Preamp with optical input, BT aptx and remote volume?

[Jezzag]

I am getting a Fosi ZA3 power amp, and intend to add a 2nd later on to bi amp my speakers and run effectively in monoblock formation. I need what would have been called in years gone past a preamp to match the power amps, but I'm struggling to find one! Only two inputs required, simply music via bluetooth (AptX much preferred) from phone/tablet and TV sound which is only available via optical (or hdmi).

I am looking for something of a similar,ar ethos as the Fosi, small , economical but good sound performance which won't limit the za3. A remote for volume is essential for TV use as TV remote doesn't change optical audio output. The closest I can find is USB oriented PC dacs , but I can't believe these are really optimised for sound quality. Am I missing something here, why does this seem so hard?

Any suggestions please?

 

[Jimbob54]

What max output voltage do you need?

Sounds like you need a topping /smsl type dac with optical and Bluetooth as long as you only need up to 2v RCA output .

 

[Vincent Kars]

I need what would have been called in years gone past a preamp to match the power amps

What is in a name?
A true DAC is a box converting digital to analog.
In practice you will find a lot of DAC's with various digital inputs (S/PDIF over optical and coax, USB) having volume control, line out and headphone out.
Indeed a pre-amp with digital inputs but called a DAC.
As suggested by Jimbob54, have a look Topping, SMSL, etc. or look at the review section of this forum. Tons of DAC's having the functionality you are looking for and excellent performers at the same time.

 

[Jezzag]

Hi, thanks very much for you replies. I guess 2v is enough to drive the za3, although Fosi don't give that spec.

I am looking at the uk market. The only Topping with remote and the required features I can see is the D50III for £230.

The relevant smsl models appear to be c200 for £200 and D0100 £210.

I could go for one of these, I guess there isn't much else to consider. Assuming these will do what I need functionally, is there much difference in the sound quality I will get with any of these?

 

[unpluggged]

Or look at the miniDSP Flex. Room correction is a nice feature, and its volume can even be controlled with my LG TV's remote.

Minidsp Flex Review (Audio DSP)

This is a review and detailed measurement of the Minidsp Flex audio signal processor. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $475 for unbalanced and $550 for balanced that I tested. Flex borrows the interface from SHD and puts it in a compact package. Seeing how I really liked that...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Jezzag]

Yes thanks, I came across that minidsp 2x4HD yesterday, it does look very tempting, my head is whirling now with possibilities, as well as the modest budget exploding!

 

[Jezzag]

Or look at the miniDSP Flex. Room correction is a nice feature, and its volume can even be controlled with my LG TV's remote.

Minidsp Flex Review (Audio DSP)

This is a review and detailed measurement of the Minidsp Flex audio signal processor. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $475 for unbalanced and $550 for balanced that I tested. Flex borrows the interface from SHD and puts it in a compact package. Seeing how I really liked that...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I am going to borrow a ddrc-24 from my brother to see what difference dirac live makes in my room. Is there likely to be any problem installing a copy of the software on my pc to run dirac live and do this?

 

[unpluggged]

I am going to borrow a ddrc-24 from my brother to see what difference dirac live makes in my room. Is there likely to be any problem installing a copy of the software on my pc to run dirac live and do this?

Well, I specifically mentioned the Flex because it is a more complete package, with remote, volume control, BT, etc., and on top of that its DAC is of higher quality (I personally got the digital version since my speakers have digital inputs). But just to test the room EQ the DDRC-24 should be sufficient.

Regarding the Dirac Live, I think this should work since the license is tied to the device itself (permanently), not to a computer or a user account.

 

[Jezzag]

Yes.Thanks for that. I have also just ordered a BK XLS300 sub as I have temporarily set up my MS Avant 906i speakers with a Fosi Bt20a Pro amp and it is extremely bass limited. Unfortunately I have wooden floors, so I think the Dirac will be very useful!

 

[Jezzag]

So to give an update on this. I now have my to 2 x Fosi ZA3 stereo amps. And I bought a used miniDSP Flex 8 DL with Dirac Live licence as preamp and for room correction. Initially I am running the amps in mono mode, one into each speaker. The sound without Dirac correction was pretty good, although rather recessed and lacking a little in definition around imaging and individual instruments. Once I ran Dirac the image improved substantially, with a greatly increased sense of location and space around instruments/vocals. I guess a lot of the issue was down to the modest speakers and room interaction. There was surprisingly little change to tonal range/bass.

My next step is to biwire the speakers and run the amps in stereo mode, one amp per speaker, with one channel driving treble and one driving bass/mid. I haven't seen any discussion around this, it strikes me as a much better way to make use of the ZA3 twin channels rather than running in mono mode, given I don't have 2 Ohm current hungry monsters to drive.

I will also be adding a B&K XL300 sub next week I expect that to fill in the absent lower octave or two. I know that bass is similar on both channels but nevertheless I will drive the sub directly from the miniDSP Flex 8 with summed outputs to get both channels inputting to it.