DAC with 5 band parametric EQ tosslink in, analog out

[Laika2]

Chain
Waxwing phono preamp to DAC to headphone amp. I want a dac to adjust headphones to a Harmon curve then into the headphone amp,

The Waxwing has a open toslink out slot to go into the dac, then analog RCAs into the headphone preamp.

This is not a computer rig, it's a full standard HT.

I need at least a 5 band parametric equalizer in the dac, 7 would be better, 3 maybe but that is a compromise. Also I would like a remote and at least 2 presets one for each of my headphones, 4 or 5 would be better as I plan to buy more cans.

Experts, any options out there, don't wanta mini dsp as most features will not be used, a simple parametric equalizer would be easy and quick

Thanks in advance.

 

[LTig]

Since you did not specify a budget: RME ADI-2 DAC.

 

[staticV3]

Topping E50 II has 10-band PEQ, a remote control, and can be adjusted via your mobile phone: https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/topping-home-app#

Other Topping DACs with PEQ (D50 III, D70 Pro, D90 III Discrete, D900, Centaurus, DX5 II) require a PC connected via USB to adjust the EQ.

JDS Element IV is very nice with 10-band PEQ, but also requires a PC to adjust.

WiiM Pro/WiiM Ultra can be adjusted via your phone, but likely have many features that you don't need as they're primarily streamers.

Then there's the RME ADI-2 DAC, which you can adjust using the knob which is a bit cumbersome. Adjustment using your computer or iPad via USB is possible as well.

 

[respice finem]

Since you did not specify a budget: RME ADI-2 DAC.

And you get a remote with B/T shelf filters, which is even quicker.

 

[Laika2]

And you get a remote with B/T shelf filters, which is even quicker.

Price is not an object short of crazy high, thanks off to check it out.

 

[respice finem]

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[sqrl]

Price is not an object short of crazy high, thanks off to check it out.

ADI 2/4 and you have all 3 in 1 (add a SUT for a MC cartridge).

 

[staticV3]

ADI 2/4 and you have all 3 in 1 (add a SUT for a MC cartridge).

Doesn't have the Waxwing's DSP suite tailor made for Vinyl.

 

[Laika2]

Doesn't have the Waxwing's DSP suite tailor made for Vinyl.

Thats OK, I plan to use only the parametric equilizer in whatever dac, other settings will be in the Waxwing, headphone amp will be used for the end of the chain. (Toping L70). Perhaps this won't work but it seems it will.

If I am wrong tell me why and how you wound do it. I really want to stick with this plan but am not locked down if there is issues.

Digital coax runs to my mains from Waxwing, tosslink will go to dac as I only need to equalize the headphones, not the mains.

 

[staticV3]

If I am wrong tell me why and how you wound do it.

If you already have the L70, then I'd do Waxwing->Optical->E50 II->RCA->L70.
Or 1/4" TRS instead of RCA if you encounter Ground loops.

Then load EQ presets using the phone App, and switch between presets using the E50 II Remote control.

 

[Laika2]

If you already have the L70, then I'd do Waxwing->Optical->E50 II->RCA->L70.
Or 1/4" TRS instead of RCA if you encounter Ground loops.

Then load EQ presets using the phone App, and switch between presets using the E50 II Remote control.

It has a single band parametric that is limited, I can and have done that but I need at least a 3 band, really a 5 band as some of my headphones require 5 bands to hit the headphone Harmon target curve.

 

[staticV3]

It has a single band parametric that is limited, I can and have done that but I need at least a 3 band, really a 5 band as some of my headphones require 5 bands to hit the headphone Harmon target curve.

The E50 II has 10-band PEQ.

 

[Laika2]

The E50 II has 10-band PEQ.

Read the reviews, that should work great. Thanks so much, will show tomorrow.

 

[Laika2]

Arrived, hooked up, will mess with it later after I read the manual. Thanks again all.

 

[staticV3]

Arrived, hooked up, will mess with it later after I read the manual. Thanks again all.

Be careful with volume: On High gain the E50II will play 50% louder than regular DACs, using either of its outputs.

Can also be an advantage though as there's no reason to use your L70's High gain ever. You can keep it on Low for the lowest hiss.

 

[Laika2]

Thanks, so low gain is the way to go? Want to use the volume on the Topping L70 headphone amp never touch the E50 II volume.

 

[staticV3]

Thanks, so low gain is the way to go? Want to use the volume on the Topping L70 headphone amp never touch the E50 II volume.

If the E50II and L70 are both set to Low and it's not loud enough even with both set to 100%, then you should set the E50II to High and not the L70.

Otherwise it's fine to keep both on Low.

 

[Laika2]

If the E50II and L70 are both set to Low and it's not loud enough even with both set to 100%, then you should set the E50II to High and not the L70.

Otherwise it's fine to keep both on Low.

Thanks, I do listen loud often, will do if needed. My cans are easy to drive, need to get rid of the equalization on the Waxwing as the next step. Added a hard bass curve(+4db). Don't want to forget and double up by adding it into the E50.

 

[staticV3]

Thanks, I do listen loud often, will do if needed. My cans are easy to drive, need to get rid of the equalization on the Waxwing as the next step. Added a hard bass curve(+4db). Don't want to forget and double up by adding it into the E50.

For headphone presets, check out https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets/

Also check the preference adjustment instructions in the bottom right corner of each PDF.

 

[Laika2]

For headphone presets, check out https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets/

Also check the preference adjustment instructions in the bottom right corner of each PDF.

Thanks, been there which was the point of the project. (But hey, you did not know that)