DAC/AMP Recommendation for an audio noob + thoughts on speaker & sub choice :)

[BadlyRuined]

Hello everyone! I'm nearing the end of a VERY researched 1st PC build and the last bit is the audio set up and that's where I have pretty much absolutely no experience. I've recently ended perusing several posts on here and I'm hoping that all of you (well, maybe some of you) could give a bit of advice

As I mentioned, this is a PC, primarily for gaming and media...my display is 42" so will be used for TV/movies/sports as well. Truthfully, music is not much of a concern. It's a smaller bedroom converted to a gaming room, roughly 11x13 with 8 foot ceilings.

The speaker/sub combo that I have landed on are KEF Q150 + RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII. I was quite close to pulling the trigger on the WiiM amp, but had seen concerns at higher volumes. I have a house so I don't have apartment neighbors to worry about, so from time to time I might want to push some louder volumes, so I also checked out other DAC/Amps like the Loxjie A40 and the SMSL AO300. I liked the features of the WiiM and the pricepoint is nice but I'd rather have the best amp at roughly that same price even if it means fewer features (the EQ on the WiiM honestly seemed like the most intriguing feature since I've read that the Q150s need a bit of tinkering to max out the experience).

Anyway, I am hoping that this lovely community couuld help sort out my amp decision! If you have any thoughts/comments on the speaker/sub combo feel free to chime in as well.

Thank you all for your help!

 

[staticV3]

Hi @BadlyRuined! Welcome to ASR.

If you have concerns about the WiiM Amp's built-in Amp, then another approach would be:

For the Amp, consider the Fosi V3 Mono.

Setting up and configuring the miniDSP would be done from your PC, ideally with the help of a miniDSP UMIK-1 measurement microphone, and volume can be controlled using miniDSP's IR Remote.

At a later date, you could even upgrade the 2x4HD to a DDCR-24 via FW update, giving you full Dirac room correction.

Bonus point for the 2x4HD would be that you could make use of the extensive BassEQ database to restore proper subbass response to often flawed movie mixes.

 

[BadlyRuined]

Hi @BadlyRuined! Welcome to ASR.

If you have concerns about the WiiM Amp's built-in Amp, then another approach would be:
View attachment 394022

For the Amp, consider the Fosi V3 Mono.

Setting up and configuring the miniDSP would be done from your PC, ideally with the help of a miniDSP UMIK-1 measurement microphone, and volume can be controlled using miniDSP's IR Remote.

At a later date, you could even upgrade the 2x4HD to a DDCR-24 via FW update, giving you full Dirac room correction.

Bonus point for the 2x4HD would be that you could make use of the extensive BassEQ database to restore proper subbass response to often flawed movie mixes.

Just when I thought there wasn't a different set up with terms I hadn't heard of yet hahaha.

I'm not against this but it seems to add a bit more cost (particularly factoring the mic) and although I'd like a great setup, I am by no means an audiophile. Is this suggestion significantly different than one or the dac/amps that I had mentioned? Please note that I'm not disagreeing...I couldn't possibly since I don't know very much about this

 

[staticV3]

Is this suggestion significantly different than one or the dac/amps that I had mentioned?

Yes.

 

[JeremyFife]

A simpler variant of StaticV3's suggestion is to add a WiiM Ultra (all the features of the WiiM Amp but without any amplification) and a power amplifier. A pair of the Fosi V3 Monos would still be a good choice if you want power.

That gives you a lot of good things plus a lot of power.
What it doesn't give you is @staticV3 's discussion of the BassEQ database (which I'm not familiar with). You want sound primarily for movies and gaming, so I'm guessing that would be useful for you.
It would be worth trying to understand StaticV3' suggestion.

 

[staticV3]

A simpler variant of StaticV3's suggestion is to add a WiiM Ultra (all the features of the WiiM Amp but without any amplification) and a power amplifier. A pair of the Fosi V3 Monos would still be a good choice if you want power.

Thing is, for OP's needs, the Ultra offers no advantages over the 2x4HD (arguably just disadvantages), but costs $100 more.

 

[JeremyFife]

Thing is, for OP's needs, the Ultra offers no advantages over the 2x4HD (arguably just disadvantages), but costs $100 more.

I agree, although it's not as 'friendly'. Worth reading up on.

 

[Cecill]

Personally, I wouldn't choose the Wiim amplifier due to its class D load dependency. Do you want to keep the KEFs, or are you open to changing them?

 

[BadlyRuined]

Personally, I wouldn't choose the Wiim amplifier due to its class D load dependency. Do you want to keep the KEFs, or are you open to changing them?

I'm open to any advice! Feel free to let me know any other smart options.

 

[BadlyRuined]

Yes.

Good to know! Can you briefly (or in great detail...up to you) explain the difference between the setup you suggested and just a dac/amp like I had been looking at, but more in layman's terms? Sorry, some of the audio vernacular isn't super clear to me.

Thank you again for your help!

 

[JeremyFife]

There are always options ... as a rough rule, for every N members commenting you have N+1 options (plus 1 for luck).

Your speakers are pretty good.
The WiiM Amp is good (and load dependency is minor, and can be compensated for by its PEQ if necessary).
StaticV3's suggestion is also good: very flexible and powerful.

However ... the biggest improvements come from upgrading speakers (and integrating them with your room - so DSP/PEQ/Room Correction is sensible).

Trading up speakers depends on your budget. The big brother Kef Q350's are good.
Alternative options are to go for Active monitors - perhaps Kali LP-6 - with the miniDSP 2x4HD or a WiiM Ultra - no Amp required

You can go mad looking at options, and end up never actually listening to anything

 

[staticV3]

Good to know! Can you briefly (or in great detail...up to you) explain the difference between the setup you suggested and just a dac/amp like I had been looking at, but more in layman's terms? Sorry, some of the audio vernacular isn't super clear to me.

By going with a miniDSP and separate Amp, instead of a Loxjie or SMSL All-in-One, you gain a tremendous amount of fine-control over your system's phase- and frequency response.

Properly utilized, that will result in way better sound quality that what could be achieved with a simple DAC+Amp.

 

[BadlyRuined]

There are always options ... as a rough rule, for every N members commenting you have N+1 options (plus 1 for luck).

Your speakers are pretty good.
The WiiM Amp is good (and load dependency is minor, and can be compensated for by its PEQ if necessary).
StaticV3's suggestion is also good: very flexible and powerful.

However ... the biggest improvements come from upgrading speakers (and integrating them with your room - so DSP/PEQ/Room Correction is sensible).

Trading up speakers depends on your budget. The big brother Kef Q350's are good.
Alternative options are to go for Active monitors - perhaps Kali LP-6 - with the miniDSP 2x4HD or a WiiM Ultra - no Amp required

You can go mad looking at options, and end up never actually listening to anything

Oh I have gone quite mad so far, but I suppose in a good way. I started off (albeit quite a while ago) looking at Creative Pebble speakers and now here I am lmao. My previous option that I was strongly considered were powered speakers...either the Vanatoo Transparent Zero+ or Transparent One Encore+. The switch to the Q150s was a recent one based off of suggestions. Budget is certainly a factor and I also don't want overkill. Since it is a smaller room, the Q350s might be more than I need. I had checked out the Kali LPs as well

I had been considering the WiiM also based off of recommendations, but almost entirely as an amp, not so much for the streaming functions.

Thanks again for the info

 

[BadlyRuined]

By going with a miniDSP and separate Amp, instead of a Loxjie or SMSL All-in-One, you gain a tremendous amount of fine-control over your system's phase- and frequency response.

Properly utilized, that will result in way better sound quality that what could be achieved with a simple DAC+Amp.

Exactly the layman's terms I was hoping for - thank you!!

Mind sharing your thoughts on the speaker sub combo as well? @JeremyFife had mentioned some alternatives so I figured I'd check with you as well.

Thank you!

 

[staticV3]

Mind sharing your thoughts on the speaker sub combo as well?

I think the Q150+10S MKII is a very sensible combo.

Without a way to apply EQ, I'd definitely choose the LP-6v2 for its more neutral stock response and the calibration DIP switches on the back.

With a 2x4HD in the system though, those benefits are negated and I'd instead choose the Q150 for its coaxial design.

 

[BadlyRuined]

I think the Q150+10S MKII is a very sensible combo.

Without a way to apply EQ, I'd definitely choose the LP-6v2 for its more neutral stock response and the calibration DIP switches on the back.

With a 2x4HD in the system though, those benefits are negated and I'd instead choose the Q150 for its coaxial design.

I have one more question for you

On a scale of 1 to 10, how imperative would the UMIK-1 (or comparable) mic be for the setup that you recommended to be worthwhile? Based on further research, it seems like a measurement mic is pretty much a must for anyone getting the MiniDSP.

 

[staticV3]

On a scale of 1 to 10, how imperative would the UMIK-1 (or comparable) mic be for the setup that you recommended to be worthwhile?

8/10

If you find the cost hard to justify considering it's a one-time setup, then here's a cheaper alternative:

Could use some 101 advice

Hello, First of all I‘d like to say I’m super impressed with the wealth of exact information and knowledge available here. I had a homestudio once but started traveling about five years ago and haven’t done anything with recording music since. It is now that I’ve temporarily settled in a place...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[BadlyRuined]

8/10

If you find the cost hard to justify considering it's a one-time setup, then here's a cheaper alternative:

Could use some 101 advice

Hello, First of all I‘d like to say I’m super impressed with the wealth of exact information and knowledge available here. I had a homestudio once but started traveling about five years ago and haven’t done anything with recording music since. It is now that I’ve temporarily settled in a place...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Haha, I thought the number was going to be pretty high but figured I'd check

Thank you again!

 

[BadlyRuined]

8/10

If you find the cost hard to justify considering it's a one-time setup, then here's a cheaper alternative:

Could use some 101 advice

Hello, First of all I‘d like to say I’m super impressed with the wealth of exact information and knowledge available here. I had a homestudio once but started traveling about five years ago and haven’t done anything with recording music since. It is now that I’ve temporarily settled in a place...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I lied...one more question...

Would I need two of the Fosi V3s?

 

[DVDdoug]

I can't recommend anything...

But speakers (and enough power to drive them however loud you want to go) is by-far the main thing in audio reproduction. If you've heard the KEF speakers and the sub and you like the sound you should be in good shape!

Next EQ (or basic tone controls) and/or "room correction".



A couple of notes about the subwoofer:

- You should have a "crossover" to route the bass to the sub and block that bass from the main speakers. That's built-into AVRs (bass management). It's optional in an AVR in case you have "full range" main speakers and you just want to use the sub for the "point one" LFE channel. Some amps/preamps also have a dedicated sub output. Or some subwoofers have a built-in crossover with line-level pass-through (high-passed line outputs). It looks like the Speedwoofer has that.

- Without a surround decoder (usually an AVR) you lose the LFE channel and you only get the "regular bass" from the other channels.

Would I need two of the Fosi V3s?

Yes.