Distribution of 2 channel XLR output from DAC to 2 amps and 2 subwoofers

[Luvchampagne]

Hi
I'm very happy with my current system other than the mess of cables coming out of the back of my RME ADI2 DAC FS which I'm using as my preamp.

Current system
MacAir --> RME ADI2 DAC FS -> 2 XLR SPLITTER

Splitter 1 --> R Amp 1
. --> xlr to RCA adapter --> R Amp 2
Splitter 2 --> L Amp 1
. --> xlr to RCA adapter --> L Amp 2
Amp 1 has XLR and RCA
Amp 2 only has RCA.


RCA OUT --> 2 RCA SPLITTERS
Splitter 1 --> R Sub 1
. --> R Sub 2
Splitter 2 --> L Sub 1
. --> L Sub 2

1. I've taken over a 150 different REW measurements. Used Soundsource to help me tweak the variables and have it to +/- 3db on the Harman Curve without PEQ. Lots of tweaking of the adjustable gain on Amp2. Amp1 has no adjustable gain.

2. The reason for cabling both R and L on the subs was when taking REW measurements, it was a way to get both subs firing when measuring the L and R speakers individually.

I'm looking to buy a BENCHMARK LPA4 or HPA4 and some of this mess goes away by using XLR to AMP1, RCA to AMP2 and mono output split to the 2 subs. Getting that all to work will be a chore.

Can someone please suggest an interim solution before I buy the Lpa4/Hpa4? Some type of signal distributor that is relatively transparent. I've thought of the minidsp HTX but really don't want to spend thst much money as I eventually want the LPA4/HPA4.

Signal distribution and bass management would be ideal.i don't need the PEQ as that's already been done and any minor tweaks like nighttime or dinner listening can easily be set on the RME.

BTW, I tried a Topping L70 and although it "worked", and the selectable output feature and 12v trigger was nice, I still needed to use y splitters. I subjectively believed that my system without was probably better than with the Topping, especially with the digitally optimized volume control on the RME. I could be wrong.


Thanks in advance for your help.
.

 

[Keith_W]

How about something like a Motu M4 or an RME Babyface Pro? 4 DAC channels, 1 DAC channel for each speaker. This solution is better than what you are currently using, it allows you to manipulate both speakers and both subs independently with DSP.

 

[staticV3]

I'd buy an HTx and be done with it. It's the appropriate tool to manage six Amp channels with various input types.

The Benchmark is not.

 

[ZolaIII]

What are you feeding? You need proper crossover support and full PEQ area. Self and pass filters along with separate chenels for each output. Mac Air is limiting factor to get there and even when you do to make it system wide.
Edit: good PA can do it (even to a preset to database for their purpose and speakers of course) and Benchmark won't.

 

[Luvchampagne]

How about something like a Motu M4 or an RME Babyface Pro? 4 DAC channels, 1 DAC channel for each speaker. This solution is better than what you are currently using, it allows you to manipulate both speakers and both subs independently with DSP.

Thank you very much for your response.

I'm researching the Motu M4. Cool device
Could you please walk me through on how the rear outputs on the Motu M4 would work?
Output RME DAC xlr -> Front panel XLR
Motu M4
Rear panel
Output Balanced 1/4 to Amp1 (xlr and rca inputs)
Outout balanced 1/4 to RCA adapter to Amp2 (rca only)
Output line out to sub 1
Output monitor out to sub2

Is that correct?

So both Motu M4 and RME Baby face Pro would take the output from my RME ADI2 DAC FS?
Going 4 Dacs would be overkill as I already have gotten quite close to the Harman Curve for my difficult room.

How about something like a Motu M4 or an RME Babyface Pro? 4 DAC channels, 1 DAC channel for each speaker. This solution is better than what you are currently using, it allows you to manipulate both speakers and both subs independently with DSP.

 

[Luvchampagne]

What are you feeding? You need proper crossover support and full PEQ area. Self and pass filters along with separate chenels for each output. Mac Air is limiting factor to get there and even when you do to make it system wide.

I'm feeding Revel Salon2.

Not trying to do any crossover support.
Not looking to do more PEQ as my REW trial and error with Soundsource got me very close and then when I turned off the Soundsource I was pleasantly surprised how close I was to the Harman Curve without PEQ.

I crossover my subs at 75hz by the variable crossover settings in each sub.

MacAir is strictly my streamer but hosted Umik1, Soundsource and REW while I was tweaking my system.

 

[ZolaIII]

I'm feeding Revel Salon2.

Not trying to do any crossover support.
Not looking to do more PEQ as my REW trial and error with Soundsource got me very close and then when I turned off the Soundsource I was pleasantly surprised how close I was to the Harman Curve without PEQ.

I crossover my subs at 75hz by the variable crossover settings in each sub.

MacAir is strictly my streamer but hosted Umik1, Soundsource and REW while I was tweaking my system.

I do it all digital with simple Windows desktop PC with sound card trough JRiver and ELC is to ISO 226 automatic (after calibration). While there are many ways to get there being stubborn certainty ain't one.
Those are -3 on their own at 55 Hz. Port tuning is at about 23~24 Hz and put under woofer - 3 dB who's Fs is at 26~27 Hz. It's very nice crossed to do only heavy lifting. I really don't know what to do regarding port's on those. In the way they are up side down babe you turn me. Try with Yamaha R-N 1000A (or 2000A) as an amp if you can and see how that goes. And what are the sub's as you need textbook 80 Hz XO? How you could plug the port's I leave that part on you. Don't host measurements microphone, own it.

 

[Keith_W]

Thank you very much for your response.

I'm researching the Motu M4. Cool device
Could you please walk me through on how the rear outputs on the Motu M4 would work?
Output RME DAC xlr -> Front panel XLR
Motu M4
Rear panel
Output Balanced 1/4 to Amp1 (xlr and rca inputs)
Outout balanced 1/4 to RCA adapter to Amp2 (rca only)
Output line out to sub 1
Output monitor out to sub2

Is that correct?

So both Motu M4 and RME Baby face Pro would take the output from my RME ADI2 DAC FS?
Going 4 Dacs would be overkill as I already have gotten quite close to the Harman Curve for my difficult room.

No, the 4 channel interface would replace your RME ADI2. Since the Motu M4 is cheaper than the RME ADI2, this might end up being cost neutral or you might even get some money back in your pocket. Those interfaces already have DAC's built-in and there is a great big knob in front for volume control. There is no point sending analog output from the RME into the ADC in the Motu.

As you can see, the M4 offers either balanced (1/4" TRS) or unbalanced (RCA) outputs. You could use either the balanced or unbalanced outputs, but you can only use 4.

So your system would look like this:
Mac Air --(USB)--> Motu M4
Motu M4 (outputs 1, 2) --> Sub 1 and 2
Motu M4 (outputs 3, 4) --> Speakers L and R