2.1 DAC recommendation, active speaker and sub

[Ilikechopin]

Hi, I know there have been similar questions before, but they’re either too old or not exactly what I’m looking for.
Currently, I have a pair of Eltax Monitor III BT speakers connected to my PC via SPDIF, along with a KEF Cube 2 subwoofer. The sub is linked to the speakers through RCA.

My issue is that at low frequencies, both the speakers and the sub are working. What I want is a USB-C DAC with two rca outputs and 1 rca for sub. I don’t need an amplifier, and I’d prefer to avoid using a DAC combined with a DSP or a crossover.

So far, I haven’t been able to find anything close to this setup. Can someone please help?

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Ilikechopin! Welcome to ASR.

The miniDSP 2x4HD will do exactly what you want:
Split your content into bass for your sub and everything else for the Eltax speakers, with a precise crossover so that bass is not played by both the sub and Eltax Monitors.

What I want is a USB-C DAC with two rca outputs and 1 rca for sub. I don’t need an amplifier, and I’d prefer to avoid using a DAC combined with a DSP or a crossover.

Not sure I understand the second part.

If no DSP is built into the DAC, then there's no (good) way to avoid your current problem, which is your Eltax Monitors playing deeper than you'd like.

 

[Ilikechopin]

Hi @Ilikechopin! Welcome to ASR.

The miniDSP 2x4HD will do exactly what you want:
Split your content into bass for your sub and everything else for the Eltax speakers, with a precise crossover so that bass is not played by both the sub and Eltax Monitors.


Not sure I understand the second part.

If no DSP is built into the DAC, then there's no (good) way to avoid your current problem, which is your Eltax Monitors playing deeper than you'd like.

I meant that I want, if possible, a DAC with USB-C input to avoid any bottlenecks from my PC, since I don’t have a dedicated audio card. The main reason I want to avoid a DSP is the price. From my research, I’ve found various 2.1 units, but they all come with an integrated amplifier.

 

[staticV3]

The main reason I want to avoid a DSP is the price. From my research, I’ve found various 2.1 units, but they all come with an integrated amplifier.

Ah I see.

It's technically possible to buy a DAC with three or more channels (audio interfaces are popular for that), then do all the DSP on your PC instead.

However, it's a more involved and less stable setup than the 2x4HD with its built-in DSP and, unless you need high tap-length FIR filtering, not worth the trade-off IMO.

Is the 2x4HD acceptable price wise, or are you looking for something cheaper?

 

[Ilikechopin]

Hi, thank you for your reply. Honestly, a DSP is quite over my budget, and for that price I could just replace the sub with one that has pass-through capabilities. My budget is around £150.

 

[staticV3]

Hi, thank you for your reply. Honestly, a DSP is quite over my budget, and for that price I could just replace the sub with one that has pass-through capabilities. My budget is around £150.

is eBay an option?

 

[Ilikechopin]

Of course, I’m already keeping an eye on a few listings, but I also want to know if there’s any more straightforward option. I’m not an audio expert, so maybe someone here has had a similar issue or knows a good unit that would do the job.