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VinceWald
0
Jan 3, 2016
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I've been looking to get a speaker amp and DAC for quite a while and never found a 2in1 combo, and this drop just popped up so I have a question... Can I plug in a headphone amp into this ? I mean, there are is no RCA connectivity so... I don't know much about this kind hardware so sorry if I sound like a noob. (My amp is the SMSL sAp II btw)
Jan 3, 2016
AudioMan612
218
Jan 3, 2016
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VinceWaldNo, it doesn't have any line-level analog audio outputs. Most integrated amplifier DAC combos that I've seen do not (by integrated amplifier, I mean a preamp and power amp in one unit, not any built-in amp like a headphone amp; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_amplifier).
Are you intent on getting a combination unit? If you can, I'd probably get separates in this matter, which really opens up the choices you have available.
Some other combo units:
NAD D 3020: excellent amp, it's what I'm using for my CEntrance MasterClass 2504s. I'm not using the built-in DAC or headphone amp, but they both work well.
CEntrance DACmini PX: Another good choice. This one has an analog line-level output if you want to connect an external headphone amplifier.
Peachtree Audio: All of their integrated amplifiers have built-in DAC's. These are seriously good units, no matter what level you get. You can look for their older models used as well, such as the Nova 125se, which it looks like has been discontinued. You can go back even further to the older non-SE models as well. They're all good choices. In-general, it looks like they're moving out of the high-end integrated amplifier market and focusing on smaller less-powerful desktop amplifiers.
PS Audio Sprout: This is a good unit that even has a built-in phono preamp. It's worth noting that the Sprout is pleasant to listen to, but it is not flat if that's what you're looking for.
TEAC makes several DAC integrated amplifier combo units: AI-501DA, AI-301DA, and NP-H750. The NP-H750 has a line-level analog output.
Bel Canto is another maker of excellent audio electronics. They've got both the C5i and the C7R (these are high-end, but worth mentioning).
Wadia INTUITION 01: I put this in here to just have one high-end example. You can probably find the older Wadia 151 for a reasonable price (there are a few for $645 on eBay right now).
Jan 3, 2016
rebelins
0
Jan 6, 2016
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AudioMan612My PC is connected to a Pioneer VSX-930 AV Receiver via the onboard audio (Realtek) and I'm experiencing a lot of noise/interference through the speakers. The problem is worse when I plug my headphones into the amp. Would it be possible to connect the SMSL DAC/Amp to my PC via USB and to my amp via the optical connection? Would this improve the audio and eliminate the noise?
Jan 6, 2016
AudioMan612
218
Mar 18, 2016
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rebelinsI'm sorry, I didn't notice your question. Yes, an external DAC can help bypass the noise that plagues a lot of on-board audio. You don't need to worry about your audio circuits being right next to other noisy circuits (computers use switching power supplies, which are often noisy as well, unless designed for audio, which has much tighter noise requirements). Also, if you get an external DAC that uses an external power supply, you don't need to worry about dirty power coming from your PC, especially via USB. Also, make sure your computer does not have a ground issue. I've used a few laptop chargers in the past with bad designs that had horrible grounding issues, which would cause both the on-board audio, and external USB powered DAC's to sound awful.
Mar 18, 2016
ktam
5
Jul 18, 2016
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rebelinsThe cheapest way is stream the music or use USB/optical out from your PC to pioneer vsx930.
Jul 18, 2016
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