Interface to use with Kali IN-5 and WS-6.2

[gingerbrown]

Since I only intend to listen to music, I'd like a device as simple as possible, with a hardware volume knob mounted on top. I would like to connect to my Macbook (usb-c out) as the source.

I've looked at Audient EVO-4 and Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1. I have two questions

Do these devices affect the sound output in anyway?
Are there other devices worth considering?
Would a passive monitor controller suffice instead?

 

[Multicore]

Do these devices affect the sound output in anyway?

Not really.

Are there other devices worth considering?

Yes, there's lots. Choose on the basis of features, controls, ergonomics etc. For example, my MOTU M4 has all the controls and displays on the front whereas the EVO-4 has most of them on the computer.

Julian Krause has lots of reviews with measurements on YouTube and they are well organized, practical things.

 

[gingerbrown]

Thank you Multicore... Julian Krause on youtube is an excellent resource.

I have no need for the majority of functionality these devices seem to offer though. I just want to keep things as simple & uncoloured (sound wise) as possible, essentially a hardware volume knob with usbc-in from my Mac (so with a DAC), controlling the volume output to the Kali 2:1 setup.

 

[Seikofan]

I use a SMSL d-6s balanced DAC with my lp6 monitors. I use them only to listen to music and play PC games.
Works perfectly and it's a big upgrade from the previous ayima a07 with pioneer Andrew Jones speakers.
I plan to add the ws6.2 soon and switch to the topping d50iii for peq.

 

[Blumlein 88]

Element III MK2 _ Shop JDS LABS

We’ve reimagined our flagship amp+DAC to create a listening experience you will notice and appreciate. Element III operates on our second-generation XMOS hardware and firmware, blissfully integrated with a custom encoder. You’ll hear perfect channel balance down to the black noise floor...

jdslabs.com

Should be perfect. DAC, headphone amp, and RCA out with a big knob on top.

USB 2 rather than C, but a $10 adapter will work with it fine.

The front is plain with a headphone jack. Here is the rear.

 

[Seikofan]

RCA for a topping 30 series headphone amp and lp6 s on the XLR the d-6s is perfect.