i am looking into buying a 8340 which also have the option of wiring via XLR analog and digital (AES/EBU). what i've found out so far, some parts already mentioned by others.
mix and match analog/digital
internet -> streamer -> digital out (spdif, coax/toslink) -> converters/cables -> XLR AES (genelec, possible resistance problems(?), e.g. 75 vs 110 ohm)
internet -> streamer -> digital out (spdif, coax/toslink) -> DAC -> analog XLR out -> analog XLR (genelec)
pure digital (not sure ... hope so)
internet -> streamer (e.g. "pure" raspberry pi) -> usb -> something like
this -> XLR AES (genelec)
internet -> streamer (e.g. raspberry pi + AES hat like
this) -> XLR AES (genelec)
internet -> streamer like
minidsp studio or
this -> XLR AES (genelec)
be aware of the following points
- the genelec have a dac, from what i've read this will be part of either chain (analog/digital)
- if input is analog it will be converted to digital, which will be some superfluous A/D conversions
- you can feed analog and digital signals to the genelecs which can be volume controlled by the head unit depending on the settings
- some say this will be inferior as the signal is digitally modified before it is send to the speakers (i doubt that i would be able to hear this(?))
- if you feed the full level signal (not volume controlled) to the genelecs you can volume control via
- attached (extra) volume knob attached to the GLM kit which needs to be permanently wired
- attached LAN laptop/pc and GLM software
- i had a chat about all the different options with a technical support guy from thomann here is my take away and what he suggested
- i won't probably hear a difference anyway because my speakers are not placed ideally and the source material is also very important
- start with the option you already have in place and try other options at a later stage
- in my case i have a yamaha wxc-50 that i will wire via preamp mode rca out to (analog) xlr with these cables
so, as always in life ... tooo many options
unfortunately, the "all-digital" route is more expensive and more hassle (extra volume knob, GLM kit attached) in my view and not the family friendliest (kids/wife need to be able to volume control).
cheers from hamburg/germany