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 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!
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!
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!
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. 😁
I wish somebody would have done this video back in the 80's! I have equipment from the 70's and I had a receiver, turntable, and a Numark equaliser, but never learned how to set them up for good sound. What I have left is the receiver, the equaliser, and we've player,but my speakers are over 50 years old, so I need to get new ones. I also just ordered a manual for the receiver to help set everything up. Hopefully it will help. Great video, and I will also look at some of your other ones. Thanks!
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 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!
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.
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
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.
Awesome video with good explanation, thanks. Any examples of DAC (connect desktop via USB and laptop via Bluetooth) , preamp, EQ, poweramp to run either stereo speakers or 2.1 speakers with a small foot print? Suitable for a small room 3m x 3m. I like some bass without the headache while listening to music and occasional movies. I appreciate it would be difficult, but would be good to see an example cabled up with sample copyleft music. Thanks from UK
Thanks for the information. I have a old 5.1 speakers and an old receiver which I haven't used in years (both from about 2005). Soon I plan on getting it going again. The receiver does have a DAC built in but after watching this I think I will look into getting a new separate DAC then run it to RCA on the back of my receiver. Because I want to play music from my PC from USB and while I think my receiver has a USB, the receiver is from about 2005 so probably won't be supported in windows 10. My motherboard doesn't have optical out sadly, just a 3.5mm jack which is already in use. I wasn't aware that a new external DAC would actually sound better than the old one in my receiver. I've never used a pre-amp or power amp so all this stuff is new to me, not sure why someone would go with that setup over a integrated amp instead. Is it cheaper, or better sound? I would find having 2 volumes very strange.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
My question I should have asked long ago is which of all the amps or DAC amp streamer units allow you to run a Schiit Loki etc EQ of choice into them. Basically when you review said items adding the caveat this unit accepts the inclusion of adding an Eq. As that is the Only reason I've not purchased anything outside of Headphones.
How do you know if an analog signal get converted back to digital then back to analog to your speakers on an integrated amp with built in dac? And how do you bypass the internal dac in that case to use an external dac? I see a lot of mixed information about this subject
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.
If you have a DAC (in my case FX Audio D01) going to an A07 on a desktop, should I do the same - set the A07 volume at about 75% and just use the volume on the DAC?
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.
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.
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.
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.
So, if a guy hooked up a headphone amp ran ran the outs to a receiver ins, would turning up the volume to 75%, then letting the receiver volume dial do the rest would work?
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.
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?
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!
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!
I think you are on to something: Audiophile attire. The correct clothing for sure will help set the proper sound stage and open up the listening experience. You should develop an entire line of attire.
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?
Hi Mister, I have an MX5 topping, it's a DAC-Amp, it only has an output for headphones and speakers; And I need another RCA output. Is it possible to connect the SMSL PO100Ak in series and work at the same time (DAC to DAC)? Thanks, greetings from Mexico.
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.
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?
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
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
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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
I have a JVC RX-1001V receiver that I am thinking about running a Technics 14 band EQ from the JVC into the EQ then into a Arcam alpha 10 Amplifier... Only to get more EQ adjustments although the EQ does have 17 watts if power. The JVC is rated at 120wpc. The Arcam is rated as 100wpc. Probably won't get a substantial gain but take the load off the 30+ yr old JVC Amplifier And gain more equalizer range hopefully. Although the Arcam Alpha 10 is supposed to be a bit more efficient with a Terroidal amp?? Going to push 4 Cerwin vega RE-38'S and D-9's with it. We'll see how it goes.
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
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?
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.
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?
I would like to add an external DAC to my CD player, making it a transport, and hooking it up to my SR 7015 AVR. How or what inputs would I use to bypass the cd player and AVR's internal DAC? Complicating matters is I have a Schiit Loki between cd player and AVR right now. Could use a little advice on how to make this all work. Thanks.
I can speak from experience on CD players. The CD player would have to have a “digital out” offered on the back. For example, Crutchfield has on their website the Onkyo C-7030 with digital output. You connect the CD player digital output to the digital input on the DAC. Then, the analog output of the DAC connects to the input of your Loki.
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?
@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!
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.
I have a question, I just discovered the Aiyima A06 and it says that it has a phono in, audio in, and speakers out so I only need that to connect my passive speakers and turntable to it, or do I need another amp?
No need for another amplifier. Your speakers are connected to the SPK OUT on the back of the Aiyima A06. As for your turntable: If your turntable has its own built in phono preamplifier, it will be putting out what is referred to as “line level” voltage and should be plugged into the RCA inputs labeled “AUDIO IN” on the back of the Aiyana A06 and the selector on front of the Aiyima A06 set to “RCA.” However, if your turntable does not have a built in phono preamplifier, it will be putting out a very low level signal and needs to be plugged into the RCA inputs labeled “PHONO IN” on the back of the Aiyima A06 and the selector on the front set to “PHONO.” When using the PHONO IN, a ground wire will also be provided on the back of your turntable and this should be connected to the larger gold colored screw on connector on the back (poorly marked with a “DOWN ARROW.”
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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?
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
*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 😎
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!
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!
Eq's are way underrated.
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!
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!
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. 😁
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.
I wish somebody would have done this video back in the 80's! I have equipment from the 70's and I had a receiver, turntable, and a Numark equaliser, but never learned how to set them up for good sound. What I have left is the receiver, the equaliser, and we've player,but my speakers are over 50 years old, so I need to get new ones. I also just ordered a manual for the receiver to help set everything up. Hopefully it will help.
Great video, and I will also look at some of your other ones. Thanks!
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.
Great info for us all to follow. Thank you for your time and effort to help us all.
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!
Great explanation, however it may be useful to actually do one or two scenarios with all the cables. Great channel!
Yes please. 😳😎
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.
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
Finally, I found you and the answers to the questions I never wanted to ask. 🤦♀️😆👍
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
Thanks for taking the time to make this.
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.
Thank you this helped a lot Really appreciate it
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.
Very informative. Thank you!
Great video keep.up the awesome work !!
Awesome video with good explanation, thanks. Any examples of DAC (connect desktop via USB and laptop via Bluetooth) , preamp, EQ, poweramp to run either stereo speakers or 2.1 speakers with a small foot print? Suitable for a small room 3m x 3m. I like some bass without the headache while listening to music and occasional movies. I appreciate it would be difficult, but would be good to see an example cabled up with sample copyleft music. Thanks from UK
Thanks for the information. I have a old 5.1 speakers and an old receiver which I haven't used in years (both from about 2005). Soon I plan on getting it going again. The receiver does have a DAC built in but after watching this I think I will look into getting a new separate DAC then run it to RCA on the back of my receiver. Because I want to play music from my PC from USB and while I think my receiver has a USB, the receiver is from about 2005 so probably won't be supported in windows 10. My motherboard doesn't have optical out sadly, just a 3.5mm jack which is already in use. I wasn't aware that a new external DAC would actually sound better than the old one in my receiver.
I've never used a pre-amp or power amp so all this stuff is new to me, not sure why someone would go with that setup over a integrated amp instead. Is it cheaper, or better sound? I would find having 2 volumes very strange.
Great video, it helps.
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?
Thank you very much for this video!!!
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?
Great insights, thanks!
That was so helpful 👍
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?
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.
Great video!
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.
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.
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?
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?
My question I should have asked long ago is which of all the amps or DAC amp streamer units allow you to run a Schiit Loki etc EQ of choice into them. Basically when you review said items adding the caveat this unit accepts the inclusion of adding an Eq. As that is the Only reason I've not purchased anything outside of Headphones.
How do you know if an analog signal get converted back to digital then back to analog to your speakers on an integrated amp with built in dac? And how do you bypass the internal dac in that case to use an external dac? I see a lot of mixed information about this subject
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.
Thanks for the video information
My pleasure
If you have a DAC (in my case FX Audio D01) going to an A07 on a desktop, should I do the same - set the A07 volume at about 75% and just use the volume on the DAC?
Is there any parametric equalizer device which can be use with dac and with turntable?
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.
You GOTTA start a line of sith audio merch
hello sir.can you hook up a DAC to powered speaker?and how you control the volume?thx
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.
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.
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.
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?
So, if a guy hooked up a headphone amp ran ran the outs to a receiver ins, would turning up the volume to 75%, then letting the receiver volume dial do the rest would work?
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.
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?
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!
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!
I think you are on to something: Audiophile attire. The correct clothing for sure will help set the proper sound stage and open up the listening experience. You should develop an entire line of attire.
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?
Hi Mister, I have an MX5 topping, it's a DAC-Amp, it only has an output for headphones and speakers; And I need another RCA output. Is it possible to connect the SMSL PO100Ak in series and work at the same time (DAC to DAC)? Thanks, greetings from Mexico.
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.
taylor hawkins tribute concert at wembley stadium is live on youtube right now randy thought you might enjoy it
THANK YOU!
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.
What is the music you use in this video? I like it a lot
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!
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?
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 Real Like That ....Expression... ...Bob,s Your Uncle .. and Thank You .. for all your Video,s ...
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
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.
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.
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!
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?
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!
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.
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.
Input to output , input to output , got it .
I have a JVC RX-1001V receiver that I am thinking about running a Technics 14 band EQ from the JVC into the EQ then into a Arcam alpha 10 Amplifier...
Only to get more EQ adjustments although the EQ does have 17 watts if power.
The JVC is rated at 120wpc.
The Arcam is rated as 100wpc.
Probably won't get a substantial gain but take the load off the 30+ yr old JVC Amplifier And gain more equalizer range hopefully.
Although the Arcam Alpha 10 is supposed to be a bit more efficient with a Terroidal amp??
Going to push 4 Cerwin vega RE-38'S and D-9's with it.
We'll see how it goes.
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
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?
Just like tubes, always ask for a MATCHED pair of Audiophile Foot Wear!
(for better imaging and soundstage)
Thanks!
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.
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?
How do I hook up my DAC to my TV setup if I have a soundbar connected to the TV with an optical cable?
Good band name I just came up with - Sherlock Ohms and the Sounds of Baskerville
I want to know how to hook up a mono system, because I like the sound better, and maybe I can afford one KLH Model 5.
I would like to add an external DAC to my CD player, making it a transport, and hooking it up to my SR 7015 AVR. How or what inputs would I use to bypass the cd player and AVR's internal DAC? Complicating matters is I have a Schiit Loki between cd player and AVR right now. Could use a little advice on how to make this all work. Thanks.
I can speak from experience on CD players. The CD player would have to have a “digital out” offered on the back. For example, Crutchfield has on their website the Onkyo C-7030 with digital output. You connect the CD player digital output to the digital input on the DAC. Then, the analog output of the DAC connects to the input of your Loki.
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?
It looked like the schitt pre-amp did not have a grounding post for a turntable.
can you share the components to hook up a turntable, and streamer, a cd player and a cassette player?
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?
@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!
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.
What is your number 1 headphone amp recommendation under $300??
What is the song you use in this video?
I have a question, I just discovered the Aiyima A06 and it says that it has a phono in, audio in, and speakers out so I only need that to connect my passive speakers and turntable to it, or do I need another amp?
No need for another amplifier. Your speakers are connected to the SPK OUT on the back of the Aiyima A06. As for your turntable: If your turntable has its own built in phono preamplifier, it will be putting out what is referred to as “line level” voltage and should be plugged into the RCA inputs labeled “AUDIO IN” on the back of the Aiyana A06 and the selector on front of the Aiyima A06 set to “RCA.” However, if your turntable does not have a built in phono preamplifier, it will be putting out a very low level signal and needs to be plugged into the RCA inputs labeled “PHONO IN” on the back of the Aiyima A06 and the selector on the front set to “PHONO.” When using the PHONO IN, a ground wire will also be provided on the back of your turntable and this should be connected to the larger gold colored screw on connector on the back (poorly marked with a “DOWN ARROW.”
@@greenbeginner3353 Thank you, it was exactly what I thought I just wanted to be sure before buying it
Good work. We all just assume everyone knows this stuff.