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hafler p230s
- Thread starter gene french
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I have 4 different types of stereo DACs and they all plug into the Aux inputs of my PL preamps.
1. Sound chip on computer motherboard.
2. Asus soundcard that plugs into the motherboard.
3. Asus USB sound card that plugs in with USB cable.
4.Schiit Modi 3 that plugs in with USB cable.
All of these have analog outputs to the preamp.
The only DAC I know of that's built with a combo preamp is made by MiniDsp. Really didn't pay attention to it as a PL preamp is a priority with me.
They build some high-end streaming boxes that I assume offer preamp functions. Balanced and digital inputs and outputs and all that.
I'm strictly RCA and streaming with a huge dual CPU Lenovo work station configured as a PC.
1. Sound chip on computer motherboard.
2. Asus soundcard that plugs into the motherboard.
3. Asus USB sound card that plugs in with USB cable.
4.Schiit Modi 3 that plugs in with USB cable.
All of these have analog outputs to the preamp.
The only DAC I know of that's built with a combo preamp is made by MiniDsp. Really didn't pay attention to it as a PL preamp is a priority with me.
They build some high-end streaming boxes that I assume offer preamp functions. Balanced and digital inputs and outputs and all that.
I'm strictly RCA and streaming with a huge dual CPU Lenovo work station configured as a PC.
I guess some folks really like their headphones? Maybe if your living space is tight or neighbors don’t appreciate hearing what you like...at loud volumes?
I have a few sets of 'phones here but I never use them. My listening space is separate from the house, so the WOPLs cranked at high volume are not offensive to anybody
I have a few sets of 'phones here but I never use them. My listening space is separate from the house, so the WOPLs cranked at high volume are not offensive to anybody
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I don't know. I do know, playing digital off the computer, either files or streams, works excellent with the on board sound chip(Azalea Audio) on my S30 or D30 Lenovo's, or the Modi DAC. The Modi 3 has a deeper black background on quiet passages.
The Asus Xonar Essence STX PCI Express Audio Card (marketed as a audiophile card) has a very different sound, more akin to a analog source, very pleasing, and very interesting software with Dolby.
The Asus U7 Mk ii USB sound card is very sterile sounding. And while it measures great for Room Equalizer Wizard use, it's primarily a gaming sound card, as the software demonstrates.
Personally, I wouldn't spend much $ on a DAC. The Modi 3 is as high as I'm willing to go.
And the Lenovo desktop (Home Theater PC if we want to get fancy) handles all streaming effortlessly and cheaply. I have a Lenovo D30 in the main system and a S30 upstairs in the "electronics room".
The Asus Xonar Essence STX PCI Express Audio Card (marketed as a audiophile card) has a very different sound, more akin to a analog source, very pleasing, and very interesting software with Dolby.
The Asus U7 Mk ii USB sound card is very sterile sounding. And while it measures great for Room Equalizer Wizard use, it's primarily a gaming sound card, as the software demonstrates.
Personally, I wouldn't spend much $ on a DAC. The Modi 3 is as high as I'm willing to go.
And the Lenovo desktop (Home Theater PC if we want to get fancy) handles all streaming effortlessly and cheaply. I have a Lenovo D30 in the main system and a S30 upstairs in the "electronics room".
The Blue Sound Node appears to stream from sources like the MiniDsp streamers do.
High definition streaming may well be worthwhile. Going to check on some free sources this weekend and see if it makes a difference.
I just hate to subscribe to more services. Have enough subscriptions now that rarely get used.
High definition streaming may well be worthwhile. Going to check on some free sources this weekend and see if it makes a difference.
I just hate to subscribe to more services. Have enough subscriptions now that rarely get used.
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- Joined
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- 74,873
- Location
- Gillette, Wyo.
- Tagline
- Halfbiass...Electron Herder and Backass Woof
Do they require you to be a Prime subscriber as well, or is this a separate service? I seem to recall Prime customers have access to some online music and possibly movies as well.
Like Gene, I subscribe to Apple Music, and access it (as well as my ripped library on a NAS server) through iTunes on a Windoze laptop. The D50s is attached o the USB port on the laptop. The D50s can connect to music sources via TOSlink, coaxial/digital (RCA connector), and Bluetooth. I can stream music from the ipad or iphone into the D50s bluetooth receiver, but the laptop to D50s is the primary way that I stream.
Like Gene, I subscribe to Apple Music, and access it (as well as my ripped library on a NAS server) through iTunes on a Windoze laptop. The D50s is attached o the USB port on the laptop. The D50s can connect to music sources via TOSlink, coaxial/digital (RCA connector), and Bluetooth. I can stream music from the ipad or iphone into the D50s bluetooth receiver, but the laptop to D50s is the primary way that I stream.
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i mostly use chromecast from android...
i also have the apple music app on both tvs...
i bought a 75 dollar dac that exceeds the specs of apple music for a cabled hookup the the preamp (thru ab switch) to play hires lossless ...it really sounds nice...i think i can tell a difference...havent done a lot of experimenting ..when a set of younger ears comes to stay a few days...will experiment more...apple music does tell you when you are outputting lossless...i have an dh160 eq coming for the bedroom...and i want a topping e70 L70 combo for the den...maria and i enjoy our music...
i also have the apple music app on both tvs...
i bought a 75 dollar dac that exceeds the specs of apple music for a cabled hookup the the preamp (thru ab switch) to play hires lossless ...it really sounds nice...i think i can tell a difference...havent done a lot of experimenting ..when a set of younger ears comes to stay a few days...will experiment more...apple music does tell you when you are outputting lossless...i have an dh160 eq coming for the bedroom...and i want a topping e70 L70 combo for the den...maria and i enjoy our music...
Way to make a guy feel like a neanderthal...
I'm still hardwired both analog directions (A>D, D>A) from my Tascam UH-7000 and have to use a USB cable between the computer and the Tascam.
I guess I'm still pretending I can hear very high frequencies as I keep wishing each new bluetooth iteration would have 24/192 or better streaming capabilities. Alas and alack, poor Yorick, it does not yet appear to be so.
I'm still hardwired both analog directions (A>D, D>A) from my Tascam UH-7000 and have to use a USB cable between the computer and the Tascam.
I guess I'm still pretending I can hear very high frequencies as I keep wishing each new bluetooth iteration would have 24/192 or better streaming capabilities. Alas and alack, poor Yorick, it does not yet appear to be so.