jarnopp
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2014
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Hmmm... I must be experiencing some sort of neural retardation, but could not dircern from your otherwise excellent answer weather the Mojo has true line out or not?
Because it seems to me that it doesn't - just an option to set volume to max. Because I'm getting a clearer image from my Fiio X3 (which has a rather excellent line out) to Cayin C5, than from a Mojo to the same C5.
So, let me try again. All DACs output analog. Some have built in amplifiers with a volume control, and give the option of bypassing the amplifier and "only" outputting the converted digital. However, whether the DAC has and amp built in or not, there is still an analog output. Even line out is an analog signal, usually set to about 2v which is what most amps, preamps, etc are designed for.
The Mojo has one analog output stage, which is designed to output a variable voltage and also act as the amplifier. Therefore, it cannot be bypassed, or you would not get any analog signal. So, yes it is always line out, but you will not always require a separate amplifier. (Mostly you probably won't for driving headphones.). In a full home system, you would want to use between 2-3v for "line out."
Hope that helps. Others can add/clarify as well.