• 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!

Dac + amp Probably a simple question

JD1

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2024
Messages
29
Likes
4
So I was considering buying a SoundImpress ICE1200-4CH Quad Amplifier | 700WPC or is this not the same a the buckeye 6channel review here? https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...keye-nc502mp-review-6-channel-amplifer.27607/

Probably not?

Anyway my question is if I purchased a DAC with one or two xlr outputs how would I connect the dac to the amp.

I'm not much into home cinema I guess I'd just like to enjoy some music and possibly listen to the tv using the speakers + sub but I'm a bit puzzled with how would one go about connecting things, would I need a switch like nobsound MC103 Pro 3-OUT (but with 6) ?

Also for the sub from the amp it would have to be mono right?

Noob asking questions, appreciate the feedback, thanks and sorry if question is too dumb.

Was looking at KEF R11 Meta Tower then I'd look at sub. Any tips, explanations greatly appreciated

Also why so hard to find DSP? Or DAC with DSP

Best regards
 
You are asking for suggestions?

Abandon that plan.

Here is my suggestion.
1. How large is your listening space? How large are your speakers?
Look for an amplifier with lower power rating. Many modern sub
woofers are self (line) powered. They are not driven from an
external amplifier. In my opinion €1500 for an amp for TV sound
is crazy. TV sound quality is not that good.

2. For myself I prefer XLR connections. They are good for commonality with
microphones, direct boxes, and audio interfaces. However, balanced XLR
signals are not necessary for the line level signals you are planning to use.
So, I suggest you make XLR a preference but not a system requirement.

3. The functions of controlling the volume and switching between audio
sources such as DAC and TV are traditionally performed by a "preamplifier".
Having a preamplifier would make it easier to connect the components
of your system. A preamp does not need to be expensive. If you buy
powered speakers you would not even need the amplifier.

4. A DSP function could be a separate box in the signal path. It does not
need to be built in. The DSP box should have a bypass function. If the
preamp has a side channel or "tape loop" the DSP could be attached
there.

That is my suggestion.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JD1
1. How large is your listening space? 35 to 40 m2 How large are your speakers? Don't have any hence why I was looking at KEF R11 Meta Tower.

I like passive systems though.

The speakers/system is not for TV main goal is digital input (coax/optical) music playing, tv is just to use speakers for something else since they are there and it will sound better than tv speakers for sure.


I was looking at amp and a good one so I'd have options in future. That's why I wanted something with some rms so I wouldnt need to upgrade in future, also I plan to get a bigger house with bigger living room so the 35 - 40 m2 is for now.

2. Is what I don't really understand much about, hence my question was with the amp it needs a DAC but most dac like minidsp and others have 1 (L + R) xlr output but amps have x inputs depending on nr of channels. Minidsp shd is quite expensive and otko dac 8 aswell, so are there no good cheaper options for preamp/dac/dsp for 4 to 8 channels?


With DSP in system is even more complicated there is loads of dsp for car audio but for home audio there seems to be only minidsp :/.

Home audio is much more complicated it seems if I'm buying gear I'd like to get good gear instead of just wing it.

Thanks for your time.

There is also AVR and etc... there is too much gear options for home audio
 
2. Is what I don't really understand much about, hence my question was with the amp it needs a DAC but most dac like minidsp and others have 1 (L + R) xlr output but amps have x inputs depending on nr of channels.

So the question is why are you talking about a 4 channel amp. You seem to be talking about 2.1 (stereo plus sub) listening, in which case you need a two channel amp, plus a way of getting an output to drive the sub. Correct?
 
  • Like
Reactions: JD1
good cheaper options for preamp/dac/dsp for 4 to 8 channels?
Eh.... not really. Minidsp Flex HT is $600. 8 channels. Plus the $250 Diraclive license.

Most people go with an integrated AVR to handle your needs. Inaudible sinad and DSP can be gotten for $500-$1k. But they are like minivans, full of features you might or might not need.

Some would get a separate home theater pre amp from a manufacturer like Trinnov but they are even more expensive than the MiniDsp.
 
So the question is why are you talking about a 4 channel amp. You seem to be talking about 2.1 (stereo plus sub) listening, in which case you need a two channel amp, plus a way of getting an output to drive the sub. Correct?
Well honestly I was picking for 4 channels in case I wanted a center channel later, or to upgrade to some surround and the subs don't they need a channel?
 
So minidsp flex ht + amp + speakers is the way I guess? But what if amp only takes in xlr that's what I'm confused about, if amp has only xlr inputs How does one connect minidsp to amp?
 
Also rationaltime suggested to try and keep to xlr only, and minidsp uses rca's.
 
Minidsp Flex HTx for another $350 or skip the XLR. You can connect RCA to XLR in this direction safely.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JD1
Well honestly I was picking for 4 channels in case I wanted a center channel later, or to upgrade to some surround and the subs don't they need a channel?
Hi,
If you want to keep these options open then an AVR makes sense: everything built into one box, you can connect your TV and any future upgrades or changes of direction (surround sound) is catered for. Perfectly good DAC, and the better models have great room correction and subwoofer integration.
The good ones are more than good enough for 'just' music, you can buy technically better hi-fi units but they are unlikely to sound better (they will measure better).

What is your budget? Denons are well regarded here and have a good range, there are other brands too although I'm no expert on these.
 
Minidsp Flex HTx for another $350 or skip the XLR. You can connect RCA to XLR in this direction safely.

What I don't understand or see where my confusion is is the balanced unbalanced xlr, so the minidsp Flex htx cable is unbalanced xlr output? but buckeye nc502 is balanced xlr input right? so how would one connect the 2 xlr outputs per channel into an amp that has 1 xlr input for each channel? This is where my lack of knowledge or confusion is. Or is each 2xjack to 2xlr (minidsp Flex htx cable) actually 2 channel per cable?
 
What I don't understand or see where my confusion is is the balanced unbalanced xlr, so the minidsp Flex htx cable is unbalanced xlr output? but buckeye nc502 is balanced xlr input right? so how would one connect the 2 xlr outputs per channel into an amp that has 1 xlr input for each channel? This is where my lack of knowledge or confusion is. Or is each 2xjack to 2xlr (minidsp Flex htx cable) actually 2 channel per cable?
No, It's a TRS but still balanced so you can use a TRS to XLR cable with no loss.

However, you don't have to use XLR even though Buckeye offers it. I use the RCA Flex HT with my buckeye amp. RCA to XLR cable is fine, one just loses the benefits of balanced (which are usually not important.)
 
  • Like
Reactions: JD1
Hi,
If you want to keep these options open then an AVR makes sense: everything built into one box, you can connect your TV and any future upgrades or changes of direction (surround sound) is catered for. Perfectly good DAC, and the better models have great room correction and subwoofer integration.
The good ones are more than good enough for 'just' music, you can buy technically better hi-fi units but they are unlikely to sound better (they will measure better).

What is your budget? Denons are well regarded here and have a good range, there are other brands too although I'm no expert on these.
Yeah budget is not really my main issue it's more of understanding what I want and what gear I'd want but mainly something below 1k 2k excluding speakers + sub that won't constrain me in the future.
 
What I don't understand or see where my confusion is is the balanced unbalanced xlr, so the minidsp Flex htx cable is unbalanced xlr output? but buckeye nc502 is balanced xlr input right? so how would one connect the 2 xlr outputs per channel into an amp that has 1 xlr input for each channel? This is where my lack of knowledge or confusion is. Or is each 2xjack to 2xlr (minidsp Flex htx cable) actually 2 channel per cable?
For stereo (simplest scenario); two cables from miniDSP to amp ... one for each channel
 
  • Like
Reactions: JD1
You can get a lot better for what you planned to spend on amp and dac. Combine a MiniDSP Flex with an amp like the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC (250w/4R) for your Kef R11 and use active subs, or a seperate amp and sub connected to the other channel.

You will have better alignment to the sub with a device like a MiniDSP Flex than with an AVR as the dsp is way more advanced. The device is tested here and is among the better dac's arround, next to it's dsp capacities. I use one as a preamp now, with my turntable on the analog in, and digital sources on the digital connectors (computer on USB, streamer on Coax)

The Audiophonics amps uses Hypex Ncore NC252MP boards that are way better than the Icepower based amps you linked, and cost far less. They are very well build and those tested from that company here all measured very good. The NC252MP is low noise enough to not matter anymore (but not the latest versoin of NCore, that is way more expensive). I use daily the smaller version of this in my main setup.

Your total setup without the sub or speakers is then arround 1200€ (+200€ for DIRAC room correction if you want that). The 250W/8R is enough to drive your speakers very loud. If you need more speakers in the future, you can choose for the more expensive HT or HTx version, but you will still be below 2K like that.

And on RCA vs Balanaced XLR, in most hifi situations it does not matter that much, XLR is in theory better, but mainly important in pro audio where a lot of lines and devices can polute the signal and analog cables can be long. In hifi this does not matter at all in reality and RCA is good enough.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JD1
Thanks for all the info.

Very nice feedback and option, seems to be a very wise choice.

Also has rca and xlr versions for both minidsp and amp.

A question according to the review it shows power 190 watts and at 235 reaches 1% thd. Would a little headroom be better for the 250w speakers?

Thank you.

Best regards
 
Another question, what's best way to have something, network connected, streaming tidal with ethernet (so phone can connect to it and control it? Through network) With digital(spdif)/ coax output connected to dsp and controlled by phone via wifi network?

Or how do you guys stream from tidal for example and control that thing whatever it is connected to dsp cause if phone is connected to wifi to stream it can't connect to another device using wifi, and spdif/usb/coax cable would be required to be plugged. I don't really want to use LDAC Bluetooth is awful for streaming.
 
Well honestly I was picking for 4 channels in case I wanted a center channel later, or to upgrade to some surround and the subs don't they need a channel?
Once you're talking about multi-channel you need a surround decoder and that usually means an AVR unless you want to get "exotic" and expensive.

Most stand-alone DACs don't support the popular surround formats. You can connect 2 stereo DACs but you won't get 4 separate channels.

And although you can use a subwoofer without one, you lose the "point one" LFE channel without a surround decoder. An AVR will also have "bass management", which is a crossover to optionally re-direct the regular bass from the other channels to the sub. An AVR is the easiest way to properly integrate a subwoofer.

The subwoofer output on an AVR is normally line-level intended for use with an active sub, although you can use a separate amp and passive sub.

Some AVRs have "preamp outputs" allowing you to use separate amplifiers for the other channels too. But 100W per channel form an AVR is not unusual so separate amps aren't usually necessary. ...And you can get a big active sub with a big built-in amp if you want to really shake the walls!
 
Once you're talking about multi-channel you need a surround decoder and that usually means an AVR unless you want to get "exotic" and expensive.

Most stand-alone DACs don't support the popular surround formats. You can connect 2 stereo DACs but you won't get 4 separate channels.

And although you can use a subwoofer without one, you lose the "point one" LFE channel without a surround decoder. An AVR will also have "bass management", which is a crossover to optionally re-direct the regular bass from the other channels to the sub. An AVR is the easiest way to properly integrate a subwoofer.

The subwoofer output on an AVR is normally line-level intended for use with an active sub, although you can use a separate amp and passive sub.

Some AVRs have "preamp outputs" allowing you to use separate amplifiers for the other channels too. But 100W per channel form an AVR is not unusual so separate amps aren't usually necessary. ...And you can get a big active sub with a big built-in amp if you want to really shake the walls!
Thanks.
 
Another question, what's best way to have something, network connected, streaming tidal with ethernet (so phone can connect to it and control it? Through network) With digital(spdif)/ coax output connected to dsp and controlled by phone via wifi network?

Or how do you guys stream from tidal for example and control that thing whatever it is connected to dsp cause if phone is connected to wifi to stream it can't connect to another device using wifi, and spdif/usb/coax cable would be required to be plugged. I don't really want to use LDAC Bluetooth is awful for streaming.
I guess a raspberry pi with volumio is the way connected via USB to minidsp device?
 
Back
Top Bottom