How To Connect a DAC?

@soix

You make some very good points!  As to some degree I’m taking a shot in the dark, I never thought about buying new and returning if it’s not worthwhile.  I’ll have to see if the ‘return’ is to China, as shipping could get expensive.

I am cautiously optimistic that a separate DAC will sound better.

My speakers do not have any room correction.  Nor do they have XLR inputs.  Sub 1 has XLR inputs.  Sub 2 is connected via wireless transmitter which does not have XLR inputs.

Thx!  Here’s more information.

My active speakers are BeoLab 8000’s.  My room is 20’ x 40’ with mostly hard surfaces, but also broken up by furniture, protruding bookshelves, etc.  The only option for treatment is ceiling absorbent panels.  I’ve already added a Pardo LPS and found improvement in SQ.  I’m just looking for the next step up in SQ.  Mostly I’d like more detail and nuance in vocals.  My budget is up to the cost of a Pontus II or Gustard R26.

I’m cautious because others have said that adding an Aires II to the NODE made no difference.  I know it’s a risk that I will get little or no improvement.  I’m in a smaller city with only a Best Buy nearby.

designsfx

OK, the DAC’s I mentioned have 2 unbalanced RCA Outs, a R and a L. I have 2 speakers and 2 subs to connect to them. That was my question….how do I do that? Are you suggesting that I connect the 2 speakers to the DAC, and leave the 2 subs plugged in to the Sub Out on the NODE? So in that case the lowest frequencies wouldn’t go through the DAC.

designsfx

OK, got it!   I didn’t understand what @audiotroy was suggesting.  Worth a try!

@hoimz

We have 7 4’x6’ utility rugs on the floor.  A carpeted stairway comes into the space.  Upholstered couch and 12 chairs/stools.  6 bookshelves.  3 plants.  Etc.  I don’t notice it being echoey.

I have read many comments by people with a Node who say a new DAC improved SQ.  But others who I have asked about hookup have different equipment than me such as a preamp, which I don’t have.

I don’t think I would buy an Aires II or similar as I’d fear it won’t make enough of an improvement.  I definitely want it to be noticeable.  I am going slow as a quality DAC like a Pontus is expensive.

@painter24

Yes, that is a good upgrade. I recently added a CD Creative board with Pardo LPS and I confirm the improvement!

@holmz

Thx! I can tell that you are really trying to understand my whole system to help me! The BeoLab 8000 speakers were discontinued around 2010. My first streaming was with my iPad to an AirPort Express then to the 8000’s.  The NODE was a big step up. I like my sound now, but if it can get better, then 👍👍👍. As I mentioned, if I can get more detail and realism in vocals that would be great.  But I’m not desperate or frustrated. I’ll add something like a minidsp SHD to my list. For what it’s worth, that has 4 RCA Outs, so connecting it to my 2 speakers and 2 subs would be standard. Thx again!

A bit more information that might help explain things:

I’m hearing deficient in higher frequencies.  Sometimes I can hear the sound of the hammer on a piano high note, but not the note itself.  If high frequency problems are in my room, I don’t hear them.

I tend to play my music on the quiet side.  Usually I’m at 1/3 or below on my Node volume slider.  I’m not looking to feel bass in my chest.  I’m more interested in the delicate nuances of music, hearing it rather than feeling it.  Too much loud noise is tiring.  I live in a quiet home on a big lake, so the music is an accessory, not the main show.

I like jazz, instrumentals. and vocals.  Not much rock, hip hop or oldies.  I’ve mostly been listening to Paradise Radio MQA Mellow.

Hmmmm….maybe my component choices so far have been pretty good.  I had a guy over buying a projector, and he was about 3/4 of the way back in my room.  He stopped and said,  “what kind of music system is that?  It sounds really good.”  I told him what I have and he said, “you have it dialed in (twice).  I know about good audio equipment.”  

I think it sounds good, but are there any good ways to tell if it’s top tier?  I’m still considering adding a separate DAC, so it could be hit and miss whether it results in an improvement.

@holmz 

Oh, I’m in Duluth.  But I don’t know anyone who has expertise in audio.  We have a Best Buy, but I don’t think they have a music listening setup.

Ha!  I guess I was surprised that someone noticed my sound system when it was playing in the background.  I don’t live near an audio store, so next time I get to Minneapolis I’ll have to stop at one to see what really good systems sound like.

I’ve made several improvements already and am happy with them all.  If I can make another jump I’d like to do that.  If it doesn’t work out, I could sell what I bought, so not much lost.  One thing I have found is that listening to music that sounds really good is a treat!  I’m listening to Paradise Radio MQA.  But if I stream a radio station that isn’t playing high resolution music I don’t care to listen to it.

So, no, I don’t want to miss out on the next step up!

Here’s what Topping technical assistance recommended:

‘You could use the XLR output of the D90SE to the subwoofers. 1 subwoofer be connected to R and the other to L”

Then I would connect the active/powered speakers to the R and L RCA outputs on the DAC.

I seriously considered the Gustard R26 on sale - but it is a lot of money for me.  Also a return either because it was faulty or I didn’t like it would be to China, and no way am I going to take a risk on international shipping of an expensive electronic item.  So, I bought a used SMSL M400.  I’ll try it and learn something. If/when it goes, I will be out very little.  My thinking is that new purchases should be a step up from the rest of my equipment, but a whole flight of stairs might be a waste of money.

Well, I bought the SMSL M400 thinking, ‘it costs more than the entire NODE, and is bigger that the NODE, so as a DAC only it must be better than the little DAC in the NODE.’  This is what my untrained ear noticed with the new DAC:

More bass - too much - I’ll turn down the subs

More detail

A wider difference in loudness between the quiet and loud passages

The little errors in music like swipes on a guitar are more noticeable.

Ending notes hang on longer as decay.

So, I like the new DACand will experiment to get the sound better for my taste and ears.