Best DAC for Adam Audio A4V active monitors with PC

[sareth]

Please can you recommend DAC for the Adam Audio A4V active speakers for listening to music from a PC?

I was using a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen, but I wanted something better.

I have found these candidates:

• SMLS D-6S
• FiiO K11 R2R
• Topping DX3 Pro+
• ZEN DAC 3
• Fosi Audio ZD3

I just need DAC with best quality audio speakers output in small body with volume control knob.

I don't need DAC with display, headphone output, bluetooth, backlight ...

Thank you.

 

[dfuller]

Any of 'em.

 

[Rednaxela]

Perhaps also note that you’ll be listening through the speakers’ DACs in any case.

 

[antcollinet]

Select from any that have balanced outputs (XLR or TRS) to go into the XLR on your speakers.

From your list, that leaves you the Fosi and SMSL.

 

[Bl00dWolf]

Perhaps also note that you’ll be listening through the speakers’ DACs in any case.

Can you please explain why?
Because A4V only have ANALOG IN (xlr or rca), no any digital connection (Ethernet RJ45 is only for settings, not for sound). Do they have their own DAC? As far as I can understand - no. They have thier AMP, not DAC. Am I wrong?

 

[antcollinet]

Can you please explain why?
Because A4V only have ANALOG IN (xlr or rca), no any digital connection (Ethernet RJ45 is only for settings, not for sound). Do they have their own DAC? As far as I can understand - no. They have thier AMP, not DAC. Am I wrong?

They have built in DSP room correction. This can only work in the digital domain, so the analogue inputs will be be converted to digital, processed through the DSP, then converted back to analogue. As far as I can see there is no analogue passthrough, so the pipeline will be digital whether or not you use the DSP.

It's nothing to worry about though. The A/D D/A steps will be totally transparent. And no reason not to have good quality analogue signals going to them.

 

[Bl00dWolf]

They have built in DSP room correction. This can only work in the digital domain, so the analogue inputs will be be converted to digital, processed through the DSP, then converted back to analogue. As far as I can see there is no analogue passthrough, so the pipeline will be digital whether or not you use the DSP.

It's nothing to worry about though. The A/D D/A steps will be totally transparent. And no reason not to have good quality analogue signals going to them.

Thx, makes sense.

...I wonder why then only analog inputs and not digital inputs on such monitors...

 

[antcollinet]

Thx, makes sense.

...I wonder why then only analog inputs and not digital inputs on such monitors...

That is a mystery to me also.

 

[unpluggged]

Thx, makes sense.

...I wonder why then only analog inputs and not digital inputs on such monitors...

Because they need a feature that could help them better differetiate their S-series from the prosumer A- and entry T-series. AES inputs are still regarded by most manufacturers as a premium pro feature. Also, the target audience of the A- and T-series mainly use them with entry-level audio interfaces with only analog monitoring outputs.

 

[Rednaxela]

I was using a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen, but I wanted something better.

Better in what way?

 

[Rednaxela]

P.S.: here is a block diagram of the A series’ signal processing where you see their ADC and DACs.

(Source)

 

[jyytaef]

P.S.: here is a block diagram of the A series’ signal processing where you see their ADC and DACs.

View attachment 419274
(Source)

I'm just registered after finding your remarks, wondering that for ADAM D3V, what I recently want to purchase, is D3V's signal processing the same as that of A series? D3V featrues a 16bit usb input and a 24bit TRS input. Is that mean, I still get 16bit signal even if I use TRS inputs?

 

[sareth]

FYI: After consideration, I bought the Topping E70 Velvet with the AKM chip and it's great.

 

[Rednaxela]

ADAM Audio - D3V Desktop Monitors [Active]

Designed for producers, and music lovers, the D3Vs can be connected via USB-C and offer a wealth of features, plus incredible audio performance.

www.adam-audio.com

Scroll down -> Technical Data -> Signal Processing

 

[antcollinet]

I'm just registered after finding your remarks, wondering that for ADAM D3V, what I recently want to purchase, is D3V's signal processing the same as that of A series? D3V featrues a 16bit usb input and a 24bit TRS input. Is that mean, I still get 16bit signal even if I use TRS inputs?

I've not been able to find any info on the DSP pipeline of the D3V.

However I suspect that if the USB is limited to 16 bits, there is no reason to do that unless the internal pipeline is also 16 bits. Or at least that the output DAC is 16 bits.

So if this is correct then yes - overall the speakers are limited to 16 bit audio. This is in no way though a limit on their performance. 16 bit is quite adequate for transparent sound - especially when you consider the limitations of a 3inch small speaker such as this.

 

[AnalogSteph]

However I suspect that if the USB is limited to 16 bits, there is no reason to do that unless the internal pipeline is also 16 bits.

Nah, I bet they're just using some of the dusty old TI USB receivers that have otherwise been considered obsolete since at least 2011. There was at least one report of higher noise floor when using the USB input compared to analog.