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How to connect a DAC to an integrated amplifier

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Spiegel

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Bloody hell, after much hesitation, I decided to join and ask!

I'm planning to buy an integrated amplifier this time, but it's an amplifier that combines both the preamp and power amp stages without a built-in DAC. It only has a pair of L/R speaker output terminals, Stereo Balanced XLR inputs, Stereo Balanced XLR inputs for AV Bypass, and Stereo Unbalanced RCA inputs.

1. What's the best way to input a DAC into this integrated amplifier? Is there a noticeable difference in sound quality between Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA inputs?

2. There's a DAC with separate "DAC out" terminals and "Line out" terminals. If I connect the "Line out" from another DAC or streamer to the integrated amplifier via XLR, will that allow me to bypass the preamp stage of the integrated amplifier?
 
You'll get all the help you want if you specify the exact devices.
 
A balanced source has its advantages but tech specs of Ultime state 3V RMS maximum input voltage while normal balanced DACs have 4V outputs.
It will maybe not be a problem as nice recorded music will never overload it but it's a waste of potential.
 
A balanced source has its advantages but tech specs of Ultime state 3V RMS maximum input voltage while normal balanced DACs have 4V outputs.
It will maybe not be a problem as nice recorded music will never overload it but it's a waste of potential.

In simple terms, does this mean that RCA input is sufficient, or does it mean that XLR input is required?
 
In simple terms, does this mean that RCA input is sufficient, or does it mean that XLR input is required?
Both will work fine,there's only a small (very small) chance to overload the input if you play a full 0dB signal out of 4V balanced source.
If you use a balance source with volume control just set it at -3dB or so in such case (I can't imagine a condition to do it but still)
 
It says 3 volts for RCA and 6 volts max for XLR. So either will be fine with almost all DACs. If you already have a DAC with XLR, might as well use that.
1736500195906.png
 
like... Chord Ultima Integrated ?
Before you get that amp, you don't need to spend anywhere near that much to get audio perfection these days.

Plus it seems that amp is far from perfection. See:
 
If you are of a mind to heed measurements and advice, then you can get state of the art sound at high power with;

RME ADI-2 FS as DAC/headhhone amp
A class D amp using hypex Nilai modules, or purify modules.

Or if you are someone who had an irrational dislike for Class D, a benchmark AHB2.


These come in around 1/4 or 1/2 the cost of the Chord, with very much superior audio quality.
 
For the same money you can get a McIntosh MC462,add a nice pre or a DAC with VC and have all the performance you will ever need.
 
Before you get that amp, you don't need to spend anywhere near that much to get audio perfection these days.

Plus it seems that amp is far from perfection. See:

My wife and I are ordinary listeners with average hearing, and we've been looking for an amplifier that can drive our 4-ohm speakers for a while. However, after listening to the amplifier for a few hours, we came to the subjective conclusion that we couldn't hear the same sound quality from other amplifiers. I'm sure no one would ever desire such an expensive and ugly Cyberman amplifier from the beginning.
 
My wife and I are ordinary listeners with average hearing, and we've been looking for an amplifier that can drive our 4-ohm speakers for a while. However, after listening to the amplifier for a few hours, we came to the subjective conclusion that we couldn't hear the same sound quality from other amplifiers. I'm sure no one would ever desire such an expensive and ugly Cyberman amplifier from the beginning.
While looks are at my top check list,at this amp is the least of the "problems" .
While measurements show high distortion that can probably be inaudible with music (or can't,depends on the conditions for this one) my experience is that IF it has a "sound" it can very well be impressive at the first hearings but it can also be extremely tiresome in the long run depending couple of stuff.

If you insist on it I would tell you to keep for a week or so if you can and see how it goes.

On the other hand look at this beauty (the above Mcintosh) :

1736503384617.png
 
While looks are at my top check list,at this amp is the least of the "problems" .
While measurements show high distortion that can probably be inaudible with music (or can't,depends on the conditions for this one) my experience is that IF it has a "sound" it can very well be impressive at the first hearings but it can also be extremely tiresome in the long run depending couple of stuff.

If you insist on it I would tell you to keep for a week or so if you can and see how it goes.

When we tested different amplifiers in the listening room of the audio shop, we always listened to the tracks we were familiar with, and unfortunately, we couldn't detect any sound that felt distorted. The amplifier's sound was so cold, yet smooth, that switching the DAC revealed a significant difference. And even though it wasn't the loud sound I originally preferred, I couldn't deceive myself. It was a good sound—far from the harsh, abrasive kind that annoys the ears. Thank you for your concern.
 
Going back to basics, a DAC just converts a digital signal to an analogue one (may also provide volume control) ... after that it is just something you plug into your amplifier's line in like any other analogue source.

Shouldn't make any real difference if you use balanced or single-ended (RCA). Balanced circuits handle noise better so that would be preferred if you have the option
 
When we tested different amplifiers in the listening room of the audio shop, we always listened to the tracks we were familiar with, and unfortunately, we couldn't detect any sound that felt distorted. The amplifier's sound was so cold, yet smooth, that switching the DAC revealed a significant difference. And even though it wasn't the loud sound I originally preferred, I couldn't deceive myself. It was a good sound—far from the harsh, abrasive kind that annoys the ears. Thank you for your concern.
Were volume levels matched when switching DACs? If not the test is likely deceptive.
 
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