What line out volume should I use for external headphone amplifiers? I just recieved my Benchmark HPA4 and want to use the RME as a standalone dac.
+24dBu, so maximum level. The HPA4 is designed for the +28dBu output of the Benchmark DACs, so it will work best with the highest voltage you can pump into it. Should show the ideal performance of both systems.
SO it's not powerful enough?
I feel like I will see an improvement. Everybody always questions it though.
Because you're just as likely to have a sonic degradation as an improvement.
If you don't need the extra power, and you probably don't, you're just adding more circuitry and noise.
Would a stand alone dac be different or you just think the upgrade is unnecessary?Because you're just as likely to have a sonic degradation as an improvement.
If you don't need the extra power, and you probably don't, you're just adding more circuitry and noise.
Would a stand alone dac be different or you just think the upgrade is unnecessary?
To be fair, the THX AAA amps are a substantial step up over any other designs. Replacing the amp in the ADI-2 with the HPA4 does lower distortion and noise. The HPA4 also has an insanely accurate resistor ladder line amp that will likely work a lot better than the digital/relay combination in the ADI-2, without the dynamic range compression.
There is certainly an argument for it being not audiable or necessary, but it won't degrade performance.
Have you measured the SINAD of the RME standalone vs the RME + HPA4?
Read Amir's review of the THX AAA 789, which uses a scaled down version of the AAA 888 used in the HPA4. In short, it exceeds the SINAD performance of any DAC on the market. The internal headphone amp on the ADI-2 is good, but it isn't THX AAA good. Of course the difference is only academic, however.
But, yes, entirely academic and waste of cash no matter what.
Unless you've got an HE6 or really need an analog input on your headamp...
Or get the Pro version with built in ADC?
I've actually got a HE-6 on the way, I'll see how it goes.Unless you've got an HE6 or really need an analog input on your headamp...
The only way you couldn't tell the difference between the HPA4 and the rme amp section is if you were deaf.