Best Solution for Monitoring Setup – Passive Controller or DAC?

[seaofwine]

Hey everyone!
I’m currently using a Lynx L22 PCI audio interface, which has:

• 2x Analog Outputs (Balanced TRS)
• 1x Digital Output (AES/EBU XLR)

My studio monitors (Yamaha HS8 + HS8S Sub) are directly connected to the analog outputs of the Lynx. However, I also need to integrate headphones (LD HPA4 headphone amp) into my setup. Right now, I have to manually swap cables between my speakers and headphone amp, which is becoming a hassle.

Additionally, I use an SPL Goldmike II preamp for recording, and I need a way to mix the recording signal with the DAW playback for real-time monitoring without noticeable latency.

Would it be better to:
1) Get a passive monitor controller (like Drawmer MC2.1 or Heritage Audio Baby RAM) to switch between monitors and headphones?
2) Use the digital AES/EBU output into a DAC (like Schiit Modius or SMSL PS200) and run separate paths for speakers and headphones?

I want to make sure I get the best signal quality while keeping a convenient workflow. What would you recommend for my setup? Thanks!

 

[ZolaIII]

Why on earth are you using that old PCI card? How did you connect TRS unbalanced headphone amplifier to balanced out? What do you really need? I suppose audio interface with good headphones output or two if so check Topping offering.

 

[JIW]

Hey everyone!
I’m currently using a Lynx L22 PCI audio interface, which has:

• 2x Analog Outputs (Balanced TRS)
• 1x Digital Output (AES/EBU XLR)

My studio monitors (Yamaha HS8 + HS8S Sub) are directly connected to the analog outputs of the Lynx. However, I also need to integrate headphones (LD HPA4 headphone amp) into my setup. Right now, I have to manually swap cables between my speakers and headphone amp, which is becoming a hassle.

Additionally, I use an SPL Goldmike II preamp for recording, and I need a way to mix the recording signal with the DAW playback for real-time monitoring without noticeable latency.

Would it be better to:
1) Get a passive monitor controller (like Drawmer MC2.1 or Heritage Audio Baby RAM) to switch between monitors and headphones?
2) Use the digital AES/EBU output into a DAC (like Schiit Modius or SMSL PS200) and run separate paths for speakers and headphones?

I want to make sure I get the best signal quality while keeping a convenient workflow. What would you recommend for my setup? Thanks!

Most low priced DACs don't have AES/EBU input. Consider getting a headphone amp with balanced input that has preamp or pass through functionality or a DAC/HPA with AES/EBU input. Alternatively, if possible get a DAC/HPA with balanced outputs and route the outputs to that while using the inputs of the sound card.

For a DAC/HPA with AES input consider the Loxjie D40Pro or SMSL DL400 or DO400. For a headphone amp with preamp function consider the Topping L70 while the A30Pro and L50 have a pass through function.