Periapt Labor Day Sale periaptcables.com Fluance RT85 amzn.to/3qbVHV0 Sony SSCS5 (Still on Sale) amzn.to/3D18MrT Fosi Phono Preamp amzn.to/3wUcf7L www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5 Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Equalizers are great, but if your room allows you to put your speakers in exactly the position where the speakers need to be then that if effect makes the equalizer totally worthless, because equalizers make distortion, just like tone controls on amps. Cars have to have equalizers, because the cars small invironment doesnt allow your speakers to be placed in the perfect positions. In stereo, the lesser the connections, wires, or wiring are in the chain, the better the sound. IC'S or integrated circuits has too much wiring in their circuits stereos, Class A amps is an example, amps that allow you to bypass their tone controls is an example.
@@myronhelton4441equalizers have uses if your creative. Such is so if you live in a apartment and need to cut some bass for your neighbors. I prefer artificially boosted highs in mixes as well I like treble.
I know this video was posted over 2years ago, but it's a great refresher for me. For 25+ years I've dabbled in audio, which is a broad subject. I've never gotten into hifi but you're tempting me to do so. I have a limited budget, space, and time for such things so your content is great. The tube amps from Douk Audio intrigue me in particular. Thanks for making the content and continuing to do reviews! I'm torn between vintage, of which I have a little, and modern inexpensive. I'm looking for low maintenance, low cost, and reliable. I've also been watching more of Skylabs Audio lately. Keep up the great work.
I will say I recently picked up a pair of late 90’s B&W DM302’s and a Denon AVR2801 from the same year and I’m very satisfied with them so far all for $100 😎
Thanks, even as someone who's knowledgeable these videos are always fun to listen to. That said, a wiring diagram would have been handy especially for the turntable , phone amp , preamp EQ power amp input/output section.
This is exactly what I needed! I've been looking into getting a simple set up and build some Overnight Sensations for on my desk (seems like a fun holiday project, and I like sound) Sooooo much research and still feel like I know nothing haha. I know there's a lot to learn in this subject, and to be honest, most things will probably not be for me. But learning what is, and what isn't important or needed or even wanted for my experience is so valuable. Thanks for this!
Your channel's been immensely helpful, been subbed for a few months already while doing some research, project got put on the back burner for a bit, but should be committing soon, excited!
One thing I've noticed is some integrated amplifiers come only with a phono stage for moving magnet cartridges (ie quad vena ii). If you're starting out, best to make sure your moving magnet or moving coil will work. In most cases a separate phono stage (ie schiit mani) will handle both automatically or give you a switch to choose between the two. 😁
Just got my Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO and set it up with a set of klipsch R-51PMs. It’s my first turntable, and I wanted to ball a little bit on the table, and piece together nicer stereo equipment over time. After I have something that can be pushed a little more, I’ll upgrade my stylus to the moonstone, get an acrylic platter, etc.
Hi Randy, I know this is another stupid question I want try a diffrent dac from the on thats on my AV reciever. Can I connect another dac like the Danafrips ares ii or the SMSL SU8 to my AV reciever yamaha 3070 and my power amp emotiva xpa 3.
One part of the chain I haven’t figured out - how to display album art from a CD with that kind of data (blu ray DVD player) and display when streaming Wiim (going into an Emotiva TA-100). And thanks, awesome content as always!
This might seem like a no-brainer, but perhaps you can do a video on wiring speakers. I have several friends that failed to wire their speakers in phase! Thanks Randy!
Best is to use your ears and not rely on any labels. I knew of at least one friend who had a receiver that had the wires inside incorrectly wired. He knew something was "wrong" but when he "wrongly" connected one of the speaker's cables he had his bass back in spades. But yeah, at least in most cases knowing to connect the + to + and the - to - is a good starting point, then evaluate.
Old audiophile's shoes rocks 👍🏽 although vynil ain't my choise due to place it takes, price it costs and... pretend to be lazy in music and listen it without going anywhere after each album to launch a new one. And just a tip - due to many ppl understand visual information better, small picture/schematic (just made by hand squares with names, nothing else) would allow to see overall scheme better.
Thanks Randy. Im one of those new patreon subs, old dude who knows the RCAs and opticals but now. Now I am down the wormhole of better DAC and preamp better listening buddy! Keep this great content coming!
What would be super helpful .. is a DAC guide for [LOSSLESS] music hooked up to a variety of devices including iPads, Android Tablets, Nvidia Shield Pro, and or via WiFi from iPhone / Android. Obviously I know I can do it through my computer but then I have my computer on 724 which ain't going to happen. BTW I have an ASUS ROG MAXIMUS EXTREME MOBO and yep it's built-in deck is pretty darn good. Actually sounds better than my $200 Schitt DAC which surprised the hell out of me.
Hi, I'm a newbie. Can i ask what is an i2s port for? I keep hearing how it's better than USB B. So does that mean they have i2s to USB C cables to connect to your phone?
Great video, but I still have one question. OK, gave up my old Adcom amp/preamp and I updated w/a pretty nice integrated amp, a Vincent SV 500 and though I enjoy the sound quite a bit, I have an old Yamaha EQ which I haven't figured how to connect. Any suggestions?
So ... the output of the input goes into the other input unless there's a ground wire because then the signal might be too boosted and not sound good?!.. did I get it right? In all seriousness good on you for laying out a primer for those new to the hobby because the waters can get deep awfully quick!
Truly been dying to know this…do you think the JL DAC you showed is a better DAC than the Sabre 32 9018K2M DAC in the peach tree nova 300? What a nerdy but fundamentally crucial question. Crucial.
@@jawixom Dacs do have different sonic features tho... Are you saying that's a myth? It's all about sound profile man. Different dacs have different sound processing and therefore different sound profiles. Some are brighter and more detailed, some are warmer and more easy to listen to.
This makes sense. My head cannot help but see this part going to that part going to that part and then that part as potential sources of distortion or noise being added to the process. I am also at the beginning stages of building and learning, so I am making this assumption out of ignorance.
I may have missed tis but in your TT section if you use an external phono pre-amp do NOT use the phono input on whatever amp you're using if it has one. The internal phono pre in my big HK amp sucks. It's not much better on my big Yamaha Adventage receiver. So I plugged the outputs from the pre-amp into an unused set of RCA inputs (like Vid 3 or something) and the ground to the existing post on the amp. I use the one you used for illustration and it works well. I have an old Yamaha 2040 and an even older Marantz 2245 and the internal pre-amps sound fine on those.
Thank you that was a helpful video. Question, I am using a 1byone H004 kit. It has a phono stage built in to the turntable then goes directly to passive bluetooth speakers. Its definitely a lower end system but suprisingly good for my small apartment. It has a setting to turn off the phono stage. I was wondering if I could turn it off and attach a Mani 2 or Ifi Zen phono stage and go directly to the speakers or would I have to connect to an amp or reciever then to speakers? I am new to this so please forgive my ignorance, ha.
I just watched your latest video. Then I saw I missed this due to the holiday. I would love to see how you add a subwoofer to the setup as well. Thanks for the great content!
My Apollo Twin has an optical input. If I got one of those cheap units that converts RCA to Optical, could I connect a turntable to the Apollo? Thanks.
Another fine video, Randy - always like your everyman style. I have a hypothetical about preamps to throw out - I’m thinking about getting Saga+ to add a layer of tubes to my current turntable setup with a Schitt Mani 2. This is for a small setup in my office where also I use a set of Sonos Fives for simplicity, so the chain is turntable > Schiit Mani > Sonos Fives. Can I also drop a Schiit Saga+ between the Mani and Sonos Speakers to get a little tube action going? I also considered adding a Loki to the chain but want to keep it simple because I do NOT want to go with different speakers or add any kind of receiver or integrated amp in this particular space (I have another setup for that). Thanks to anyone who cares to weigh in here.
Appreciate your in depth know how. I can't keep up at this point. I bought A Fluance RT85N, an Ifi pre amp and have some Edifier speakers ready to go.The turntable and pre-amp are in the mail. I have a crap entry level table. Can you or anyone recommend how to improve, starting at small costs? I've been looking at ISO stands, cork platters etc.
Thank you very much, and if my DAC and Preamp have no headphones amp, where i put my dedicated headphone amp to enjoy the EQ section because usually headphones amp have already the preamp built in? Thanks in advance. ;-)
Ok so I’m a female tech newbie so excuse my slow processing of all that I understood from your video. To start I have a turntable with NO internal phono preamp I am trying to connect to a set of self-powered Bluetooth edifier speakers with a built-in amplifier and EQ. I do not have a receiver. Can you tell me if I have this correct: I will run RCA and ground from the turntable to my external phono preamp. Then run RCA from external phono preamp to a (non phono) external preamp. Then run an RCA from non phono preamp to the DAC. Then I will run the optic fiber cable from my DAC to a second non phono external preamp. Then run RCA from the second non phono preamp to my self-powered Bluetooth/RCA speakers which have a built-in EQ and amplifier?? Would it just be easier to get a receiver and then I would t need a phono preamp, external non phono preamps, or DAC?
@cheapaudioman - Great Video, one of the very few that takes a lot of scenarios into consideration... Im new to the "audiophile" world, and would like some advice please...i seem to be in over my head..here's my scenario, i want to know what to get and how to connect it all.. I have a record player and a external phono preamp (Fluance RT82 with the PA10 Preamp) and Im getting have headphones (HD6XX) soon (which is why im here trying to figure everything out) I have RCA's going from record player to external phono - to active speakers (Fluance Ai61) I want to purchase a headphone amp to power my headphones anyway, and i'd need a DAC too. I want something that could also incorporate the record player and speakers into it all... I would want to listen to my record player as well as digital sources (via DAC) on the headphones as well as speakers I plan to connect my phono preamp output RCAs into the analogue line inputs of DAC/headphone amp - then RCA's from its output to active speakers. Ill also connect my digital sources into the digital inputs of the DAC/HeadphoneAmp When I want to listen to digital sources on speakers - i choose the input as the digital source - and it plays on the speakers When I want to listen to digital sources on headphones - I just connect the headphones to headphone Jack of the DAC amp? When i want to listen to my record player on speakers, i choose the input as analogue - Does it matter if i have the headphones plugged in now? When i want to listen to my record player on headphones - I chose input as analogue and connect headphones to the front headphone jack? Or do i need to connect headphones via an adapter to the RCA output? (I dont want to connect headphones to the rca line out as then i would need to unplug and plug in those RCA's when i want to switch between listening on speakers and headophones) Also - My digital sources are just PC's and Phone with USB C , I plan to lister to apple music high res lossless (I plan to get an adapter for that - from phone usb c to one of the digital inputs of the DAC/amp). I know for PCs there might be DAC drivers required - what about phones with usb c? What do i need to get? Would really appreciate you advice!
Can i connect my stereo (kefq500 speakers) yamaha amp to DAC via optical, from DAC to PC via USB? Now i have connected my amp via long rca to interface (motu m2) and the sound is not 100% clean. And what dac to buy if it is what i need? Maybe powerful amp enough in dac to drive my Audeze lcd-2c. thanks
If I wanted to connect an amp (Fosi V3 Mono) to a Dac (Topping) and also a Wiim Ultra streamer, how do I do that? What connects to what? So far I have amp and DAC connected...what now?
Great video. I own a Douk switching unit and just ordered the T8 pro EQ. Which unit should go first in line? Signal will be sent to my 2 channel receiver cd input . Does it even matter. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Hey Randy, greetings from Spain...Im considering two diferent setups. A pair of iotavx pa3 + bluesound node as a preamp/dac/streamer...or sa3 + pa3 + wiim mini + topping e50. I already have a pair of elac unifi b5.2 and a bluesound powernode. Any improve here. What's your thought about this? Thanks in advance.
Howdy, I don't see the bluesound as having a remote. I don't think you can control the volume or switch between inputs like a preamp because the bluesound has neither. I could be wrong of course.
If your receiver has a built in phono and you want to use a better external one how would you connect it? Would you just run the turn table in to the phono pre amp then run the pre amp in an input on the receiver separate of the receivers phono line?
Oh boy! How can I still be confused? I have recently been gifted a Pro-ject 0.5 turntable. I don't believe that it has an integrated pre-amp. Do I need a phono stage and a pre-amp before the amplifier? Or are they one andcthe same?
One thing I've never seen anyone address is how good (or bad) the DACs in most AVRs are from say today to maybe 10 years ago? Would they be comparable to or better than the cheap DAC in many low-cost streamers/DACs like the WiiM Mini Streamer or others say in the $149 range? Would it be better to use the DAC in the AVR or not? Ideas? Thanks. Obviously best to use a Schiit Modi or Geshelli J2, but for those waiting to justify one of those, what to do?
If you already own the AVR, then yes, the DAC in that device will do the job. Is it good or bad...in general they are OK and sometimes pretty good. You might consider investing in other components first, then revisit if the DAC result is not to your preference.
@@jb678901 I currently have two WiiM mini streamer/DACs and have them connected to AVRs, one a 5 year old Denon in my den and another to a 10 year old Pioneer in my bedroom both via optical out to the internal DACs in those receivers, and to me, they sound fine, definitely better than a Logitech Bluetooth receiver did. I think I'll not worry about getting better DACs for those use cases, but mainly get a really good one for my living room whenever I can finally get around to moving a bunch of junk out of there (it's been used far too long as a "storage room"), but I want to set up my "proper" system in there soon. Thanks. So yes, the internal DACs in those AVRs are "good enough" I think for now.
It's more about the sound profile. If your 10 years old dac component has a brighter and more dynamic sound, maybe you want a warmer and more laid back sound, therefore the newer Akm dacs will do that for you. It's not necessary the dac being better, but it is about which sound you prefer.
I want to hook and use a DAC, a Pre Amp and a Poweramp, so I want use 3 of these little mini hifi audio units for to have a very nice sound. What you advice, Fosi? Aiyima? Douk/Nobsound or another brand?
another great video, thanks. I have an old (but great) integrated amplifier that only has SpeakerWire outputs. Is it possible to still add an EQ to this set up? if so, how?
Can I connect a Qudelix 5k on the rca out of a Piety to equalize my sound on my aiyima a08 pro powered elacs, I am going to hook a Topping d50s into the Piety. Would this work?
hi can you help me i have my main turntable plugged into my phono input on my amp marantz pm6007 im looking at AT lp60 basic turntable to use for my old singles and need to find a way to connect to amp as dont have aux can you help please
I would point out that most older CD players do not have digital outputs. My 90s Marantz has simple RCA outputs coming from the internal DAC that's inside nearly every CD player. If you have this type of player an external DAC is useless because the signal coming from that player is already analog and there's no way to bypass it.
Now will I be able to use this setup for my computer setup. And if I use an av receiver will I be able to leave some of these parts out because I plan on using the denon Avr s660h. Can I replace the power amp with the receiver?
This might sound dumb, but can you connect a preamp to a dac? Id like my preamped audio(my mixer took the signals and feed it into the preamp) to be hooked to the dac as a final "stop". I use the mixer as a "multi" aux to listen to mutiple audio at the same time. It also acts as a EQ
I just ordered a Geshelli DAC based on your recommendation. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it? Either get a headphone amp, and use it with my computer, or use it as an external DAC with my Outlaw Audio receiver. I think that if I do that I have to pull a jumper to disable my internal DAC??? I’m hoping the Geshelli is a little bit warmer, and will tame some brightness in my Martin Logan Motion 35X speakers. If not it will be going on headphone duty with a head amp.
Does a stereo receiver recognize the external DAC as a DAC, and bypass its internal DAC when using a regular analog input, or do you have to use an external loop type setting? Will the receivers volume control work while using the Geshelli J2???
A receiver will only have a DAC assigned to digital inputs. Analog inputs don't carry a digital signal so the DAC wouldn't be in series with that incoming signal. So to bypass the internal DAC you simply run the signal through the external DAC and then into an analog input not marked phono.
Thanks for your hints man. This was very helpful, but I still have problems to figure out how to connect an EQ to my amplifier (Douk Audio X1). Do I really need a pre-amp to equalize al my sources or is there any alternative? I wired my turntable directly to the audio in of the amp and all the other sources through the integrated bluetooth of the Douk. I woukd like also to add a cd player, but maybe the amp is too limited to handle everything. Thank you in advance!
Noob Question: This video focused mainly on Turntables, but I’m wondering if it’s worth it to run separates if I am going to be digitally streaming music? Well a dac make any difference when going from digital to digital? Thanks!
Hey Randy, I have a question about creating a simple-crude set up. Was wondering if there was a way to play a wifi/bluetooth speaker and an external subwoofer at the same time? I have a Harmon/Kardon Onyx 5 and wanted to pair it with a sub.
Would I be able to run a vidar through a Midgard that is also powering my headphones and hooked into a modi multibit dac? Or would it be better to get a 2 output switch pre amp for my speakers/headphones and hook that into my dac?
Very informative, thank you. I'm still a little confused about one thing, however. My sources are a turntable (with an external phono preamp), a CD/DVD player, and a WiiM Mini streamer. I'm running the CD/DVD and the WiiM through a Topping E50 DAC (via coax and optical, respectively). My phono preamp and the DAC hook up to a receiver (Sony STR-DH190) with two pairs of speakers. But now I'm thinking about transitioning away from the receiver to separates. So here's where my confusion comes in: I want to have the option of listening through headphones (with a balanced option, preferably) or through speakers, the way I can with the receiver. But it seems like you have to have a headphone amp for headphones and a power amp for speakers. Do I really need both? And if so, how does it all hook up, given the DAC I have?
Can anyone confirm for me, am I able to run the external phono preamp into a streamer/DAC then the streamer/DAC into the power amp? Or do I need to run the DAC and turntable setup in to the power amp separately?
I'm someone new to this game, and really like this channel. I have a Marantz receiver and currently running 5.1 system although Im considerint a 2nd Sub. My next step is to get into vinyl (going with a U-turn thanks to an episode on this channel) and plan to add an Eversolo DAC/streamer down the road. I also recently added a Sony Blu-ray player although the kids have an Xbox hooked to the system and sometimes they switch it for PS5. I also have a set of computer speakers on my desk that sound decent but Im wondering if my adding one of these DACs to my computer I would get even better sound. Should i consider an amp of some source of DAC to add to the Marantz NR1607? Any recommendations for the computer speakers? I have a set of Edifier bookshelves that come with a sub. Thanks in advance.
When connecting a power amp to an AVR with pre-outs, do the patch cables you use need to be a specific type of RCA cable. When I look for a suitable cable, the options seem to be limitless and have a variety of types, gold connectors, braided, subwoofer, directional, digital, coaxial etc.. etc...from $5 to thousands of dollars. Any guidance or recommendations would be helpful.
You CMTFU! Great video I now have look at some my goodwill electronic devices I've bought, I might have the makings of a good sound system? I now understand what a DAC & Pre Amps are used and they could hooked up! Nice Byrne
Great Info. One thought is the Digital Signal Processor DSP (mine Dayton Audio 408) vs. the Schiit Modi 3 DAC. Are they the same in what they do? The DAC being fixed Eq and the Dayton being adjustable?
This really is a good video, but as a point of clarity, audiophile shoes make no difference if you don't have filtered power outlets. Save your money folks if you are using the plain old power supply (POPS)!
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Equalizers are great, but if your room allows you to put your speakers in exactly the position where the speakers need to be then that if effect makes the equalizer totally worthless, because equalizers make distortion, just like tone controls on amps. Cars have to have equalizers, because the cars small invironment doesnt allow your speakers to be placed in the perfect positions. In stereo, the lesser the connections, wires, or wiring are in the chain, the better the sound. IC'S or integrated circuits has too much wiring in their circuits stereos, Class A amps is an example, amps that allow you to bypass their tone controls is an example.
@@myronhelton4441equalizers have uses if your creative. Such is so if you live in a apartment and need to cut some bass for your neighbors. I prefer artificially boosted highs in mixes as well I like treble.
How about connecting an EQ such as you showed, with one input and one output, to an integrated amp or receiver?
I know this video was posted over 2years ago, but it's a great refresher for me. For 25+ years I've dabbled in audio, which is a broad subject. I've never gotten into hifi but you're tempting me to do so. I have a limited budget, space, and time for such things so your content is great. The tube amps from Douk Audio intrigue me in particular. Thanks for making the content and continuing to do reviews! I'm torn between vintage, of which I have a little, and modern inexpensive. I'm looking for low maintenance, low cost, and reliable. I've also been watching more of Skylabs Audio lately. Keep up the great work.
*Smart Call. Much needed video for young people who are learning why it was so great in the 60's 70' and even part of the 80's!*
I will say I recently picked up a pair of late 90’s B&W DM302’s and a Denon AVR2801 from the same year and I’m very satisfied with them so far all for $100 😎
Since this was aimed at someone new to audio, it would be nice if you include some simple pictures or diagrams to better visualize it
Yes, pictures would be great
He explained it perfect ❤ No need for pictures
Thanks, even as someone who's knowledgeable these videos are always fun to listen to. That said, a wiring diagram would have been handy especially for the turntable , phone amp , preamp EQ power amp input/output section.
Finally, I found you and the answers to the questions I never wanted to ask. 🤦♀️😆👍
This is exactly what I needed! I've been looking into getting a simple set up and build some Overnight Sensations for on my desk (seems like a fun holiday project, and I like sound) Sooooo much research and still feel like I know nothing haha. I know there's a lot to learn in this subject, and to be honest, most things will probably not be for me. But learning what is, and what isn't important or needed or even wanted for my experience is so valuable. Thanks for this!
Glad I could help!
Your channel's been immensely helpful, been subbed for a few months already while doing some research, project got put on the back burner for a bit, but should be committing soon, excited!
One thing I've noticed is some integrated amplifiers come only with a phono stage for moving magnet cartridges (ie quad vena ii). If you're starting out, best to make sure your moving magnet or moving coil will work. In most cases a separate phono stage (ie schiit mani) will handle both automatically or give you a switch to choose between the two. 😁
Great explanation, however it may be useful to actually do one or two scenarios with all the cables. Great channel!
Yes please. 😳😎
Eq's are way underrated.
Even with a simple topic you tend to stray off into the weeds. How about doing simple block diagrams and simple animation with arrows, etc. ?
Yeah. I have a hard time concentrating on
I think his language paints the picture fine...plus using the products and pointing to the parts is diagramic
Just got my Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO and set it up with a set of klipsch R-51PMs.
It’s my first turntable, and I wanted to ball a little bit on the table, and piece together nicer stereo equipment over time. After I have something that can be pushed a little more, I’ll upgrade my stylus to the moonstone, get an acrylic platter, etc.
Hi Randy, I know this is another stupid question I want try a diffrent dac from the on thats on my AV reciever. Can I connect another dac like the Danafrips ares ii or the SMSL SU8 to my AV reciever yamaha 3070 and my power amp emotiva xpa 3.
DAC stands for Dracula Amplification Cornetto. The vampire bass combines with the tweeter sweetness of the cornetto ice cream.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 But of course. I only smoke 1920s Woodbines, laced with quantum worcestershire sauce.
YES.
One part of the chain I haven’t figured out - how to display album art from a CD with that kind of data (blu ray DVD player) and display when streaming Wiim (going into an Emotiva TA-100). And thanks, awesome content as always!
What is the difference between the digital coax and digital optical connector? To connect a CD player, which will deliver a better sound?
None. You can try both and see which one you prefer. But spec wise, they are exactly the same.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but perhaps you can do a video on wiring speakers. I have several friends that failed to wire their speakers in phase!
Thanks Randy!
Best is to use your ears and not rely on any labels. I knew of at least one friend who had a receiver that had the wires inside incorrectly wired. He knew something was "wrong" but when he "wrongly" connected one of the speaker's cables he had his bass back in spades.
But yeah, at least in most cases knowing to connect the + to + and the - to - is a good starting point, then evaluate.
Old audiophile's shoes rocks 👍🏽 although vynil ain't my choise due to place it takes, price it costs and... pretend to be lazy in music and listen it without going anywhere after each album to launch a new one. And just a tip - due to many ppl understand visual information better, small picture/schematic (just made by hand squares with names, nothing else) would allow to see overall scheme better.
Thanks Randy. Im one of those new patreon subs, old dude who knows the RCAs and opticals but now. Now I am down the wormhole of better DAC and preamp better listening buddy! Keep this great content coming!
Just like tubes, always ask for a MATCHED pair of Audiophile Foot Wear!
(for better imaging and soundstage)
What would be super helpful .. is a DAC guide for [LOSSLESS] music hooked up to a variety of devices including iPads, Android Tablets, Nvidia Shield Pro, and or via WiFi from iPhone / Android.
Obviously I know I can do it through my computer but then I have my computer on 724 which ain't going to happen. BTW I have an ASUS ROG MAXIMUS EXTREME MOBO and yep it's built-in deck is pretty darn good. Actually sounds better than my $200 Schitt DAC which surprised the hell out of me.
The bad news is when you wear your audiophile shoes your feet squeak. The good news is they squeak just on the warmer side of neutral.
Great video!
Five minutes in and I feel like moron already confused 😪
I love shoes with no laces.
I can't find the 5 input model on on Schitt's website. It only has 4 inputs and 1 output. Any suggestions?
Great video keep.up the awesome work !!
Hi, I'm a newbie. Can i ask what is an i2s port for? I keep hearing how it's better than USB B. So does that mean they have i2s to USB C cables to connect to your phone?
Great video, but I still have one question. OK, gave up my old Adcom amp/preamp and I updated w/a pretty nice integrated amp, a Vincent SV 500 and though I enjoy the sound quite a bit, I have an old Yamaha EQ which I haven't figured how to connect. Any suggestions?
So ... the output of the input goes into the other input unless there's a ground wire because then the signal might be too boosted and not sound good?!.. did I get it right?
In all seriousness good on you for laying out a primer for those new to the hobby because the waters can get deep awfully quick!
Truly been dying to know this…do you think the JL DAC you showed is a better DAC than the Sabre 32 9018K2M DAC in the peach tree nova 300? What a nerdy but fundamentally crucial question. Crucial.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 And yet Randy opines upon the quality of DACS, to include sonic features. Funny that, innit?
@@jawixom Dacs do have different sonic features tho... Are you saying that's a myth? It's all about sound profile man. Different dacs have different sound processing and therefore different sound profiles. Some are brighter and more detailed, some are warmer and more easy to listen to.
Good work. We all just assume everyone knows this stuff.
This makes sense. My head cannot help but see this part going to that part going to that part and then that part as potential sources of distortion or noise being added to the process. I am also at the beginning stages of building and learning, so I am making this assumption out of ignorance.
If I'm using my PC, then PC to DAC via USB. DAC to an EQ via RC cables. Then EQ to AMP via RC. Then the amp to speakers?
Great video, it helps.
What if I'm using an integrated amplifier? How do I use an EQ with that? How would I put the EQ between the preamp and power amp stage?
Great insights, thanks!
I may have missed tis but in your TT section if you use an external phono pre-amp do NOT use the phono input on whatever amp you're using if it has one. The internal phono pre in my big HK amp sucks. It's not much better on my big Yamaha Adventage receiver. So I plugged the outputs from the pre-amp into an unused set of RCA inputs (like Vid 3 or something) and the ground to the existing post on the amp. I use the one you used for illustration and it works well. I have an old Yamaha 2040 and an even older Marantz 2245 and the internal pre-amps sound fine on those.
Thank you that was a helpful video. Question, I am using a 1byone H004 kit. It has a phono stage built in to the turntable then goes directly to passive bluetooth speakers. Its definitely a lower end system but suprisingly good for my small apartment. It has a setting to turn off the phono stage. I was wondering if I could turn it off and attach a Mani 2 or Ifi Zen phono stage and go directly to the speakers or would I have to connect to an amp or reciever then to speakers? I am new to this so please forgive my ignorance, ha.
I just watched your latest video. Then I saw I missed this due to the holiday. I would love to see how you add a subwoofer to the setup as well. Thanks for the great content!
My Apollo Twin has an optical input. If I got one of those cheap units that converts RCA to Optical, could I connect a turntable to the Apollo? Thanks.
Another fine video, Randy - always like your everyman style. I have a hypothetical about preamps to throw out - I’m thinking about getting Saga+ to add a layer of tubes to my current turntable setup with a Schitt Mani 2. This is for a small setup in my office where also I use a set of Sonos Fives for simplicity, so the chain is turntable > Schiit Mani > Sonos Fives. Can I also drop a Schiit Saga+ between the Mani and Sonos Speakers to get a little tube action going? I also considered adding a Loki to the chain but want to keep it simple because I do NOT want to go with different speakers or add any kind of receiver or integrated amp in this particular space (I have another setup for that). Thanks to anyone who cares to weigh in here.
Appreciate your in depth know how. I can't keep up at this point. I bought A Fluance RT85N, an Ifi pre amp and have some Edifier speakers ready to go.The turntable and pre-amp are in the mail. I have a crap entry level table. Can you or anyone recommend how to improve, starting at small costs? I've been looking at ISO stands, cork platters etc.
Thank you very much, and if my DAC and Preamp have no headphones amp, where i put my dedicated headphone amp to enjoy the EQ section because usually headphones amp have already the preamp built in? Thanks in advance. ;-)
Ok so I’m a female tech newbie so excuse my slow processing of all that I understood from your video. To start I have a turntable with NO internal phono preamp I am trying to connect to a set of self-powered Bluetooth edifier speakers with a built-in amplifier and EQ. I do not have a receiver.
Can you tell me if I have this correct: I will run RCA and ground from the turntable to my external phono preamp. Then run RCA from external phono preamp to a (non phono) external preamp. Then run an RCA from non phono preamp to the DAC. Then I will run the optic fiber cable from my DAC to a second non phono external preamp. Then run RCA from the second non phono preamp to my self-powered Bluetooth/RCA speakers which have a built-in EQ and amplifier??
Would it just be easier to get a receiver and then I would t need a phono preamp, external non phono preamps, or DAC?
@cheapaudioman - Great Video, one of the very few that takes a lot of scenarios into consideration...
Im new to the "audiophile" world, and would like some advice please...i seem to be in over my head..here's my scenario, i want to know what to get and how to connect it all..
I have a record player and a external phono preamp (Fluance RT82 with the PA10 Preamp) and Im getting have headphones (HD6XX) soon (which is why im here trying to figure everything out)
I have RCA's going from record player to external phono - to active speakers (Fluance Ai61)
I want to purchase a headphone amp to power my headphones anyway, and i'd need a DAC too. I want something that could also incorporate the record player and speakers into it all...
I would want to listen to my record player as well as digital sources (via DAC) on the headphones as well as speakers
I plan to connect my phono preamp output RCAs into the analogue line inputs of DAC/headphone amp - then RCA's from its output to active speakers.
Ill also connect my digital sources into the digital inputs of the DAC/HeadphoneAmp
When I want to listen to digital sources on speakers - i choose the input as the digital source - and it plays on the speakers
When I want to listen to digital sources on headphones - I just connect the headphones to headphone Jack of the DAC amp?
When i want to listen to my record player on speakers, i choose the input as analogue - Does it matter if i have the headphones plugged in now?
When i want to listen to my record player on headphones - I chose input as analogue and connect headphones to the front headphone jack? Or do i need to connect headphones via an adapter to the RCA output? (I dont want to connect headphones to the rca line out as then i would need to unplug and plug in those RCA's when i want to switch between listening on speakers and headophones)
Also - My digital sources are just PC's and Phone with USB C , I plan to lister to apple music high res lossless (I plan to get an adapter for that - from phone usb c to one of the digital inputs of the DAC/amp). I know for PCs there might be DAC drivers required - what about phones with usb c?
What do i need to get? Would really appreciate you advice!
Can i connect my stereo (kefq500 speakers) yamaha amp to DAC via optical, from DAC to PC via USB? Now i have connected my amp via long rca to interface (motu m2) and the sound is not 100% clean. And what dac to buy if it is what i need? Maybe powerful amp enough in dac to drive my Audeze lcd-2c.
thanks
If I wanted to connect an amp (Fosi V3 Mono) to a Dac (Topping) and also a Wiim Ultra streamer, how do I do that? What connects to what? So far I have amp and DAC connected...what now?
Great video.
I own a Douk switching unit and just ordered the T8 pro EQ.
Which unit should go first in line?
Signal will be sent to my 2 channel receiver cd input .
Does it even matter.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Can or should you connect your DAC to your integrated amp via digital commections S/PDIF or Optical?
40 years ago I ran a Yamaha pre-amp, dbx 224, dbx 3bx, Bose 902 Series IV equalizer, Yamaha power amp. Cable management was an art.
Hey Randy, greetings from Spain...Im considering two diferent setups. A pair of iotavx pa3 + bluesound node as a preamp/dac/streamer...or sa3 + pa3 + wiim mini + topping e50. I already have a pair of elac unifi b5.2 and a bluesound powernode. Any improve here. What's your thought about this? Thanks in advance.
Howdy,
I don't see the bluesound as having a remote. I don't think you can control the volume or switch between inputs like a preamp because the bluesound has neither. I could be wrong of course.
If your receiver has a built in phono and you want to use a better external one how would you connect it? Would you just run the turn table in to the phono pre amp then run the pre amp in an input on the receiver separate of the receivers phono line?
Oh boy! How can I still be confused?
I have recently been gifted a Pro-ject 0.5 turntable. I don't believe that it has an integrated pre-amp. Do I need a phono stage and a pre-amp before the amplifier? Or are they one andcthe same?
One thing I've never seen anyone address is how good (or bad) the DACs in most AVRs are from say today to maybe 10 years ago? Would they be comparable to or better than the cheap DAC in many low-cost streamers/DACs like the WiiM Mini Streamer or others say in the $149 range? Would it be better to use the DAC in the AVR or not? Ideas? Thanks. Obviously best to use a Schiit Modi or Geshelli J2, but for those waiting to justify one of those, what to do?
If you already own the AVR, then yes, the DAC in that device will do the job. Is it good or bad...in general they are OK and sometimes pretty good. You might consider investing in other components first, then revisit if the DAC result is not to your preference.
@@jb678901 I currently have two WiiM mini streamer/DACs and have them connected to AVRs, one a 5 year old Denon in my den and another to a 10 year old Pioneer in my bedroom both via optical out to the internal DACs in those receivers, and to me, they sound fine, definitely better than a Logitech Bluetooth receiver did.
I think I'll not worry about getting better DACs for those use cases, but mainly get a really good one for my living room whenever I can finally get around to moving a bunch of junk out of there (it's been used far too long as a "storage room"), but I want to set up my "proper" system in there soon.
Thanks. So yes, the internal DACs in those AVRs are "good enough" I think for now.
It's more about the sound profile. If your 10 years old dac component has a brighter and more dynamic sound, maybe you want a warmer and more laid back sound, therefore the newer Akm dacs will do that for you. It's not necessary the dac being better, but it is about which sound you prefer.
I want to hook and use a DAC, a Pre Amp and a Poweramp, so I want use 3 of these little mini hifi audio units for to have a very nice sound. What you advice, Fosi? Aiyima? Douk/Nobsound or another brand?
Dont forget, some speakers have a pre amp such as the Klipsch RP-15. So, just connect the TT to the speakers and boom...music!
another great video, thanks. I have an old (but great) integrated amplifier that only has SpeakerWire outputs. Is it possible to still add an EQ to this set up? if so, how?
Can I connect a Qudelix 5k on the rca out of a Piety to equalize my sound on my aiyima a08 pro powered elacs, I am going to hook a Topping d50s into the Piety. Would this work?
hi can you help me i have my main turntable plugged into my phono input on my amp marantz pm6007 im looking at AT lp60 basic turntable to use for my old singles and need to find a way to connect to amp as dont have aux can you help please
Thanks!
Thank you so much for supporting the channel
How do I hook up my DAC to my TV setup if I have a soundbar connected to the TV with an optical cable?
I would point out that most older CD players do not have digital outputs. My 90s Marantz has simple RCA outputs coming from the internal DAC that's inside nearly every CD player. If you have this type of player an external DAC is useless because the signal coming from that player is already analog and there's no way to bypass it.
I like the video, but man it is so confusing. I’m just trying to hook up a deck but running all this other stuff. Wow craziness.
Now will I be able to use this setup for my computer setup. And if I use an av receiver will I be able to leave some of these parts out because I plan on using the denon Avr s660h. Can I replace the power amp with the receiver?
it’d be cool if you had a picture or diagram to picture what you’re talking about
This might sound dumb, but can you connect a preamp to a dac? Id like my preamped audio(my mixer took the signals and feed it into the preamp) to be hooked to the dac as a final "stop".
I use the mixer as a "multi" aux to listen to mutiple audio at the same time. It also acts as a EQ
I just ordered a Geshelli DAC based on your recommendation. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it?
Either get a headphone amp, and use it with my computer, or use it as an external DAC with my Outlaw Audio receiver. I think that if I do that I have to pull a jumper to disable my internal DAC??? I’m hoping the Geshelli is a little bit warmer, and will tame some brightness in my Martin Logan Motion 35X speakers. If not it will be going on headphone duty with a head amp.
Thank you very much for this video!!!
But if you have an Integrated amp, you are stuck with having to switch your eq between sources?
Good band name I just came up with - Sherlock Ohms and the Sounds of Baskerville
Does a stereo receiver recognize the external DAC as a DAC, and bypass its internal DAC when using a regular analog input, or do you have to use an external loop type setting? Will the receivers volume control work while using the Geshelli J2???
A receiver will only have a DAC assigned to digital inputs. Analog inputs don't carry a digital signal so the DAC wouldn't be in series with that incoming signal. So to bypass the internal DAC you simply run the signal through the external DAC and then into an analog input not marked phono.
Thanks for your hints man. This was very helpful, but I still have problems to figure out how to connect an EQ to my amplifier (Douk Audio X1). Do I really need a pre-amp to equalize al my sources or is there any alternative? I wired my turntable directly to the audio in of the amp and all the other sources through the integrated bluetooth of the Douk. I woukd like also to add a cd player, but maybe the amp is too limited to handle everything. Thank you in advance!
Do you listen to the radio?
Is there any way without using a preamp I can hook up an EQ with a TT? My power amp has phono input RCA terminals.
..... I Real Like That ....Expression... ...Bob,s Your Uncle .. and Thank You .. for all your Video,s ...
Why is nobody talking about connecting a cassettedck, both input and output for recording?
What is your number 1 headphone amp recommendation under $300??
Noob Question: This video focused mainly on Turntables, but I’m wondering if it’s worth it to run separates if I am going to be digitally streaming music? Well a dac make any difference when going from digital to digital? Thanks!
can you share the components to hook up a turntable, and streamer, a cd player and a cassette player?
Hey Randy, I have a question about creating a simple-crude set up. Was wondering if there was a way to play a wifi/bluetooth speaker and an external subwoofer at the same time? I have a Harmon/Kardon Onyx 5 and wanted to pair it with a sub.
Hey new here 😬 . Randy can you please help, I’m trying to figure out if I can hook up the ifi Zen phono pre amp to my Marantz NR171. Thanks so much!
That should be DVD player! I hate spellcheck!!
Would I be able to run a vidar through a Midgard that is also powering my headphones and hooked into a modi multibit dac? Or would it be better to get a 2 output switch pre amp for my speakers/headphones and hook that into my dac?
Very informative, thank you. I'm still a little confused about one thing, however. My sources are a turntable (with an external phono preamp), a CD/DVD player, and a WiiM Mini streamer. I'm running the CD/DVD and the WiiM through a Topping E50 DAC (via coax and optical, respectively). My phono preamp and the DAC hook up to a receiver (Sony STR-DH190) with two pairs of speakers. But now I'm thinking about transitioning away from the receiver to separates. So here's where my confusion comes in: I want to have the option of listening through headphones (with a balanced option, preferably) or through speakers, the way I can with the receiver. But it seems like you have to have a headphone amp for headphones and a power amp for speakers. Do I really need both? And if so, how does it all hook up, given the DAC I have?
Can you input an RCA signal into that EQ that you have which is an unbalanced signal and output to XLR? Would that change it to a balance signal?
hello sir.can you hook up a DAC to powered speaker?and how you control the volume?thx
"Turn digital into analog"
Is it really, though? Lol
Great info for us all to follow. Thank you for your time and effort to help us all.
Are pre amps required? There's so many devices 😵💫
Very informative. Thank you!
Can anyone confirm for me, am I able to run the external phono preamp into a streamer/DAC then the streamer/DAC into the power amp? Or do I need to run the DAC and turntable setup in to the power amp separately?
Next week, how to program your VCR!
Input to output , input to output , got it .
Thank you this helped a lot Really appreciate it
I'm someone new to this game, and really like this channel. I have a Marantz receiver and currently running 5.1 system although Im considerint a 2nd Sub. My next step is to get into vinyl (going with a U-turn thanks to an episode on this channel) and plan to add an Eversolo DAC/streamer down the road. I also recently added a Sony Blu-ray player although the kids have an Xbox hooked to the system and sometimes they switch it for PS5. I also have a set of computer speakers on my desk that sound decent but Im wondering if my adding one of these DACs to my computer I would get even better sound. Should i consider an amp of some source of DAC to add to the Marantz NR1607? Any recommendations for the computer speakers? I have a set of Edifier bookshelves that come with a sub. Thanks in advance.
When connecting a power amp to an AVR with pre-outs, do the patch cables you use need to be a specific type of RCA cable. When I look for a suitable cable, the options seem to be limitless and have a variety of types, gold connectors, braided, subwoofer, directional, digital, coaxial etc.. etc...from $5 to thousands of dollars. Any guidance or recommendations would be helpful.
You CMTFU! Great video I now have look at some my goodwill electronic devices I've bought, I might have the makings of a good sound system? I now understand what a DAC & Pre Amps are used and they could hooked up! Nice Byrne
Great Info. One thought is the Digital Signal Processor DSP (mine Dayton Audio 408) vs. the Schiit Modi 3 DAC. Are they the same in what they do? The DAC being fixed Eq and the Dayton being adjustable?
This really is a good video, but as a point of clarity, audiophile shoes make no difference if you don't have filtered power outlets. Save your money folks if you are using the plain old power supply (POPS)!