Amps, receivers, dacs... ARGH!

"A preamplifier (preamp), or control amplifier, is an electronic amplifier that prepares an electronic signal for further amplification or processing. The preamplifier circuitry may or may not be housed separately from the device for which a signal is being prepared." (с) wikipedia

Usually peoples use followed setups:

1. Integrated amplifier=> speakers

2. Preamplifier=> power amplifier=> speakers.

Integrated amplifier = preamplifier + power amplifier in one device.

A/V receiver usually used for receiving a signal from various sources (DVD player, Blu-ray player, Cable TV and so on) and sending it to a TV and speakers (usually 5.1, 7.1).

DAC converts digital signal to analogue.

Yes, you can use dac + amplifier. (In case when DAC have preamp or amplifier is integrated).

Yes, you can use receiver + amplifier (If receiver have output from it's preamplifier you can connect the preamplifier of receiver to a power amplifier).

Your planned setup (Audioengine 5's + an Azuentech Forte card) correct.

It goes like this: (if you want it to..)

Source (Computer/ipod etc) -->

DAC -->

Preamp -->

PowerAmp -->

Speakers

OR

Source -->

DAC -->

Headphone Amp -->

Headphones

You also can have Intergrated Amps which have the pre and power stages combined.

no you can't have a poweramp without a preamp.

i'd recommend for the future: card > dac > integrated amp > Speakers

you can go without a dac, but you cant go without a pre amp.

From a layman's perspective, preamps have 2 typical functions: volume control and source selection.  Some may also have a balance control, tone controls, etc.  Basically, a preamp's job is to prepare a signal to deliver to the amplifier.

A receiver is an all-in-one component, combining a preamp, amp, and radio tuner into a single chassis.

As someone else mentioned, a dac is a digital-to-analog converter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikola19283 

After some research I discovered that the STX has a built in DAC + headphone amp - so logically it has a preamp as well.

If I understood everything correctly - for future setups I'd just have to go card > poweramp > speakers. Could you guys confirm my knowledge?

Also, for connecting the A5's to the card - could I use an RCA to 3.5mm adaptor?

While the card/computer can function as a preamp, having a volume control other than a software slider may useful.   You'll have to watch your volume carefully if the computer is the only volume control.  Powered speakers like the Audioengines have a volume knob so they're a bit easier to use.

I could be wrong, I thought the Xonar had RCA outs?  So you can just use standard RCA interconnects.

EDIT:  I was assuming the Audioengines have RCA inputs.  If they only have a 3.5mm jack, then yeah, you can use an RCA to 3.5mm cable.