Is a Sound Interface the best way to connect studio monitors to your PC?

[Room Service]

So I'm looking to buy a new Sound Interface, however, there's something I've noticed on them that made me realise how wasteful it is to get one. It's not that they're bad, aux contraire. The problem is, I don't use all the other functions that comes with them like Mic in and Guitar Amp things. I'm a DJ, not a musician so those functions go right past me.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a Sound Interface that doesn't have these redundant functions or something other than a SI that can connect my monitors to my PC.

Just for context, I own a pair of KRK Rokit RP5 G4 and a desktop computer.

Any suggestions? I'm willing to spend around 130 USD for one, max 150 USD.

Thanks.

 

[JSmith]

KRK Rokit RP5 G4 and a desktop computer

Can you not just use USB audio out from the PC to a DAC with USB in, then XLR to the powered monitors?


JSmith

 

[DLS79]

Can you not just use USB audio out from the PC to a DAC with USB in, then XLR to the powered monitors?


JSmith

He should be able to, so he could go with a D10 balanced.

Topping D10 Balanced Review (USB DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the new Topping D10 Balanced. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $139. The D10 Balanced as the name implies, comes in my favorite USB DAC package with the same cute orange display: Back panel is where the difference is: Balanced...

www.audiosciencereview.com

If he wanted to up his budget to around $500 he could go with a DX5 and get pretty much everything he might ever need.

Topping DX5 Review (DAC & HP Amp)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping DX5 balanced stereo DAC and (unbalanced) headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $449. As you see the industrial design is all new. I like the large display and the feel of the volume control which is much...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Room Service]

He should be able to, so he could go with a D10 balanced.

Very nice, it's exactly something like this I'm looking for, however, I don't see a volume knob. How is volume controlled other than going to the back side of the KRK's?
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If he wanted to up his budget to around $500 he could go with a DX5 and get pretty much everything he might ever need.

Unfortunately, I don't want to expend 500 bucks for a sound interface.
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Can you not just use USB audio out from the PC to a DAC with USB in, then XLR to the powered monitors?

I didn't know about DAC's really. What make and model would you recommend in line with the budget I stated above?

 

[Philbo King]

So I'm looking to buy a new Sound Interface, however, there's something I've noticed on them that made me realise how wasteful it is to get one. It's not that they're bad, aux contraire. The problem is, I don't use all the other functions that comes with them like Mic in and Guitar Amp things. I'm a DJ, not a musician so those functions go right past me.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a Sound Interface that doesn't have these redundant functions or something other than a SI that can connect my monitors to my PC.

Just for context, I own a pair of KRK Rokit RP5 G4 and a desktop computer.

Any suggestions? I'm willing to spend around 130 USD for one, max 150 USD.

Thanks.

If you really want to go low budget, use the built in audio line out (generally an 1/8" stereo jack). Some of them are quite good as far as fidelity.

This gets close to your price point. (Link below) Not quite enough for surround, but 2 outs for spkr & 2 outs for headphones.

While people like to trashtalk Behringer, some of their stuff is perfectly good & at a reasonable price.

(I'm not recommending you buy from amazon, BTW)

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-P0BK1-U-Phoria-UMC404HD/dp/B00TTX73YA/ref=asc_df_B00TTX73YA&mcid=a5b514142f48345995d210113e9b705d?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80608063550958&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584207589836075&psc=1

 

[JSmith]

I didn't know about DAC's really. What make and model would you recommend in line with the budget I stated above?

Understood, no problems.

SMSL D12, but not balanced out, RCA only;

SMSL D12 DAC & Headphone Amp Review

This is a review, listening test and detailed measurements of the SMSL D12 stereo USB DAC with Bluetooth support. It was sent to me by the company and is selling for US $126. The D12 deviates from typical SMSL DAC by using a 7 segment display. It is white and get hyper bright (there are many...

www.audiosciencereview.com

D12

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

Same for SU-6;

SMSL SU-6 Review (Desktop DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL SU-6 stereo Bluetooth and USB DAC. It was sent to me by the company to be sold by Shenzhenaudio. It will cost US$169.99. I really like the slick look of SU-6 with its white LED: Yes, you can adjust the brightness level (I think there are...

www.audiosciencereview.com

ASR SMSL SU-6 Review (Desktop DAC)

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

It's out of budget a bit, but SMSL DO100 has balanced out;

SMSL DO100 Review (Stereo DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL DO100 stereo balanced DAC with Bluetooth. It was sent to me by Aoshida Audio and costs US 239. Sorry about the fuzzy front panel picture. It looks better in person. The rotary control makes it nice to adjust volume. Back panel is the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

DO100

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

You may wish too look further through the review index;

Master Audio Review Index

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[Room Service]

It's out of budget a bit, but SMSL DO100 has balanced out

It's such a shame the new tech coming out are all USB-C's. It's such a fragile little connection that will pop out with the slightest touch.

 

[Room Service]

Understood.

I do have a question. A lot of DAC's I'm seeing have USB and a PSU. Can they not be powered by USB alone? Cos the house I'm at right now have very shoddy electric work. Most outlets have been bunny hopped and are not spread properly around the room. I only have access to 2 outlets right now in the room. One near the door and one where my PC desk is. I had to pull an extension from the outlet to the door that has 4 outlets. The other one has one of those box shaped adapters giving it 3 outlets. (total of 7). 2 for the monitors, 1 for a desk lamp, 1 for the PC, 1 for the screen and 2 for internet (router+modem). I don't really have enough outlets for 1 more thing unfortunately.

 

[DLS79]

Very nice, it's exactly something like this I'm looking for, however, I don't see a volume knob. How is volume controlled other than going to the back side of the KRK's?

The D10 is the simplest type of DAC, all it does is Digital to Analog Conversion and the analog signal is line level. Line level is all your Rokits need as they are self powered studio monitors / speakers. with a DAC as simple as the D10 you change the volume via your pc.


Some slightly more expensive DACs have what they call a pre-amp mode, that allows you attenuate the output (decrease the volume).

 

[DLS79]

It's such a shame the new tech coming out are all USB-C's. It's such a fragile little connection that will pop out with the slightest touch.

USB-C is actually a very robust connector that' why everything is switching to it.

 

[DLS79]

I do have a question. A lot of DAC's I'm seeing have USB and a PSU. Can they not be powered by USB alone?

It depends on what the source devise port is capable of doing power delivery wise, so a lot of manufactures include a dedicated power supply.

A very high level overview.

USB Charging and Power Delivery | Eaton

Do you know the four ways to charge a mobile device using USB? We cover USB Battery Charging, USB Power Delivery (PD) and other Fast Charging Standards.

tripplite.eaton.com

Note: Some devise like the DX5 I linked to are a DAC and a headphone AMP in one. Thus they potentially need even more power than a simple DAC.

 

[DWPress]

The Topping D10 is pretty good budget wise for what you get. Adding a volume or/and a remote jumps the price up a bit unfortunately with many DACs. How about adding a USB volume knob and an IR remote to your computer? The whole package could still keep you under budget.

I had a first generation D10 and used USB to power it no problem. Look for used DACs on eBay maybe....

 

[Room Service]

How about adding a USB volume knob and an IR remote to your computer? The whole package could still keep you under budget.

Good suggestion. Thanks.

 

[Room Service]

I have made a decision, I will buy the D10 + a USB volume knob.

Thank you everyone that has took the time of their day to reply and help me.

 

[Room Service]

Look for used DACs on eBay maybe....

Paypal is illegal where I live, so unfortunately eBay is out of question.