Dac/amp and sub for edifier mr4

[ShardySk]

Hi I just bought the edifier mr4 speakers and I don't have a dac or an amp, I want to use them on pc for music listening so I was wondering if I should buy a dac/amp for the speakers, I have a budget of 100$
Also I would like to get a subwoofer in the near future, I was looking at the edifier t5 or the presonus sub 8 but I don't know which one to choose. Thanks in advance for the help

 

[DVDdoug]

edifier mr4 speakers and I don't have a dac or an amp,

Those are active/powered speakers (with a built-in amplifier). The won't work with a separate amplifier although you may want a "preamp" or something with a volume control knob and input selector, etc.

You also may not need a DAC. What is your audio source? If you are using a phone without a headphone output, a simple headphone "dongle" may be all you need. With the correct adapter cable a headphone output will work with a line input (like the input on your speakers).

...Personally, I don't own a stand-alone DAC. By AVR has a DAC, my phone has a DAC, my computer has a DAC (soundcard), etc.

If you are not using an AVR, the best-easiest way to integrate a subwoofer is to get a sub with a pass-through crossover. The line-level signals pass-through the sub and the bass is filtered-out, and then the signal goes-on to your main amplifier or active speakers. Most subwoofers are active.

 

[juvenal]

I have mine connected via TRS input to my SMSL DL200 and there was a significant improvement in sound quality in relation to my original line/SE connection (though my DAC was also a different one back then).

I had also given my parents a set of MR4s, but these were originally connected to a small HiBy FC1. After changing to the same setup as mine (an SMSL DL200) everyone noted the really significant difference in sound quality for the better.

In short: IMHO the MR4s benefit not so much from a DAC, but particularly from one with balanced output, connected to the MR4s' TRS inputs.