I'm current running a SMSL M200 DAC -> Nobsound NS-05P -> Buckeyeamp NC252MP -> Elac DBR62, all with balanced XLR interconnects. I added the nobsound because going from m200 -> nc252 didn't give me very useable volume control. The M200 only allows 40-0 volume control, it's a bit unclear if it actually represents dB or just it's max output voltage divided into 40 steps. I was only using the range 35-25 before adding the Nobsound, now with Nobsound around 2-3oclock, I use 35-10 on the M200. Overall, I'm happy with how it sounds, I just want to understand if this is ideal or not.
Apparently as long as I'm attenuating at least 20db with the Nobsound, which I probably am, and running short cables to the amp, which I am, it should perform well. At least according to these measurements. I suppose I'd need to actually measure if mine has a 10k, 20k, or 50k pot, since it seems like there is variability https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...uator-comparison-technical-measurements.7324/
Does this make the effective source output impedance much higher? Hypex specs a 47k input impedance, so my source impedance should be <4.7k, but ideally much lower right? Hypex apparently recommends 50hms. The M200 DAC has an output impedance that I assume is >1k(based on M400 review) into a passive attenuator of 10-50k, will this end up being a poor match for the 252mp?
A few alternative solutions I could try if it might be worth it:
1) I have an E30, which allows 99-0 volume control, I'm not sure if going that deep into digital volume is okay or not. I'd also need RCA -> XLR to connect to amp. I'd miss my M200 LDAC bluetooth.
2) Better DAC for this purpose? I'd be happy to sell my M200 and find another DAC, if the 5.5V RMS out and 1k+ output impedance aren't a good match for my system.
3) Active pre-amps such as this one end up with a 300ohm output impedance, maybe there are other options as well? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Douk-Audio...392460&hash=item3f86ad2afa:g:ddYAAOSwpUtd5N-h
4)In-line XLR pads from M200 right into 252 and back to digital volume?
Seems to be many ways to go about getting the volume to where you want it. I just want to make sure I'm doing it in an optimal way.
Apparently as long as I'm attenuating at least 20db with the Nobsound, which I probably am, and running short cables to the amp, which I am, it should perform well. At least according to these measurements. I suppose I'd need to actually measure if mine has a 10k, 20k, or 50k pot, since it seems like there is variability https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...uator-comparison-technical-measurements.7324/
Does this make the effective source output impedance much higher? Hypex specs a 47k input impedance, so my source impedance should be <4.7k, but ideally much lower right? Hypex apparently recommends 50hms. The M200 DAC has an output impedance that I assume is >1k(based on M400 review) into a passive attenuator of 10-50k, will this end up being a poor match for the 252mp?
A few alternative solutions I could try if it might be worth it:
1) I have an E30, which allows 99-0 volume control, I'm not sure if going that deep into digital volume is okay or not. I'd also need RCA -> XLR to connect to amp. I'd miss my M200 LDAC bluetooth.
2) Better DAC for this purpose? I'd be happy to sell my M200 and find another DAC, if the 5.5V RMS out and 1k+ output impedance aren't a good match for my system.
3) Active pre-amps such as this one end up with a 300ohm output impedance, maybe there are other options as well? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Douk-Audio...392460&hash=item3f86ad2afa:g:ddYAAOSwpUtd5N-h
4)In-line XLR pads from M200 right into 252 and back to digital volume?
Seems to be many ways to go about getting the volume to where you want it. I just want to make sure I'm doing it in an optimal way.