I have a horribly moronic (potentially) question, but would I be able to use an XLR to RCA dongle for the inputs? Like The Athena looks amazing but I run all single ended.
Also, I'd like to hear more of your thoughts on the Serene @jnds
Showing 3 responses by gochurchgo
@smodtactical it has a single set in and I’d need 2 sets (DAC and phono) but I guess I may get a balanced DAC in the future so it’s probably moot.
still curious about both of these preamps. What little I’ve read about each has been overwhelming positive. |
@tmac1700 yes through the single ended. Since the Athena only has 1 set of RCA’s I upgraded my DAC to something balanced. As for me, I listen at roughly 80-85db and that’s at 27 on the Athena’s dial (out of 60). My power amp has 31db of gain and my speakers are 99db efficient and I can rock the house.
as for what unity gain actually is, as I understand it the inputs and outputs have transformers that connect the voltage from the input (2v) to the output voltage (2v I think) and so listening under 60 on the dial means you’re cutting voltage rather than say tubes amps that push the input signal down so that I can add volume/gain though it’s own circuits and this influencing the sound. I may not be completely correct but that’s how I understand it.
as for the Athena, I love it. I can see how most won’t like the sound but I concur with 6moons review. It’s fast and very detailed but doesn’t flaunt it. If you live in AZ, DM me if you want to hear it. 👍🏼 |