Desktop 2.1 DAC Idea

[VilmFilm]

I wish I could start my own audio company focusing on 2.1 desktop solutions to cater. Simple ins and outs and only digital inputs since it's meant for PC or streamer use. Small compact form factors for desk use. Basic digital (maybe EQ) and crossovers for sub and mains. Quality dac and amp. Keep it as bare bones as possible with Bluetooth.

Used chatgpt to get some basic idea designs but obviously could be changed to make it look better and vintage/modern.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

I've said before, and have started threads before, on this very topic.

More on more we're seeing streamer-DACs with subwoofer outs. The digital DAC part of any unit would seem the obvious point at which to set the crossover, etc.

 

[CptKaos]

I wish I could start my own audio company focusing on 2.1 desktop solutions to cater. Simple ins and outs and only digital inputs since it's meant for PC or streamer use. Small compact form factors for desk use. Basic digital (maybe EQ) and crossovers for sub and mains. Quality dac and amp. Keep it as bare bones as possible with Bluetooth.

Used chatgpt to get some basic idea designs but obviously could be changed to make it look better and vintage/modern.

like the Ampapa/Douk Audio D1 amp and Q1 DAC

 

[VilmFilm]

I've said before, and have started threads before, on this very topic.

More on more we're seeing streamer-DACs with subwoofer outs. The digital DAC part of any unit would seem the obvious point at which to set the crossover, etc.

That's what I've been saying, like it's IN THE DIGITAL DOMAIN, use that to your advantage. I've semi given up on luxsin to make a compact one. They keep focusing and adding all these software features and just fancy extra stuff

 

[VilmFilm]

like the Ampapa/Douk Audio D1 amp and Q1 DAC
View attachment 539260

Yeah but I don't need an amp. Just a DAC/headphone amp

 

[CptKaos]

Yeah but I don't need an amp. Just a DAC/headphone amp

well, you said " my own audio company focusing on 2.1 desktop solutions" and " for sub and mains. Quality dac and amp"
if all you need is the DAC/headphone amp the Q1 does that

 

[BassTinker]

I also don't see the necessity to open a new company if there are already a good amount of companies providing what you are looking for. Despite that, your requirements for the device are really vague. A short bullet-point list with specific requirements would make it easier to understand what you are looking for.

 

[VilmFilm]

well, you said " my own audio company focusing on 2.1 desktop solutions" and " for sub and mains. Quality dac and amp"
if all you need is the DAC/headphone amp the Q1 does that

Where's the crossovers tho?

 

[Ultrasonic]

Doesn't a Wiim Amp do everything you're asking for?

WiiM Amp | Smart Streaming Amplifier for Passive Speakers

Power passive speakers with WiiM Amp. Enjoy Hi-Res streaming, HDMI ARC TV audio, Room Correction, multi-room, AirPlay & smart control.

www.wiimhome.com

WiiM Amp Ultra

www.wiimhome.com

 

[VilmFilm]

Doesn't a Wiim Amp do everything you're asking for?

WiiM Amp | Smart Streaming Amplifier for Passive Speakers

Power passive speakers with WiiM Amp. Enjoy Hi-Res streaming, HDMI ARC TV audio, Room Correction, multi-room, AirPlay & smart control.

www.wiimhome.com

Everyone always recommends the same things and no it's NOT. That's a speaker amp. I don't need a speaker amp with powered studio monitors. There's a million all in one DAC/HP amps and only 1 has proper sub out and crossovers and that's the Luxsin X9 but it's like a foot long and expensive. X8 is pretty good form factor and price friendly WITH only digital ins as it's a dac BUT NO SUB OUT. Lusxin told me about their new products but it's basically the same things they already released and ofc only the huge x9 copy and probably more expensive unit only has sub outs. I was really excited looking at the teasers but it's just the same form factors and stuff

 

[Ultrasonic]

Everyone always recommends the same things and no it's NOT. That's a speaker amp. I don't need a speaker amp with powered studio monitors. There's a million all in one DAC/HP amps and only 1 has proper sub out and crossovers and that's the Luxsin X9 but it's like a foot long and expensive. X8 is pretty good form factor and price friendly WITH only digital ins as it's a dac BUT NO SUB OUT. Lusxin told me about their new products but it's basically the same things they already released and ofc only the huge x9 copy and probably more expensive unit only has sub outs. I was really excited looking at the teasers but it's just the same form factors and stuff

You did say you wanted an amp in your original post...

If you don't want an amp then the Wiim streamers do what you describe.

Unless you meant you want a headphone amp?

 

[CptKaos]

Where's the crossovers tho?

passive crossovers are in the speakers, if your talking about HPF and LPF the HPF is on the amp, LPF is on the subwoofer

 

[thcdru2k]

miniDSP Flex with balanced TRS would be able to do what you are looking for. WiiM Ultra (sub out and USB to external dac with balanced outputs) would also work.

 

[RHO]

DAC outputs to subwoofer. X-over on sub amp has HP out to go to the active desktop speakers. (Many active subs have this functionality.)
What's the problem?

 

[VilmFilm]

You did say you wanted an amp in your original post...

If you don't want an amp then the Wiim streamers do what you describe.

Unless you meant you want a headphone amp?

Yeah I meant headphone amp lol

 

[VilmFilm]

DAC outputs to subwoofer. X-over on sub amp has HP out to go to the active desktop speakers. (Many active subs have this functionality.)
What's the problem?

What kind of subs have this function? That are also balanced? I already have a KRK studio sub but it doesn't hit 30hz strong or below. Studio subs almost never hit 20 hz or sealed in general.

 

[RHO]

What kind of subs have this function? That are also balanced? I already have a KRK studio sub but it doesn't hit 30hz strong or below. Studio subs almost never hit 20 hz or sealed in general.

Ah, now the sub needs to hit 20hz also.
I'm sure there are some studio subs that could do this, but your choices will be more limited.
KRK subs have a x-over and balanced in and outputs. What model do you have?

 

[thcdru2k]

HSU VTF-TN1 has balanced input and hits 14hz . I see used HSU VTF-15H Mk2 occasionally also has balanced input. I'm sure there are plenty others

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

Everyone always recommends the same things and no it's NOT. That's a speaker amp. I don't need a speaker amp with powered studio monitors. There's a million all in one DAC/HP amps and only 1 has proper sub out and crossovers and that's the Luxsin X9 but it's like a foot long and expensive. X8 is pretty good form factor and price friendly WITH only digital ins as it's a dac BUT NO SUB OUT. Lusxin told me about their new products but it's basically the same things they already released and ofc only the huge x9 copy and probably more expensive unit only has sub outs. I was really excited looking at the teasers but it's just the same form factors and stuff

WiiM Ultra streaming pre-amp?

 

[Redacted]

Hats off to anyone on ASR attempting to design and build something!
Makes a change from armchair weasels dissing all endeavour!