Hello all,,
 
First post in the forum! Here is the thing, i got an dacport lx usb dac connected to a pair of adam a7x (jack mic to Xlr). And the steup is unbareable to listen, it sounds like if i was listening to music inside  a waterpool (lol) if that makes sense, tried to use it with a focal CMS sub, and i had the same sound problem with it (connect throu xlr again). Im wondering if the dac doesnt have enought power throu the usb entry (its connected to  a laptop) or im missing something regarding cables or what not... any ideas as to what to make next? I've got 2000 dollars of setup just sitting at the desk basically. 
Thanks!
 
P.D: Sorry for my english

The most likely explanation is that you have wired the DAC to the speakers incorrectly.
 
What you want is a 1/4" stereo jack (unbal) to 2 x XLR (unbal) wired as per diagram # 9 in the following link.
 
http://www.sommercable.com/2__produkte/2__130_support/340_belegungsplaene/belegungsplaene/nf_kabel.htm 
 
Should cost about $20 for a moulded cable and twice as much for branded cable and connectors.
 
However, since the ADAMs have a very useful stereolink facility that only works on the phono inputs and you don't have either a balanced source or long cable run  you would be better off  with a 1/4" stereo jack (unbal) to 2 x phono cable wired as per diagram # 11 in the same link.That will allow you to control stereo gain from the front of either speaker.
 
Your main problem is that you are trying to connect a low quality consumer grade hi-fi device to a high quality professional grade studio equivalent. If you are going to buy a very good pair of active monitors it would really be a good idea to save some of your budget to get the sort of interface they were designed to work with in the first place. This need not be expensive. Something like this would be more than suitable.
 
http://uk.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i4/specifications 
 
That is about $200. You can get cheaper and more expensive versions. Here are some examples.
 
http://www.thomann.de/gb/usb_audio_interfaces.html
 
If you have got the cabling right then there may be a problem with the USB port on your laptop turning itself off to conserve power. It shouldn't of course but it is a possibility. You will need to google this and make changes in windows to device manager to stop the usb power being put to sleep.
 
Other than that it's possible the DAC thingy you have is knackered. Try taking it to a mates house and trying it on his gear.

Just a quick note. DACport is endorsed by a number of Hollywood record producers and professional musicians, so it's far from a consumer device. LOL

If you need more help email us at sales at centrance dot com -- we will help.

Hi, thanks for the fast responses and feedback
Seems i have choosen the wrong cables http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Custom-Length-Balanced-n-Leads-6-35mm-TRS-Jack-to-Male-XLR-NEUTRIK-/150844841547?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:ES:3160 and another mogami cable with the same bad results
I've thought of adquiring the 2i2 an using the dacport for headphones,  if i cant get around with the issue. So far the dacport its incredible detailed and a bargain for the price but i just cant get it to work with the studio monitors.
 
Also how would this http://new-old-sound.com/products/20-mcone match witht the Sub and monitors with the 2i2 (or the dacport lx), these 2 devices are within my budget.. i've thought of the m-patch 2 with balanced in/outs too.
 
I'm going to email you and hope to get this too work
Cheers!

I've had another idea that I should have thought of earlier.
 
You mention you are using a laptop as source. Are you by any chance using an USB 3.0 slot to drive the DACPort? If so switch to a USB 2.0 alternative. If you have one of those really nice, brand new ultrabooks which only come with USB 3.0 you will need to un-install the USB 3.0 drivers and run as USB 2.0 only.
 
Do a search for instructions on how to do this (it's a common problem) but if you get stuck post again and I'll remind myself of how to do it and help you out.
 
USB 3.0 is supposed to be backwards compatible with USB 2.0 but unfortunately Intel insists that only covers bulk data transfer mode not the isochronous transfer (time dependent) mode used by most modern DACs. Some background reading. http://www.beyondlogic.org/usbnutshell/usb4.shtml
 
Don't worry we will sort it out and it will be worth it. Those ADAMs are fantastic speakers by any standards and positively stunning for the money.
 
In the mean time try connecting the output from you regular onboard sound card to the speakers vwith a 1/8" minijack to 2 x phono cable. I think you will be surprised at how good it sounds. Although it'll get even better when you get everything sorted of course. 
 
Here is an example of what you are looking for. http://www.thomann.de/gb/pro_snake_tpy_2015_jmm.htm
 
Remember. You want to split a stereo signal into separate left and right mono signals NOT into 2 stereo signals. Be sure to check this.
 
 
 
P.S. Probably better to hold off on the monitor controller for the time being until we find out whats wrong and fix it. (Although it does look nice). Same with the interface if possible. If it is the USB that's responsible the Focusrite will not fix it yet. As far as I know only RME has solved the problem in all circumstances - and their least expensive model, the babyface, costs $500+ (Although it is excellent).
 
ed: added PS.

Hi ronald,  thanks for the fast response, im running usb 2.0.
Is there any difference between my actual cable and that one you sugest? except maybe changing 1/4'' for 1/8''?
I will give it some time tough the options seems a bit limited now lol

Yes.
 
I think your lead splits a balanced mono signal into two identical balanced mono signals.
 
What you need is a lead that converts an unbalanced stereo signal into two separate ( left and right) unbalanced mono signals.
 
It's all to do with a difference in standards .Professional gear isn't so called because it necessarily better than consumer gear. It's because it operates with a different standard.
 
You can read about it here rather than me risking boring. http://whirlwindusa.com/support/tech-articles/unbalanced-vs-balanced-lines/

Hi ronald.
Very enriching read. I've purchased the new  cable per your recommendations. Im looking forwards to the results.
Thanks again!