Genelec 8010 + DAC

[Xaviedie]

Hello,

I ordered a pair of Genelec 8010 speakers because my room is small.

However, I'd like to connect them to a good DAC (with the correct impedance for the Genelec 8010 amplifier, and connected via XLR). I was hesitating between the Focusrite Scalett Solo or 212i, and the SMSL SU-9.

Which would you recommend?

Thak you very much

 

[gamerpaddy]

my pick would be (as im using it for years now alongside others including the focusrite 4i4) a topping d10b
cheap, small, very good and doesnt require special software it just works. just two TRS (3 rings) to XLR cable


edit: seems to be discontinued, only the single ended d10s is still a thing...
E50 is slightly more expensive but just as good.

 

[CuriousAli]

However, I'd like to connect them to a good DAC (with the correct impedance for the Genelec 8010 amplifier, and connected via XLR). I was hesitating between the Focusrite Scalett Solo or 212i, and the SMSL SU-9.

Those are some very specific options and not in the same category.
Focusrite ones are audio interfaces that also can be used as a DAC. Do you need their line-in or mic inputs? Then you can decide between Focusrite and other audio interfaces in the same price range (options from Motu, SSL, Audient, etc.)
If you need the optical or coaxial input of the SMSL, or its display, it may be a better option.
But if you just need a DAC with balanced outputs to connect to your Genelec speaker, there are countless other options too, like Topping E50 that gamerpaddy mentioned.

 

[Xaviedie]

Those are some very specific options and not in the same category.
Focusrite ones are audio interfaces that also can be used as a DAC. Do you need their line-in or mic inputs? Then you can decide between Focusrite and other audio interfaces in the same price range (options from Motu, SSL, Audient, etc.)
If you need the optical or coaxial input of the SMSL, or its display, it may be a better option.
But if you just need a DAC with balanced outputs to connect to your Genelec speaker, there are countless other options too, like Topping E50 that gamerpaddy mentioned.

Thank you very much, Topping E50 is goat but not found.


PS: after Topping E50, E50S (not found), who is next ?

Update : Topping A50 III (Thank you)​

 

[CuriousAli]

Thank you very much, Topping E50 is goat but not found.
I m buy RME ADI 2 DAC FS (used) yesterday 500$ .. but Topping E50 is ... "phenomeno" for speaker actif
I'm going to buy it too, because it's cheap

RME is good for headphone,iem & speaker actif.

2 goats

You're welcome.
That RME ADI 2 DAC FS is going to be more than great enough for the speaker and also as a headphone amp and it has nice features like parametric EQ, so I think you are good to go with that one alone.

 

[CuriousAli]

Thank you very much, Topping E50 is goat but not found.


PS: after Topping E50, E50S (not found), who is next ?

Update : Topping A50 III (Thank you)​

Topping A50 III is just a headphone amp, not a DAC.

 

[voodooless]

Basically any old DAC will do. Those speakers will work just as well with a single ended connection.

 

[Xaviedie]

You're welcome.
That RME ADI 2 DAC FS is going to be more than great enough for the speaker and also as a headphone amp and it has nice features like parametric EQ, so I think you are good to go with that one alone.

Ok, it's good for me.

What cable will I need to connect my Genelec 8010 to the RME ADI 2 DACs?

 

[CuriousAli]

Ok, it's good for me.

What cable will I need to connect my Genelec 8010 to the RME ADI 2 DACs?

XLR to XLR should work. From what I see on the pics one end of the cable should be female XLR (to connect to RME) and the other should be male XLR to connect to the Genelec.

 

[Xaviedie]

XLR to XLR should work. From what I see on the pics one end of the cable should be female XLR (to connect to RME) and the other should be male XLR to connect to the Genelec.

Thank you very much, good Sunday

 

[CuriousAli]

Thank you very much, good Sunday

You're welcome, you probably know this already but just to make sure, you should get two XLR cables, one for each speaker.

 

[Xaviedie]

You're welcome, you probably know this already but just to make sure, you should get two XLR cables, one for each speaker.

Yesir

https://www.thomann.fr/cordial_ctl_3_fm.htm (French here. "I m french" aha => We can change the language on the website.)

What do you think?

 

[gamerpaddy]

dont forget your dac needs a volume control, using the PC volume control has some drawbacks ... like its resetting itself for no reason and blasting your ears.

 

[CuriousAli]

Yesir

https://www.thomann.fr/cordial_ctl_3_fm.htm (I m french aha We can change the language)

What do you think?

That's a well known brand so I think you are good!

 

[Xaviedie]

dont forget your dac needs a volume control, using the PC volume control has some drawbacks ... like its resetting itself for no reason and blasting your ears.

Interesting topic.

What percentage should the Windows volume be at?

I also use Music Bee as my Hi-Res player; what volume percentage do you recommend for it?

Adding to the volume of the RME ADI 2 DAC FS, I admit there's some fine-tuning to do to ensure a comfortable volume range without being harsh.