandora, they only stream compressed music, and that will be the limiting factor. And, if so, the improvement you get by using a real separate DAC may not be audible. So, if you plan to use a phone as your source, you might as well try it first...
Now, as for laptops, while the sound cards in many computers are terrible, some of them aren't all that bad. But, unlike with a phone, connecting a USB DAC to a computer is usually pretty straightforward; just plug it in and it should work. Therefore, if you're using a computer, it's more likely that you'll get a solid benefit by using a DAC, and less likely that you'll have problems with it. So, if you plan to use mostly a computer, then I would probably plan to get a separate DAC.
However, again, you could try it and see for yourself.
Thanks Keith, updated my post to reflect the proper product name. So you're saying I should just get a DAC too then eh?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2019 12:12:05 GMT -5
Here's a thought- use a 5v usb wall-wart to power the DAC, iPhone headphone out to 'rca IN' Behringer U-Control UCA202 then rca OUT to A-100 might work. I have not tried it. I do use PC usb to Behringer U-Control UCA202 rca OUT to 2.1 plate amp and works just fine.
|
|
|
Post by creimes on Dec 13, 2019 13:31:43 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Dec 13, 2019 13:52:16 GMT -5
Thanks Keith, updated my post to reflect the proper product name. So you're saying I should just get a DAC too then eh? Schiit also has the Fulla 2 on clearout which would connect to your laptop via USB cable and it also has an 3.5mm analog in that you could connect your phone to using a 3.5mm cable, Emotiva actually ahs some on their site in the clearance section. You would need a 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable to go from the Fulla 2 to the S8 sub as the Fulla doesn't have RCA outputs like the Magni but does have a 3.5mm analog output. The Fulla 2 has a DAC built in so your laptop would take advantage of the DAC of the Fulla and your iphone would use its DAC going analog to the Fulla 2, so the Fulla 2 is basically a DAC, headphoen amp, preamp and has an analog input. www.schiit.com/products/fulla-2-1Chad Yes I think you bang on the money. This is a nice cheap solution with everything you would need. DAC, volume control, works with your phone.
|
|