DAP as Hi-Fi Source

[tomshark]

I just purchased passive speakers and want to get the best out of it in terms of sound quality with the items that I have at the moment.

Speakers: Klipsch R-51 M
Amp: Topping PA3
DAP: Fiio M11
Others: Chromecast Audio

So, the current setup is: Fiio M11 (line out/PO) / Chromecast > Topping PA 3 (RCA) > Speakers

I have questions (sorry if it's sound stupid. I'm completely new in passive speaker thingy). My questions are:
1. I don't quite understand between Line Out and PO. Which one should I use to get the most benefit from my Fiio M11 as DAP and DAC (built-in)? My question also, do the Fiio M11 act as only DAP only or the DAC also working in these mode to improve the sound quality?
I noticed that if I choose LO the sound automatically louder instead of using PO (even with High gain)

2. Do I need to invest in desktop DAC so the setup become Fiio M11/Chromecast/whatever > Desktop DAC > Topping PA 3 (RCA) > Speakers?

3. I hear background noise in my speaker during idle, sometimes crackling. Can anyone shed me some insights, what's the issue? I usually only use IEM (never heard this kind of background noise). Is it due to amp?

Thanks in advance for your helps.

 

[Quanghungphung]

I'm in the same stage... I have a dap, se100, but don't know is it worth to do it??

SE100 connect to Amp with 3. 5 to rc cable, any good??? I don't know

 

[miserybeforethemusic]

I just purchased passive speakers and want to get the best out of it in terms of sound quality with the items that I have at the moment.

Speakers: Klipsch R-51 M
Amp: Topping PA3
DAP: Fiio M11
Others: Chromecast Audio

So, the current setup is: Fiio M11 (line out/PO) / Chromecast > Topping PA 3 (RCA) > Speakers

I have questions (sorry if it's sound stupid. I'm completely new in passive speaker thingy). My questions are:
1. I don't quite understand between Line Out and PO. Which one should I use to get the most benefit from my Fiio M11 as DAP and DAC (built-in)? My question also, do the Fiio M11 act as only DAP only or the DAC also working in these mode to improve the sound quality?
I noticed that if I choose LO the sound automatically louder instead of using PO (even with High gain)

2. Do I need to invest in desktop DAC so the setup become Fiio M11/Chromecast/whatever > Desktop DAC > Topping PA 3 (RCA) > Speakers?

3. I hear background noise in my speaker during idle, sometimes crackling. Can anyone shed me some insights, what's the issue? I usually only use IEM (never heard this kind of background noise). Is it due to amp?

Thanks in advance for your helps.

LO = Full output power from your DAP, unamplified by internal components (ideally; you'd have to check the manual to see what purpose LO serves for the M11). In my A&K SR25's case, it sends all audio signals out at 2V (that's a lot of power).

PO = Phone Out. A considerably hotter signal as it's being internally amplified by the M11 and then again by the PA 3. Double amplification, if left unchecked, will lead to considerable distortion. I'd suggest sticking with LO in the M11, provided it's a true Line Out and not a shortcut to max volume.

Do you need a desktop amp? Realistically, sounds more like you need a streamer to combine what the Fiio and Chromecast do into one device. If you got the DAC, what would you use for transport (aka what hosts your library at that point)?

If you're hearing background noise, check the signal chain. Could be a loose/dirty connection somewhere, could be you picking up signal noise from somewhere else in the chain, or you could be dealing with a less-than-idea cascading amplification issue. Most likely, it's because the M11 is amplifying a signal, then sending it to the PA 3, which is doing further amplification (aka cascading).

I'm in the same stage... I have a dap, se100, but don't know is it worth to do it??

SE100 connect to Amp with 3. 5 to rc cable, any good??? I don't know

The SR25 feeding a LO signal to my Mazda CX-5 makes that sound system listenable. Genuinely listenable with sub-bass slam and everything. Yeah, the SE100 should be an improvement unless you already have a really good source in the chain already.

 

[miserybeforethemusic]

This thread might also help:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/dumb-question-line-level-line-out-vs-headphone-out.850033/

 

[Quanghungphung]

LO = Full output power from your DAP, unamplified by internal components (ideally; you'd have to check the manual to see what purpose LO serves for the M11). In my A&K SR25's case, it sends all audio signals out at 2V (that's a lot of power).

PO = Phone Out. A considerably hotter signal as it's being internally amplified by the M11 and then again by the PA 3. Double amplification, if left unchecked, will lead to considerable distortion. I'd suggest sticking with LO in the M11, provided it's a true Line Out and not a shortcut to max volume.

Do you need a desktop amp? Realistically, sounds more like you need a streamer to combine what the Fiio and Chromecast do into one device. If you got the DAC, what would you use for transport (aka what hosts your library at that point)?

If you're hearing background noise, check the signal chain. Could be a loose/dirty connection somewhere, could be you picking up signal noise from somewhere else in the chain, or you could be dealing with a less-than-idea cascading amplification issue. Most likely, it's because the M11 is amplifying a signal, then sending it to the PA 3, which is doing further amplification (aka cascading).

The SR25 feeding a LO signal to my Mazda CX-5 makes that sound system listenable. Genuinely listenable with sub-bass slam and everything. Yeah, the SE100 should be an improvement unless you already have a really good source in the chain already.

Thank for sharing
How about DAP to high-end amplifier and speakers?

 

[miserybeforethemusic]

Thank for sharing
How about DAP to high-end amplifier and speakers?

Don't see how it would be any different. Amplifier would still be receiving the cleaner signal using LO, so that's what I'd recommend.

 

[Quanghungphung]

Just wonder if anyone try? DAP to high end amp?

The reason is I'm looking to get a speakers setup and i have two though

1. Use the dap to amp to spakers - same music source everywhere

2. Use a desktop dac to amp to speaker. And use the dap as usb output only