Connecting ext Dac & Equalizer from Mac to NAD integrated amp

[iFi audio]

Bypass mode still leaves an extra switch and cable in the circuit. That would be irrelevant with some systems, unacceptable in others.

Was going to write the same thing. The option to change between inputs with and without EQ physically present would allow to keep things purist. A box that does nothing in my chain I'd rather keep away from it, but that's just me

 

[Paul Mohr]

What is the difference if the effect is the same? The Loki is dead silent in bypass mode. Providing both devices are dead quiet it really doesn't matter which option you would use to bypass the eq if you didn't want it on for whatever reason. Other than your anxiety about having a box in the chain that isn't doing anything. And if it bothers you that much then I guess you should probably just physically remove it. That would be the best option. Complete pain in the butt but clearly the best option if you are that concerned about it.

I do agree the better way to do it would be to switch off the monitor but if you hooked it up in a way where that was not option the eq itself does have a bypass switch and from everything I have seen and read when the eq is in bypass it adds nothing to the signal.

 

[iFi audio]

Providing both devices are dead quiet it really doesn't matter which option you would use to bypass the eq if you didn't want it on for whatever reason.

If my setup with and without physical EQ (bypassed of course) in there would sound the same, or rather I wouldn't be able to track any differences, then I'd leave this box connected. But to know what to do, first I'd have to have a listen and move from there

 

[audiobomber]

What is the difference if the effect is the same? The Loki is dead silent in bypass mode. Providing both devices are dead quiet it really doesn't matter which option you would use to bypass the eq if you didn't want it on for whatever reason. Other than your anxiety about having a box in the chain that isn't doing anything. And if it bothers you that much then I guess you should probably just physically remove it. That would be the best option. Complete pain in the butt but clearly the best option if you are that concerned about it.

I do agree the better way to do it would be to switch off the monitor but if you hooked it up in a way where that was not option the eq itself does have a bypass switch and from everything I have seen and read when the eq is in bypass it adds nothing to the signal.

Some systems are so resolving that you will definitely hear an extra cable and switch. I suspect you've never owned such a system. I don't intend to say any more on this topic.

 

[Paul Mohr]

You would be correct I have never owned a system like that. Nor have I ever heard such a system, even at a high end dealer show room. And if I did own such a system I probably wouldn't be putting a 150 dollar 4 band Loki eq in it either. And I highly doubt the OP's system is one of "those" systems.

 

[audiobomber]

It's not just the OP who reads these threads Listening to a highly resolving system at a show or dealer's is not the same as owning one and being intimately familiar with how it sounds.

The tape loop solution is also better for dual purpose systems. For example a system with speakers and headphones. The Loki could be set up for one or the other, and switched in or out by the tape monitor.