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Headphone amp into Genelecs?

fotoalan

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Nov 29, 2020
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Hi folks, I have a rather naive question.

I just picked up a used set of Genelec 1029A's with matching 7050A sub. I intend to feed them from a streamer/DAC, probably something RasPi based like an Allo Boss2 or the XLR version of the Hifiberry. But since I have no experience whatsoever in the wonderful world of Raspberry Pi hardware and open source streaming software, I'm looking at an interim solution using a FiiO BTR5 headphone amp that I already have, with a minijack-to-XLR converter.

Now, my question: I'm assuming the output from a small portable headphone amp will be similar to preamp level and won't risk damaging the Genelecs. Am I assuming correctly?

Secondary question: other than the aesthetic drawback of having use adapters, does the RCA output of the Allo Boss2 have any significant disadvantages that should push me towards looking for a DAC with "native" XLR output instead?
 

maverickronin

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Now, my question: I'm assuming the output from a small portable headphone amp will be similar to preamp level and won't risk damaging the Genelecs. Am I assuming correctly?

Using a headphone amp as a preamp should be just fine, especially a portable one which won't have particularly high voltage swing.

Secondary question: other than the aesthetic drawback of having use adapters, does the RCA output of the Allo Boss2 have any significant disadvantages that should push me towards looking for a DAC with "native" XLR output instead?

Balanced connections will reduce the chances of having a ground loop causing a constant buzz/hum but that's basically it.
 
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