PC to audio interface or DAC to speakers

[bowlofruits]

Hello! My current speakers is the Harmon Kardon soundsticks, connected to a Minifuse audio interface via its 3.5mm jack, to my PC. I'm thinking of getting passive speakers, maybe an entry level Focal. I know I need to get an amp, but I'm not so sure about the setup. Is it ok for it to be: PC (usb connection)--> audio interface (3.5mm to RCA)--> amp --> speakers or is it better to replace the audio interface with a DAC, thinking of the Topping D50S: PC (usb connection)--> DAC (RCA)--> amp --> speakers?

Are there noticeable differences in sound quality and characteristics between the two?

 

[BDWoody]

Greetings!

Your interface is your DAC, and should work just fine as you've described. As long as it isn't giving you any problems (noise, output too low, other bad behavior) and otherwise meets your needs, there's no reason to replace it I can see.

 

[bowlofruits]

Greetings!

Your interface is your DAC, and should work just fine as you've described. As long as it isn't giving you any problems (noise, output too low, other bad behavior) and otherwise meets your needs, there's no reason to replace it I can see.

Thank you so much for your speedy response!

 

[AnalogSteph]

As an aside, why are you after passives in this case? I mean, you could also get some active monitors that would plug straight into the Minifuse's main outputs.

 

[bowlofruits]

As an aside, why are you after passives in this case? I mean, you could also get some active monitors that would plug straight into the Minifuse's main output

Initially I wanted the KEF LSX 2's and I went to a local shop to hear it in person. I happened to pass by another shop selling Focals after, so I went in for a listen out of curiosity since the brand is quite highly regarded and I preferred its sound to KEF. So yeah that's why.

 

[kyuu]

Do you have an idea of what amp and what Focal you're looking at? You said entry-level, but the cheapest Focal bookshelves I'm seeing are the Thevia No.1 at $1000/pr?

 

[bowlofruits]

Do you have an idea of what amp and what Focal you're looking at? You said entry-level, but the cheapest Focal bookshelves I'm seeing are the Thevia No.1 at $1000/pr?

Yeah as in an entry level in the Focal range. I heard the Vestia no. 1s (around the same price as LSX 2). I kinda want to hear the Aria Evo X (not really entry level anymore and it's out of my budget range) but had something on so I left.

For amps, I'm looking at the wiim amp pro? A positive review of it was posted in this forum, and it was used in the shop I went to as well.

 

[AnalogSteph]

In the LSX II price range, you could also get a pair of Neumann KH120 IIs. There really isn't any shortage of good options. What kind of listening distance and such are you aiming for?

 

[bowlofruits]

In the LSX II price range, you could also get a pair of Neumann KH120 IIs. There really isn't any shortage of good options. What kind of listening distance and such are you aiming for?

In a small room. Listening range will be near, mainly using it to listen to music while using my PC on a table. Most likely will place the speakers on the 2 corners of the table.

 

[AnalogSteph]

So that's like what, around 1 m perhaps? That'll take desk stands or stands next to the table then. KH120 IIs should be great for this. Or perhaps Genelec 8331s if you can get over the sticker shock (they're like 3 times as much). Or the slightly less spendy KH80 x2 + KH750 option. Should be quite the upgrade either way.

 

[bowlofruits]

So that's like what, around 1 m perhaps? That'll take desk stands or stands next to the table then. KH120 IIs should be great for this. Or perhaps Genelec 8331s if you can get over the sticker shock (they're like 3 times as much). Or the slightly less spendy KH80 x2 + KH750 option. Should be quite the upgrade either way.

Ah ok, I'll take a look at those. Thank you for your suggestions and help!

 

[bowlofruits]

Hm, actually for amps, I heard from a shopkeeper some time back that it doesn't matter and I can get a cheap one without noticeable differences. Is that true? I'm thinking of getting a Fosi if that's the case..

And for the connection between audio interface to the amp, should I be going 3.5mm (using minifuse's headphone out) to RCA or TRS (using minifuse's outputs at the back) to TRS/XLR (for amps w balanced inputs like the Fosi ZA3)?

 

[AnalogSteph]

Hm, actually for amps, I heard from a shopkeeper some time back that it doesn't matter and I can get a cheap one without noticeable differences. Is that true?

Kind of. There's a limit to everything, of course, but you can get some fairly decent relatively inexpensive amps these days, especially if your demands in terms of power and functionality are limited.

If there are balanced inputs, those are usually the safer bet.