AudioInterface vs Amp with passive speakers

[liliaokulani]

Hello,

just a questions in order for me to learn and understand all this new stuff.

If I used passive studio monitors i could connect these to a Notebook through

1) an Audio Interface or

2) an Amp that is connected to a DAC? Would you need a preamp for the speakers?

My setup will be the Adam T5V with the Motu M4 but if I were to go the DAC/Amp route I dont quite understand how that works.

If I were to use the Magnius and Modius would I need another device?

Balanced XLR on the TV5 could be connected to either XLR or balanced TRS outputs on the AI or DAC/Amp combo?

Would I need a passive monitor controller for volume?

Thanks in advance

 

[twsecrest]

using a pre-amp is an option, but not required.
Run cables from the Moto M4 to the Adam T5V, 1/4 TRS to XLR
That look like this, that should do the job.

 

[Chrispy]

If you use passive speakers you'll need an amp at some point. If your source is digital audio, you'll need a dac to convert it. The Adam T5V is an active speaker, so no need for an amp in addition to that the speaker has. You may want to use a pre-amp to control sources and volume, tho.