Tidal Connect -> Dirac -> DAC -> Power Amp | Options & eARC?

[Rotor]

Hi all, first post. Glad I found a this reason based site. Thanks for all the great information.

Wondering if someone can offer some advice or suggestions:
After buying, then returning, an Arcam SA30 (which appeared to do everything I want on paper) I am looking to achieve the setup I mention in the subject line above.
Additionally (though I am possibly willing to give this up) I would like and eARC/ARC connection as well.

Here are two options I have thought about. Would love to hear more suggestions. Especially how/if I could replace the MiniDSP product with something else that offers Dirac Live for a lower cost?

MiniDSP SHD --> AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC XLR = Done! (but no eARC and the SHD is not cheap)

BlueSound Node N130 --> MiniDSP SHD --> AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC XLR = Done! (as above, but with eARC. - I would never use the DAC in the Node)

....or either of the above combinations with a MiniDSP Studio and external DAC in place of the SHD?

I guess what I am trying to create is a better version of a BlueSound Powernode

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Rotor! Welcome to ASR.

A low cost option would be WiiM Mini->DDRC-24->MPA-S250NC.

Despite the DDRC-24's RCA output, I would still choose the MPA-S250NC XLR, since it's possible to make an RCA output impedance balanced, which has all the advantages of proper XLR:

Topping DX3 Pro+ Review (DAC & Headphone Amp)

Nice, have not seen that error thought but i dont play loud or have demanding headphones. Will wait until some ppl in this thread can confirm the update works without issue until i update. Well, I've updated and do not notice any difference. (Used windows 11, turned the DAC on and simply ran...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Rotor]

Hi @Rotor! Welcome to ASR.

A low cost option would be WiiM Mini->DDRC-24->MPA-S250NC.

Despite the DDRC-24's RCA output, I would still choose the MPA-S250NC XLR, since it's possible to make an RCA output impedance balanced, which has all the advantages of proper XLR:

Topping DX3 Pro+ Review (DAC & Headphone Amp)

Nice, have not seen that error thought but i dont play loud or have demanding headphones. Will wait until some ppl in this thread can confirm the update works without issue until i update. Well, I've updated and do not notice any difference. (Used windows 11, turned the DAC on and simply ran...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Thanks, that is indeed a good option! (bit perfect gapless now seems to work on the Wiim)

While I am not averse to some basic soldering, I was also looking at the flexibility of the AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S250NC, which appears to be essentially the same product but with both RCA & XLR inputs. Is there any reason to suspect it would test any differently to the AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC (RCA) that was reviewed by Amir?
Realisically, I don't expect XLR to make a noticable difference in my use case (very short runs, flexible placement). But it would be nice to keep the option of both.

link to AP300-S250NC: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/powe...ifier-ncore-nc252mp-2x250w-4-ohm-p-18419.html

 

[staticV3]

I was also looking at the flexibility of the AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S250NC.
Is there any reason to suspect it would test any differently to the AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC (RCA) that was reviewed by amirm?

I don't think so.

 

[Rotor]

My old Rotel 1570 is dead, and I need music now
...so I purchased the following:

- Bluesound Node N130. Used, but in 'as new' condition for 250€. (about the same price as a new WiiM Pro+) This gives me all the streaming connectivity I want, plus the convenience of eARC. This will be used only for a digital.
- Topping E50 DAC. Looks to be a nice DAC, with a balanced output.
- AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S250NC - (Ncore NC252MP with XLR and RCA inputs)

This allows me to get up and running again, while thinking more carefully about how to best incorporate Dirac into the system. Perhaps a miniDSP Flex Digital with a Dirac license is the way to go? The DDRC-24 is a great option but would bind me to that DAC (which is no doubt better than my ears), but a pure digital DSP appears to give me more flexibility for the future. Am I looking at this the right way?