• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Best DAC for Adam Audio A4V active monitors with PC

sareth

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2024
Messages
2
Likes
0
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.
 
Any of 'em.
 
Perhaps also note that you’ll be listening through the speakers’ DACs in any case.
 
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.
 
Last edited:
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?
 
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.
 
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...
 
Thx, makes sense.

...I wonder why then only analog inputs and not digital inputs on such monitors...
That is a mystery to me also.
 
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.
 
P.S.: here is a block diagram of the A series’ signal processing where you see their ADC and DACs.

1736234219717.jpeg

(Source)
 
Back
Top Bottom