First off, hello! Finally making an account here to ask a likely stupid question, but I haven't been able to find a conclusive answer (and don't have the knowledge to determine myself).
I use a UMC204HD as a general desktop interface for basically anything I do at my PC including bedroom recording/producing. While I'm well aware of the shortfalls of this interface by now, it has suited my needs up until my recent purchase of some Hifiman Sundaras (for $230 no reason not to
). Unfortunately I am a fairly loud listener, and as you would expect, the UMC204HD barely gets to my desired levels at full volume on the front headphones output, which also brings in audible distortion and noise.
Being impatient and poor I purchased this Douk Audio U3 amp in the hopes it would tide me over until I can afford a higher quality amp ). After connecting the amp to the RCA playback outputs on the back I am able to get somewhat better levels but also slightly worse/more distorted sound which I assume to be the quality of the amp, I also lose out on input monitoring which I use frequently. Currently I have switched to using the rear main outputs using TS to RCA adapters which gets me monitoring back, but I seem to get more noise and less power with the volume cranked on the front. I was considering just amplifying the headphone out at noon or so but before I go digging around for a TRS to RCA, does anyone have any suggestions on what the optimal setup would be with the gear I have? Also taking suggestions for better amps under $200 AUD as I'm still in the return window for the U3
Thanks!
I use a UMC204HD as a general desktop interface for basically anything I do at my PC including bedroom recording/producing. While I'm well aware of the shortfalls of this interface by now, it has suited my needs up until my recent purchase of some Hifiman Sundaras (for $230 no reason not to
). Unfortunately I am a fairly loud listener, and as you would expect, the UMC204HD barely gets to my desired levels at full volume on the front headphones output, which also brings in audible distortion and noise.Being impatient and poor I purchased this Douk Audio U3 amp in the hopes it would tide me over until I can afford a higher quality amp ). After connecting the amp to the RCA playback outputs on the back I am able to get somewhat better levels but also slightly worse/more distorted sound which I assume to be the quality of the amp, I also lose out on input monitoring which I use frequently. Currently I have switched to using the rear main outputs using TS to RCA adapters which gets me monitoring back, but I seem to get more noise and less power with the volume cranked on the front. I was considering just amplifying the headphone out at noon or so but before I go digging around for a TRS to RCA, does anyone have any suggestions on what the optimal setup would be with the gear I have? Also taking suggestions for better amps under $200 AUD as I'm still in the return window for the U3
Thanks!
