[Alai]

Best DAC with two SPDIF in, 3.1 or more RCA out, and Headphone Out? Not a receiver though, please (unless headphone out is preamp or just line out...).

I'm looking for something around $500 give or take $200. Anyone got any tips?

 

[Sherwood]

3.1? You looking for a subwoofer output from a DAC?

I have never seen any component with 3 separate pairs of RCA outs, other than a splitter. Maybe if you described your setup, we could find you something more appropriate to your needs.

 

[Alai]

Well, I thought, somehow, someone would have made a DAC-only receiver type build... is this not the case?

I'm looking for a DAC that does headphones AND speakers. I want to plug in my headphones into the Heed, plug the Heed into the DAC, and then get a speaker amp and plug those into the DAC. Then get speakers for the speaker amp.

Anyhow, I think I just found a DAC for myself, but it doesn't have these features that I desired. Guess I'm just going to have to settle on a headphone-only DAC.

 

[Sherwood]

Why bother with a headphone amp in the DAC when you have the Heed? The heed is a good amp, especially with the K701.

 

[Alai]

Err... I always thought line-out/preamp means without power amping... am I mistaken? Regardless, is there such a DAC as described? I'm guessing no...

 

[gevorg]

One of all-in-one audiophile solutions I know is Peachtree Decco or Nova. It has build-in dac, preamp, speaker amp, headphone amp, tube buffer and even an option for networked Sonos. Obviously it won't be as good as separates, but should be great for something like a bedroom system.

6moons audio reviews: Peachtree Audio Nova

 

[Alai]

Wow that looks intense. Lol. I was more looking for a DAC only unit, but that thing is impressive.

What do you guys think of Adcom units? The GTP-830 and 750 are about $300 on the used market as is the GDD-1.

Seems like these are fairly good units for speakers, but I haven't seen anyone review them for their headphone out... (hopefully, it uses the same DAC for the headphone as the RCA out?)

 

[HammerSandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alai /img/forum/go_quote.gif I want to plug in my headphones into the Heed, plug the Heed into the DAC, and then get a speaker amp and plug those into the DAC. Then get speakers for the speaker amp.

All you need is a DAC with 2 pairs of outputs. There are a ton of them out there.

 

[Alai]

I plan on a 3.1 speaker system at minimum, though, and I would like to use this component for the speakers AND headphones.

 

[HammerSandwich]

I don't understand the problem.

Approach #1: Connect your headphone amp to DAC output #1, run the speaker amp to output #2. The 3.1 conversion will need to be integrated into the speakers' side of the system.

#2: Connect DAC to speaker amp (HT receiver?), and daisy-chain your headamp from the tape loop or aux output. (This will work with a single-output DAC...)

If you still think this won't work, please provide more details about your other connections, especially on the speaker end.

 

[Sherwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alai /img/forum/go_quote.gif I plan on a 3.1 speaker system at minimum, though

Herein lies he rub, Alai. There is no standard for a 3.1 system. That's not a thing. You can have stereo (2.0), stereo with a sub (2.1), quadrophonic (4.0), surround (5.0), surround with a sub (5.1), and a few higher surround profiles (6.1, 7.1, etc.). There is no 3.1 spec extant that I have ever heard of.

If you want surround, it's impossible to have a DAC with it unless it's a surround receiver. Hi-Fi DACs are built to handle stereo only.

 

[Alai]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherwood /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you want surround, it's impossible to have a DAC with it unless it's a surround receiver. Hi-Fi DACs are built to handle stereo only.

Ah. This is more like the information I was looking for. Thank you!

So I guess I will settle for a DAC for headphones and a surround receiver for speakers...

Thanks again!

 

[Sherwood]

If you're getting a surround receiver anyways, you may as well get a good one and use it for both applications.

If you buy one a few years old, you'll get a better DAC for the same money. Here's a great option, mislabelled on A'gon and forgotten because most receiver buyers want an HDMI port. Fits your budget, and will tear your effing house down with power. Nice sounding piece.

 

[Alai]

Oh wow. That does look nice. Although I WOULD like an HDMI input... but is HDMI necessary when you are connecting from computer to receiver to speakers?

Also, I think I will be buying the Adcom GDA-700. Seems like it's a solid piece. I may also look into modding it to smooth out some 'harshness' as some people have noted.

 

[HammerSandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherwood /img/forum/go_quote.gif There is no 3.1 spec extant that I have ever heard of.

While it's no standard, Alai could use a Trinaural processor with a separate sub.