My iMac output will be USB to either a Schiit Modi 3 Dac or an iFI Zen Dac, from one of those via RCA to a Schiit Loki equalizer with RCA outs. I have a NAD C356bee integrated amp which has Tape In/Out as well as 2 Pre Outs and Main In. I obviously want to do the D/A conversion from the Mac, eq it as I need some frequencies tweaked but then essentially use the NAD to output to my passive Focal speakers. Although the Mac is my top priority as I run Audirvana Studio, Qobuz, and Amazon Music through it, would also if I can take analog out from my tv into an input though that's least important. So guess it boils down to the EQ Loki output where should it go? Normal jack like CD, Tape In, or use the Pre Out/Main Ins?
Any INput other than the Main (this will bypass the preamp circuit on the integrated amp, and you're not using any preamp at all; this is like starting the car on first gear and full throttle, ALL the time) and TT/Phono Input (if it has a phono preamp built into that integrated amp).
Your pre amp has a monitor loop, use that. Connect the monitor out to the EQ in and the EQ out to the monitor in. Then select the monitor switch and it should eq whatever is playing through the amp. Tape 2 would probably do the same thing. This is how we used EQ's back in the day. You just used the tape 2 as a loop with the eq inbetween it. Whatever you plug into your nad pre amp it will eq whatever source you select if the monitor fuction is on. Plug your dac, tv or whatever other analog input you have into the nad and use it as a switcher like it was designed to do. Whatever source you select will automatically get routed to the monitor and in turn to your EQ. If you don't want the eq in the chain just turn off the monitor button.
You got lucky, most newer receivers and integrated amps don't have this feature anymore since tape decks and eq's fell out of favor.
And if your tv has a digital out you can plug it into the modi dac instead.
Your pre amp has a monitor loop, use that. Connect the monitor out to the EQ in and the EQ out to the monitor in. Then select the monitor switch and it should eq whatever is playing through the amp. Tape 2 would probably do the same thing. This is how we used EQ's back in the day. You just used the tape 2 as a loop with the eq inbetween it. Whatever you plug into your nad pre amp it will eq whatever source you select if the monitor fuction is on. Plug your dac, tv or whatever other analog input you have into the nad and use it as a switcher like it was designed to do. Whatever source you select will automatically get routed to the monitor and in turn to your EQ. If you don't want the eq in the chain just turn off the monitor button.
You got lucky, most newer receivers and integrated amps don't have this feature anymore since tape decks and eq's fell out of favor.
And if your tv has a digital out you can plug it into the modi dac instead.
I specifically bought this NAD because the C326bee and C356bee integrated amps have those options. Yes, amps or receivers or even newer NAD don't have them.
I specifically bought this NAD because the C326bee and C356bee integrated amps have those options. Yes, amps or receivers or even newer NAD don't have them.
I like all your ideas. I will connect the Mac to Dac via RCA into one of the line inputs then via the Tape Mon Out/Ins plug in the EQ. As you noted that way I can EQ anything when the Tape Mon is engaged. For awhile I was what I'd call something of an idealistic purist though never had any true high fidelity gear. I did finally realize my small gaps in upper-midrange and treble thankfully finding the Schiit Loki unit. I had tried Klipsch, Martin-Logan speakers and others noted for upper register but they never sparkled...that is until the Loki arrived.
I use Aurdivana Studio for one thing. Second reason is would rather have hw do it than load more sw. Also Aurdivana Studio can recognize most major Dacs. Third i jave Schiit Modi 3 and iFi Zen Dac. Plus an advantage to hw dac through NAD is would eq other devices also
To simply answer the question every time of speaker I have tried from Klipsch, Martin-Logan, Peachtree and others I have the same upper mid treble hole until I eq up.
That's a fair point actually. It's better to have it connected as you suggest so @starbux48 can dis/engage that EQ via one simple input change on his remote. My suggestion would have that equalizer constantly in the audio path.
The EQ has a bypass switch built into at as well so you still have nothing to lose regardless of how you hook it up. If you don't want eq hit the bypass swtich.
The EQ has a bypass switch built into at as well so you still have nothing to lose regardless of how you hook it up. If you don't want eq hit the bypass swtich.
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