Newbie question here. Would this DAC make a complete beginners system with my MacBook and a pair of JBL LSR 305's or is there something else I'd need to complete it to play music files from my laptop?
mjonesThe amp in this unit is designed to drive headphones, not speakers.
You could use it as a DAC and supplement it with an amp made for your monitor speakers (via line out or pre-out, I forget what this has), and then have the option for cans or speakers when you want.
edit: Ok I looked up your speakers, and it looks like they amp themselves. Therefore, you'd be good using a line out or pre out on this as a source, and wouldn't have to buy a separate amp! Happy shopping.
StevangelistThanks so much. I am beginning to jump into more than just casual listening in my apartment and appreciate your help. I don't want to overspend but I want some solid purchases to build off for the future.
mjonesNo worries, just a note, if it is a preout as opposed to a line out, you will have volume control out of the dac. I don't think your speakers have their own vol control. If they do, line outs are fine too. Volume can always be adjusted at the source, but computer vol control is not recommended; you get better results on full blast and controlling volume with the amp. Just one more thing to consider.
StevangelistThis is a true line out. When just sending audio out to a set of powered speakers, the volume is locked on the Topping DX7 to 0db, and you'll control the volume from your powered speakers or secondary amp like a Darkvoice etc.
ElzizoI have a set of Truth B2031a with no volume control. Are you saying that with the XLR outs, I can not control the volume with the front knob? Can I control the volume with the computer?
SeedubsTrue line out does not give you volume control. This is the same for amps that have true line out.
Edit: link for further reading for folks that may not have full understanding of line level out which this amp has via the RCA and XLR analog out: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_level
SeedubsNot a horrible design, just a different result / purpose.
For instance, as my PC speakers have their own volume control / amp, I prefer a true line out.
This way, when I unplug or plug in my headphones, I don't have to remember to adjust the DAC's volume knob first. In this sense, the headphones will be set at their ideal volume level, and the speakers at theirs, with no need to keep switching volume on the DAC.
The benefit for me being when I do forget: I won't deafen myself by pushing levels meant for the wrong device!
StevangelistAfter playing with my DX7 a little more, the DX7 allows for just headphone playback, RCA/XLR playback, or a combination of all 3 at once. Pretty clever honestly.
StevangelistFor me I need a system that can control the volume output to my monitors or be able to switch back and forth without having to get up to get to the monitors . The Grace 9xx has al of these options as well as he ability to gang them together which will drive both sub and monitors . The more I looked at the Grace the more I realized the difference between computer speakers fed by dac and referemce monitors driven by dac. At the end of the day I wemt with the Grace 920. It has all the professional controls I need as a audio professional . Too trick to pass up. Might get the 9xx for the house rig and keep the 920 for the studio. So cool Grace is working with mass drop. Very well thought out and built.
cu2983I use headphone out with my active speakers with no problems. Make sure your pot is turned down first and adjust volume to your liking. Don't blow up your speakers.