wes.coleman
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- Sep 12, 2007
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I've just ordered a Creative EMU 0202 USB external DAC as the foundation of my entry-level audiophile system. In the next 3-6 weeks I'll be buying a LD2++ or LD3 as a dedicated amp. My question is regarding my options for connecting the LD amp to the 0202.
The 0202 has two different ways to send a signal to the amp. The first is a stereo output in the form of a mini plug. The second is a Left and Right MONO output in the form of a 1/4" plug.
The LD has only accepts RCA L and R inputs.
This presents me with two options:
1. Use a mini ---> RCA L and R cable similar to this. (If the general consensus is that this is a bad brand of cable, I'll hunt around for another one. But for now I've ruled out nearly every cabling system from ALO audio. They're just too expensive for me right now. The key term here is entry-level
)
Advantage: I can use the type of cable mentioned above to connect an iPod directly to the amp via a line-out adapter like this one.
2.a. Use a cable or cables similar to this.
2.b. Use adapters similar to these, to turn the MONO output plugs into RCA out plugs. Then use RCA-->RCA cables similar to these to connect the converted RCA outputs to the RCA inputs on the amp.
Advantage: Better SQ? I'm not sure if either of the above options will actually give me better SQ, but I'd imagine it would since the L and R signals are coming from separate plugs (of course, the quality of cables I buy will also have an impact on SQ. But keep in mind, I'll be buying cables in the entry-level price range. i.e. hopefully not more than $80-$100).
As it stands, I'm leaning toward option 1. It's more expensive than option 2.a. and cheaper than option 2.b. and is more versatile than either. So to pose my official questions:
If I go with option 1, will I be sacrificing any SQ?
If I am, how drastic will it be? Will the versatility of option 1 make up for it?
One last thing to consider: after I get source/amp all squared away, I'll probably upgrade to a better set of cans. Probably K701's, but maybe DT770's (250 ohm version) or ATH-W1000's. I don't want to upgrade these cans and not be able to at least halfway flatter them with my source.
If you read this far give yourself a gold star. If you clicked all the links, give yourself two. If you have an answer, you friggin' rock, lol.
Thanks!
The 0202 has two different ways to send a signal to the amp. The first is a stereo output in the form of a mini plug. The second is a Left and Right MONO output in the form of a 1/4" plug.
The LD has only accepts RCA L and R inputs.
This presents me with two options:
1. Use a mini ---> RCA L and R cable similar to this. (If the general consensus is that this is a bad brand of cable, I'll hunt around for another one. But for now I've ruled out nearly every cabling system from ALO audio. They're just too expensive for me right now. The key term here is entry-level
Advantage: I can use the type of cable mentioned above to connect an iPod directly to the amp via a line-out adapter like this one.
2.a. Use a cable or cables similar to this.
2.b. Use adapters similar to these, to turn the MONO output plugs into RCA out plugs. Then use RCA-->RCA cables similar to these to connect the converted RCA outputs to the RCA inputs on the amp.
Advantage: Better SQ? I'm not sure if either of the above options will actually give me better SQ, but I'd imagine it would since the L and R signals are coming from separate plugs (of course, the quality of cables I buy will also have an impact on SQ. But keep in mind, I'll be buying cables in the entry-level price range. i.e. hopefully not more than $80-$100).
As it stands, I'm leaning toward option 1. It's more expensive than option 2.a. and cheaper than option 2.b. and is more versatile than either. So to pose my official questions:
If I go with option 1, will I be sacrificing any SQ?
If I am, how drastic will it be? Will the versatility of option 1 make up for it?
One last thing to consider: after I get source/amp all squared away, I'll probably upgrade to a better set of cans. Probably K701's, but maybe DT770's (250 ohm version) or ATH-W1000's. I don't want to upgrade these cans and not be able to at least halfway flatter them with my source.
If you read this far give yourself a gold star. If you clicked all the links, give yourself two. If you have an answer, you friggin' rock, lol.
Thanks!
