DAC recommendation for vintage amplifiers and speakers

[Firulais71]

Greetings, friends. I was going to buy a pair of Fosi V3 Mono speakers to set up a sound system for my TV and music room, but I've decided to use one of the old amplifiers I have in storage. From all the vintage gear, I'll use:

Yamaha AX-497 amplifier, specifications:

- Power output: 85 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo).
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz.
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.009%.
- Damping factor: 240.
- Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line).
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 88dB (MM), 110dB (line).
- Channel separation: 50dB (line).
- Output: 195mV (line). - Tone control: Bass: ±10 dB at 20 Hz / Treble: ±10 dB at 20,000 Hz.
- Loudness: adjustable.
- No high filter, no low filter (Subsonic).

The amplifier belonged to my father, and apart from a slight dent on the top of the metal casing, the unit is in excellent working condition. The inside is immaculate; I opened it up and it looks brand new. My father used it very little, maybe a couple of years, because when he changed turntables he bought a Marantz PM-94 amplifier, and the Yamaha went into storage along with other equipment.

I never found the Yamaha remote control, but I've already ordered a compatible one from AliExpress.

The speakers I'll be using are Onkyo E-83A MkII speakers manufactured in 1973. Specifications:

- Class: 3-Way, airtight type (sealed).
- Units Used: for low band 30 cm Cone Type (W-30AmkII), for middle range horn type (HM-500AmkII), for high range horn type (TW-9A).
- Playback frequency band 30 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Rated input 30W.
- Max Input 60W.
- Impedance 8 Ω.
- Output sound pressure, between 98dB/W and 99dB/W.
- Crossover frequency 700 Hz, 5 kHz (12dB/oct.).
- Cabinet internal volume 80L.
- External dimensions: Width 420x Height 720x Depth 390 mm.
- Weight 23kg.

I've been testing the speakers with the amp for several days and the sound is incredible, wonderful for jazz, classical, opera, country, guitar/piano solos, wind instruments, pop, and vocals in general. The bass is crisp, punchy, and deep in your gut. They might not be the most rock-oriented (boomy) bass, but they're perfect for what I listen to. It creates a great soundstage, and the amp is robust enough to drive the Onkyo speakers with authority. There's zero clipping; you can tell they have plenty of power, good headroom. To test the equipment, I used a connection between my laptop's headphone output and the amp's CD input. I know it's not the ideal connection, but it worked for the functional tests.

For the final setup, I'll be playing the music on a mini PC with Foobar or Roon, with all the files in FLAC and SD formats. So, I'm missing a DAC, for which I plan to spend a maximum of $180-$200. I was thinking about the Fosi ZD3 or even an SMSL SU-1, which I've read very good reviews about. While I know they're very affordable DACs, I honestly don't think I need anything more powerful.

¿What affordable DAC would you recommend to complete the setup?

Best regards.

 

[Timcognito]

Maybe consider a streamer/DAC combo with simpler GUI like one of the WiiM products. I too started with Foobar and went to lifetime Roon but find that most of Roon's value was its DSP. When I got a Roon ready Bluesound Node (2017), its UI on a tablet was the ideal simpler easier quicker remote joining all my NAS, Internet radio, and Qobuz.

 

[DVDdoug]

Almost any DAC will be fine including the Apple Dongle.

You may want something different if you need "features" like a volume control knob, or remote volume control, or if you wanted to plug-in "hard to drive" headphones into the DAC, etc.

I used a connection between my laptop's headphone output and the amp's CD input. I know it's not the ideal connection, but it worked for the functional tests.

If you are not getting noise (hum, hiss, or whine) from that connection, it's fine too. You're not going to get "better sound" from something else. Frequency response and distortion are almost better than human hearing. Although some DACs do measure better than others... Things can be measured that can't be heard.
I've decided to use one of the old amplifiers I have in storage.

but I've decided to use one of the old amplifiers I have

That's fine too! (Assuming no noise or other obvious audio problems). Your speakers are rated for 65W so you don't need more power. And it's an integrated amplifier with more features, more controls, and multiple inputs.

Most of the sound quality/character comes from the speakers and room (and tone controls/EQ).

 

[MaxwellsEq]

Greetings, friends. I was going to buy a pair of Fosi V3 Mono speakers to set up a sound system for my TV and music room, but I've decided to use one of the old amplifiers I have in storage. From all the vintage gear, I'll use:

Yamaha AX-497 amplifier, specifications:

- Power output: 85 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo).
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz.
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.009%.
- Damping factor: 240.
- Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line).
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 88dB (MM), 110dB (line).
- Channel separation: 50dB (line).
- Output: 195mV (line). - Tone control: Bass: ±10 dB at 20 Hz / Treble: ±10 dB at 20,000 Hz.
- Loudness: adjustable.
- No high filter, no low filter (Subsonic).

The amplifier belonged to my father, and apart from a slight dent on the top of the metal casing, the unit is in excellent working condition. The inside is immaculate; I opened it up and it looks brand new. My father used it very little, maybe a couple of years, because when he changed turntables he bought a Marantz PM-94 amplifier, and the Yamaha went into storage along with other equipment.

View attachment 517082

I never found the Yamaha remote control, but I've already ordered a compatible one from AliExpress.

The speakers I'll be using are Onkyo E-83A MkII speakers manufactured in 1973. Specifications:

- Class: 3-Way, airtight type (sealed).
- Units Used: for low band 30 cm Cone Type (W-30AmkII), for middle range horn type (HM-500AmkII), for high range horn type (TW-9A).
- Playback frequency band 30 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Rated input 30W.
- Max Input 60W.
- Impedance 8 Ω.
- Output sound pressure, between 98dB/W and 99dB/W.
- Crossover frequency 700 Hz, 5 kHz (12dB/oct.).
- Cabinet internal volume 80L.
- External dimensions: Width 420x Height 720x Depth 390 mm.
- Weight 23kg.

View attachment 517085

I've been testing the speakers with the amp for several days and the sound is incredible, wonderful for jazz, classical, opera, country, guitar/piano solos, wind instruments, pop, and vocals in general. The bass is crisp, punchy, and deep in your gut. They might not be the most rock-oriented (boomy) bass, but they're perfect for what I listen to. It creates a great soundstage, and the amp is robust enough to drive the Onkyo speakers with authority. There's zero clipping; you can tell they have plenty of power, good headroom. To test the equipment, I used a connection between my laptop's headphone output and the amp's CD input. I know it's not the ideal connection, but it worked for the functional tests.

For the final setup, I'll be playing the music on a mini PC with Foobar or Roon, with all the files in FLAC and SD formats. So, I'm missing a DAC, for which I plan to spend a maximum of $180-$200. I was thinking about the Fosi ZD3 or even an SMSL SU-1, which I've read very good reviews about. While I know they're very affordable DACs, I honestly don't think I need anything more powerful.

¿What affordable DAC would you recommend to complete the setup?

Best regards.

Just be aware that the line sensitivity may be a bit low for modern DACs. You may need a device that has built-in volume control or an attenuator.

 

[jcarys]

The SMSL is perfectly fine if you are just going to set it and forget it. It doesn't come with a remote, so if you plan on more than just the mini-PC as a source, that may be frustrating. The Topping E30 II Lite is a whopping $100 and does have a remote. There's really no reason to spend more.

 

[Firulais71]

Maybe consider a streamer/DAC combo with simpler GUI like one of the WiiM products. I too started with Foobar and went to lifetime Roon but find that most of Roon's value was its DSP. When I got a Roon ready Bluesound Node (2017), its UI on a tablet was the ideal simpler easier quicker remote joining all my NAS, Internet radio, and Qobuz.

Hi, honestly, all I need is a DAC with a USB connection. As long as the product is good quality and faithfully plays my FLAC and DSD files, that's enough for me. I won't even use the volume knob or Bluetooth.

Regards.

 

[Firulais71]

The SMSL is perfectly fine if you are just going to set it and forget it. It doesn't come with a remote, so if you plan on more than just the mini-PC as a source, that may be frustrating. The Topping E30 II Lite is a whopping $100 and does have a remote. There's really no reason to spend more.

The SMSL is perfectly fine if you are just going to set it and forget it. It doesn't come with a remote, so if you plan on more than just the mini-PC as a source, that may be frustrating. The Topping E30 II Lite is a whopping $100 and does have a remote. There's really no reason to spend more.

Hi doc, a few hours ago I bought the SMSL SU-1 on AliExpress. I saw it for less than $80 and didn't hesitate. It has everything I need, which is basically a USB connection. I won't be using a headphone jack or Bluetooth, among other features that are irrelevant to me on other DACs. I don't even need a volume knob since I can control it from my PC or with the amplifier's remote. So this minimalist DAC should work well for me, I hope.

Greetings from Peru.

 

[Timcognito]

Well within your budget is streaming, and Roon Radio you will find 1000's of new artists that match your current tastes with Roon organizing and presenting them along with your own media. Plus, adding your collection to a another room or workshop is a breeze without changing any control functions just move your phone or tablet to that location. You don't need to sit close to computer. But I understand your view, just that for the same price and sound quality one adds new capabilities. Once hooked your Dad's rig will be your garage rig. Good luck.

 

[Firulais71]

Well within your budget is streaming, and Roon Radio you will find 1000's of new artists that match your current tastes with Roon organizing and presenting them along with your own media. Plus, adding your collection to a another room or workshop is a breeze without changing any control functions just move your phone or tablet to that location. You don't need to sit close to computer. But I understand your view, just that for the same price and sound quality one adds new capabilities. Once hooked your Dad's rig will be your garage rig. Good luck.

Thanks, mate. I bought the SMSL. I'll see how it goes with this DAC, and if I need other features later, I'll consider migrating to another solution like the one you mentioned.

Cheers.

 

[Firulais71]

Hey everyone, I've been using the SMSL SU-1 for a little over a month now, and I can only say it's a spectacular piece of gear.

This product is so affordable that the price-performance ratio is incredible, given its excellent specifications (honestly, it's on par with other DACs that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars that I've compared it to).

So far, the setup experience has been fantastic, and I'm grateful to everyone who helped me with their timely advice.

Every day I become more convinced that you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on components to enjoy very high-quality music.

Here's a snapshot of my humble chain.

Greetings from Peru.