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Benchmark DAC1 as Balanced Amp Questions?

post #1 of 5
11/23/05 at 3:15pm
Thread Starter 
Okay, I'm toying with the idea of running a balanced headphone setup with the Benchmark DAC1 but would like the local experts' feedback on the following:

1. If I have the RCAs plugged into my stereo preamp, would it be harmful in anyway to have the XLRs hooked up to my headphones at the same time? Reduction in output, noise, etc.?

2. Can I just get this adapter from Moon Audio or equivalent (with the female XLR ends) to get balanced connection to/from the DAC1 with my existing headphones with 1/4 jack?:



Thanks for taking the time to advise.
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post #2 of 5
11/23/05 at 3:22pm
I dont think you will notice much of an improvement if any over using the headphone out unless you reterminate your phones to balanced. The adapter will simply let you hook it up not make your phones balanced.

As for the pictured adapter, the DAC1 uses male jacks so you will need female XLRs for whichever route you go... keep in mind though the typical balanced jacks for an amp are female.

Also, Ide try using the digital inputs and not the analogue if you wish to have better sound.
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post #3 of 5
11/23/05 at 3:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by grandenigma1
I dont think you will notice much of an improvement if any over using the headphone out unless you reterminate your phones to balanced. The adapter will simply let you hook it up not make your phones balanced.

As for the pictured adapter, the DAC1 uses male jacks so you will need female XLRs for whichever route you go... keep in mind though the typical balanced jacks for an amp are female.

Also, Ide try using the digital inputs and not the analogue if you wish to have better sound.
Thanks Grandenigma, I appreciate your feedback.

As for the digital inputs vs. analogue, are you talking about from the transport to the DAC1?
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post #4 of 5
11/23/05 at 3:32pm
Thread Starter 
As a side question to the DAC1 experts along the lines of Question #1 above...Is it okay to hook up the RCA out from the DAC1 to my stereop preamp, and then use and XLR to RCA cable to simultaneously hook up the DAC1 to a headphone amp? Again, is anything getting impared as a result and is this a good idea?
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post #5 of 5
11/23/05 at 3:44pm
There is nothing wrong with hooking up the DAC1 both ways but you should not have any headphones plugged into the outputs of the DAC1 while your listening to your main rig (preamp out) as you'll probably have the DAC1 at full output which would probably fry your headphones.
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