Would buying this to replace my Focusrite 2i4 be a bad idea? I'm looking for an objectively better dac than the focusrite, if such a thing is possible. Also would it be a bad idea to drive my studio monitors with this since it only has RCA outputs?
MinotzaI don't really see them as like-for-like replacement. The 2i4 is an interface mainly for recording, headphone driving is very much secondary, I'm sure this would outperform the 2i4 easily. You can't 'drive' studio monitors with this, you can use it as a DAC for them but you need an amplifier if they don't have self-amplification. What's wrong with 'only RCA outputs'?
MinotzaI think he means because they aren't balanced. Unbalanced should be fine if you have decent cables, and aren't draping them over areas or equipment which is emitting large amounts of rf radiation, ie things using lots of power. However, if you don't have unbalanced inputs on your monitors, then you will lose 6db of level when you connect to them. (Please correct me if I'm wrong)
https://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan02/articles/faq0102.asp
MinotzaQ What's the best way to connect unbalanced signal sources to balanced inputs?
The traditional method is to use balanced cable and connect the cold to the screen at the unbalanced end. However, this can sometimes result in ground loop hum problems, so it is safer to connect the unbalanced end of the cable as follows.
Connect the screen to the ground pin via a resistor of between 100(omega) and 500(omega) or leave it disconnected altogether. Connect the cold core of the cable to the connector pin normally used to connect the screen. Connect the hot core to the connector pin normally used to connect the hot conductor.
MinotzaAccording to the SoundOnSound article, you will only lose 6db going from a balanced to unbalanced source, not the other way round, so you should be ok on that front
DavidMayConventionally, RCA unbalanced operating level is -10dBV and pro-format balanced operating level is +10dBU. 6dB would simply be the case when comparing an unbalanced output signal that is the same amplitude as one of the two signals of a balanced output. Yes unbalanced signaling has that particular susceptibility to interference from ground currents between devices. The m9xx can be ground isolated if you're operating with toslink input when the 5V/2A power input can be connected to the ground-isolated supply. If connected to a computer then there is potential to conduct ground currents between the computer and the amp or other sink device through the m9xx. If you groud-isolate either the computer or the amp/sink then this problem is eliminated. Notebook computers are typically ground-isolated. Many amps are ground isolated or have a ground-lift switch.
Regarding the two cabling options that you describe: the first is reliable. The second requires that the two units (m9xx and the amp) somehow have the same ground potential. You could accomplish this with a separate ground lead between the two devices. But, the cable shield also accomplishes this as in the first option.
MinotzaYes it would be a bad idea. You will be disappointed and then wonder why you even spent $500 on this when it does the same thing as the 2i4. And then you'll start drinking and constantly be on Headfi combing over reviews after reviews of different DACs and amps. Then you'll drink more because you can't decide which one to get and rip all your hair out. Finally at the end you're like watevs, I'll just keep what I have. Until you read another review....