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This seems to be the place with more DAC knowledge than any other forum, so going for some help.
I'm looking for a DAC with the following spec:
1. XLR and RCA outputs can be used at the same time, to power a main power amp and an active sub
2. AES and USB inputs
3. Volume/streaming ideal but not essential, as I have a nice streamer with lossless volume
4. No specific budget but I'm not sure I see the benefit in spending DAVE money on a DAC
5. Presentation wise I like detail but definitely without glare and not taxing to listen to.
Can anyone make any suggestions so I can draw a shortlist up? I've gone through so many reviews my head is spinning but the dual output is never considered.
Let me suggest you to consider OKTO DAC8PRO 8-Ch multichannel DAC meeting almost perfectly to your present and your possible future demands, I believe.
DAC8PRO has 8-Ch (stereo 4 ports) AES input and 8-Ch USB ASIO input/output.
It does not have RCA out, but the excellent stereo headphone-out is same output of XLR Ch-1 and Ch-2; the headphone-out can be easily converted into RCA out using e.g.DAP XCALIBER XGA-18 Adaptor; I actually use it in this way (ref. here).
Of course, you can utilize up to 8-Ch XLR balanced outputs, and if you like, you can easily convert any of the balanced XLR outs into unbalanced RCA using pin-3 floated (non-connected) XLR-to-RCA cable even you lose 6 dB gain which can be easily compensated by the output gain controller of DAC8PRO and/or preamplifier or integrated-amplifier you would use.
@Aphextwin In your proposal you'd have two channels going to four loudspeakers and effectively using a Y-splitter to send each channel to both a sub and a main. It might work but it's better to use 4 DAC channels. Then you can properly control crossover between sub and main.
If you're prepared to use TRS connectors on the DAC then there are plenty of very high quality devices that will suit you in the audio interface category for much lower cost.
@Aphextwin In your proposal you'd have two channels going to four loudspeakers and effectively using a Y-splitter to send each channel to both a sub and a main. It might work but it's better to use 4 DAC channels. Then you can properly control crossover between sub and main.
If you're prepared to use TRS connectors on the DAC then there are plenty of very high quality devices that will suit you in the audio interface category for much lower cost.
OP @Aphextwin, if you would be interested, please find the details of latest setup of my PC-DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active stereo audio system using OKTO DAC8PRO in my post here #931 on my project thread.
The wiim, okto and RME all look promising at various prices.
To give context, the rest of the system is
Lumin U2 mini, which I could possibly sell if the dac also streams and has volume.
The main amp is a mark Levinson 534 (XLR+RCA) and the sub amp is a Wilson Benesch Torus (stereo RCA only) and has gain, low pass and phase adjustment. I can't use the speaker cable inputs to the sub as WB say it might damage a dual mono amp
I could possibly run RCA to both amps but I already have the XLR cables so was hoping to keep them.
OP @Aphextwin, if you would be interested, please find the details of latest setup of my PC-DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active stereo audio system using OKTO DAC8PRO in my post here #931 on my project thread.
With the greatest possible respect to @dualazmak I am going to disagree with that advice. Don't read that post @Aphextwin . There is a lot to learn about implementing digital crossovers and dualazmak's system represents something close to the pinnacle of the learning curve. In other words, it's not the place to start that I would recommend.
Another possibility if you don't want to do the crossover upstream from the DAC is MiniDSP Flex with Dirac Live. It is a 2-channel into 4-channel device designed very much for your kind of application. I use a Flex but I don't use subs.
Schiit Yggdrasil More is Better (MIB) fits the bill for you. I have it as my main DAC and have no problems at all. Measures SOTA for an R2R DAC 118dB SINAD and has glowing subjective reviews out there.
Based on your OP, you'll find this subjective thing meaningfully subjective to you
From a very subjective audiophile site:
"I hear the same differences between the MIB and the LIM, but this time the MIB is clearly better, at least to these ears. I am mindful of the old adage that numbers never lie. Perhaps, but perhaps they do not always tell the full story. Despite resolution of only 16 bits vs. 20, the 16 bit DAC sounded best. Whatever TI did to modify the 20 bit chips, they made a significant improvement. I hear a much smoother sounding DAC across all frequencies. This DAC is so easy to listen to, for hours, being so natural and non fatiguing yet very detailed and dynamic. There is just more detail presented by the MIB even with very familiar recordings. There is a very open midrange with a greater sense of front to back depth. Front to back depth was never the Yggy’s strongest feature. However, the MIB improves on this yet keeps the expansive side to side soundstage. There is even greater separation between each object in the sound field. Bass is deeper yet more controlled. You hear more of the woody character of an upright bass. Pianos have a more accurate piano sound more clearly conveying the complex sound of the instrument. Guitar licks have more bite, kick drums more kick, with more accurate sounding cymbals and high hats on a drum kit."
With the greatest possible respect to @dualazmak I am going to disagree with that advice. Don't read that post @Aphextwin . There is a lot to learn about implementing digital crossovers and dualazmak's system represents something close to the pinnacle of the learning curve. In other words, it's not the place to start that I would recommend.
Even though I understand your impression of "looks rather complicated at first glance" on my setup, if you would carefully observe the total signal path diagram, my system is not complicated at all but it is based on straightforward "traditional approach/concept" for DSP-based multichannel audio system, I believe. People can apply similar approach to their audio system having less number of SP drivers e.g. even 2-way main SP plus L&R subwoofers (or just one subwoofer)...
