ethanhallbeyer
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- Feb 24, 2019
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So I have a setup that consists of a balanced (XLR) DAC using USB audio source (PC), with the DAC connected via XLR outs to my Outlaw 2200 monoblocks (balanced XLR) and then out to my speakers. Problem is, I also have a SMSL SAP-10 balanced (XLR) headphone amp (no DAC). I want it to go through the same DAC to save money and have been considering an XLR swtich box but was wondering if they make truly balanced versions and if there is an issue with signal/audio quality degradation going this route?
The other route is to get a second balanced DAC for my headphone amp. I can switch which I want to listen to thru Windows, by selecting the desired device for audio output.
If I go this route, the only contenders I know of under $400 would be:
1. Xiang Sheng DAC-05A - Burr Brown Dacs - Balanced XLR - sounds great to me (this is what i'm using now; would rather not have duplicate DACs)
2. TEAC UD-301 - this is more expensive by about $100 than #1, and it includes a headphone amp which I don't really need/want. But I hear good things about this line.
3. SMSL SU-8 - I read there are issues with bad remote controls or IR sensors, based on Amazon reviewer, and issues with possibly getting older revision that may have audio quality issues at higher volumes?
4. Topping DX7 (if I can find one) or DX7s, but the latter in particular is considerably more expensive.
Could I get a $50-$100 balanced XLR switch box and not negatively impact my sound quality or am I better off not using a switch box at all and just get a second DAC for the headamp?
The other route is to get a second balanced DAC for my headphone amp. I can switch which I want to listen to thru Windows, by selecting the desired device for audio output.
If I go this route, the only contenders I know of under $400 would be:
1. Xiang Sheng DAC-05A - Burr Brown Dacs - Balanced XLR - sounds great to me (this is what i'm using now; would rather not have duplicate DACs)
2. TEAC UD-301 - this is more expensive by about $100 than #1, and it includes a headphone amp which I don't really need/want. But I hear good things about this line.
3. SMSL SU-8 - I read there are issues with bad remote controls or IR sensors, based on Amazon reviewer, and issues with possibly getting older revision that may have audio quality issues at higher volumes?
4. Topping DX7 (if I can find one) or DX7s, but the latter in particular is considerably more expensive.
Could I get a $50-$100 balanced XLR switch box and not negatively impact my sound quality or am I better off not using a switch box at all and just get a second DAC for the headamp?