how do I connects these source components / amps?

[babar]

Hi,

I wanted to get some advise on how to best optimize the sound chain given the components pictured.

The devices are: HoloAudio Spring3/Bliss KTE Stack, Carina300 and DMP-A8

I have also shown the backs of the devices.

For headphones I was all set with the HA stack with the DMP A6 . I moved from the DMP-A6 to the A8. I would like to use the I2S cable connected between the Spring3 and the A8 and have used a decent cable. I read that I may need to make some setting changes for I2S. What settings do I need to change to make this setup work?
Also, Is this the optimal way to connect them?

For the Kef Ls50 Meta, I replaced my Denon with a Peachtree Carina300. It has a built-in DAC, which I don't want to use instead of the one in the DMP A8. I have wired the DMP-A8 --> Carina300 with both SPDIF and RCA cables, as can be seen in the picture.
Which would be better? do I need to make any changes to the Carina300 or DMP A8 to optimize or are default sufficient.

If I could use these components better please let me know.

thank you so much.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi, you have some interesting kit - possibly with some redundancies. Don't worry about cables, that won't make any difference.

The DMP-A8 is a good streamer and excellent DAC. Makes sense to have that as your source with an analogue chain downstream.
Your HP amp - the Holo Bliss - operates as a preamp; accepts XLR input, and provides RCA out.
You want to use your Amp - the Carina - as a power amp and bypass the DAC. It accepts RCA input

One route is;
DMP-A8 => XLR => Holo Bliss => RCA => Carina300 => Kef LS50 Meta

Clean, simple, but you don't need the Holo Spring anymore

 

[babar]

thank you so much. was wondering if would got any replies

some follow-ups if i may.
what do you think of using:

DMP-A8 —> I2S —> HOLO SPRING KTE —> XLR —> HOLO BLISS KTE —> HP
(as opposed to SPDIF which I had on the DMP-A6)

DMP-A8 —> I2S —> HOLO SPRING KTE —> XLR --> HOLO BLISS KTE —> RCA —> CARINA300 —> LS50 Meta

DMP-A8 —> using RCA —> CARINA300 —> KEF LS50 Meta

my assumption here is that the holo audio spring kte has a better dac than the eversolo dmp-a8.

I also have a dmp-a6 which is being used. in the home theatre:
DMP-A6 —> XLR —> Cinema AV10 —> XLR —> Audiophinics hPA-dm750ET Purifi 1et904ba —> b&W 802d

I think i may be able to use the dmp-a6 direct to the audiophonics using rca and toggle between that and the xlr for home theatre use.

It’s quite a bit of information,to optimize it between my different listening situations, so I thought I but I'm hoping ’d lay it all here.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
That will all work.
If you want to use all your kit then that's fine, but you have redundant equipment. It would bother me, but it will work.
The DAC in the Eversolo is very good indeed. It's possible that the Holo Spring measures better although I doubt that. Both DACs are good enough that differences are far below audible thresholds - it simply doesn't matter which you use, there will be no improvement to the sound.

You are faced with relegating the Eversolo to being a very expensive streamer in order to keep your Holo DAC, or taking the Holo Spring out of the chain entirely.
It'll work fine either way, there will not be an impact on the sound at all.

Your call, base it on usability.

For the HT though, I'd absolutely keep the AV10 for its room correction capability - that's going to make a huge difference and you don't want to lose that.
Again, the AV10 has Heos streaming I think. Do you even need the DMP-A6?

Sometimes, simple is best.

 

[babar]

thanks for the honesty. really appreciate it.

I have decided to repurpose as below:

DMP-A8 —> XLR --> Marantz AV10 --> AudioPhonics Purifi --> B&W 802D
DMP-A6 --> USB --> HoloAudio Spring/Bliss Stack --> HP
DMP-A6 --> RCA --> PeachTree Carina --> LS50 Meta

I do have Dirac Live setup on the AV10. I was avoiding the DAC on the AV10 thinking the DMP-A8 or A6 would be better.

So where I live I really am unable to re-sell these. I like the look of the Eversolo screens a Lot and get much enjoyment from them.
At the same time I dont' wnat to sacrifice room correction for it.

Let me know how you think would make most sense and if it means not using a component so be it.

thank you so much.

 

[JeremyFife]

No problem, you do have very nice equipment and I understand your reluctance to put anything into retirement especially if there is no good resale market.

I think you will be absolutely fine with the repurposed connections that you suggest above; that will work and will sound great.
One comment, after thinking about it a little more: if you use the DMP-6 for your HT setup then you can keep the DMP-8 in your Kef system.

The advantage of keeping the DMP-8 in the Kef system is that it provides PEQ so you can, if inclined, make adjustments for your speaker/room interaction. That would be useful functionality to keep.