What stage of the signal do I connect my Focusrite 4i4?

[Makauu171]

I have a Focusrite 4i4 3rd gen and I'm planning to purchase a topping A30pro/D30pro stack. I was wondering where my 4i4 connects. My initial thoughts is this PC (usb) -> D30pro (bal L.O.) -> 4i4 (bal L.O.) -> A30pro.

This was the most sound plan I could think of but my concern is between the d30pro and the 4i4, does the built in dac of the 4i4 get bypassed when I connect it this way? Is there any chance that there will be signal degradation due to the built in DAC of the focusrite, thus bottlenecking my d30pro?

 

[Blumlein 88]

I don't see a need for the 4i4. The 4i4 would compromise performance though it might not be audible.

PC-USB to Connect the D30 which connects to the A30.

Do you have other uses or needs for the 4i4? If so I might get a switchbox for the input of the A30 and switch between the D30 and 4i4 as an input source for the A30.

 

[Makauu171]

I don't see a need for the 4i4. The 4i4 would compromise performance though it might not be audible.

PC-USB to Connect the D30 which connects to the A30.

Do you have other uses or needs for the 4i4? If so I might get a switchbox for the input of the A30 and switch between the D30 and 4i4 as an input source for the A30.

I was going to use it for monitoring but yeah I guess using a switch box would probably be the best thing here. Time to diy one.

 

[AnalogSteph]

Are you using the 4i4 for recording as well? Keeping both may make that easier to manage then... less issues with blocked sound devices or having to change settings.

 

[Makauu171]

Are you using the 4i4 for recording as well? Keeping both may make that easier to manage then... less issues with blocked sound devices or having to change settings.

yes I was gonna use it for recording too.