Massdrop CTH + SDAC DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop CTH + SDAC DAC/Amp

Sep 8, 2017

I joined on both the CTH drop and the SDAC drop, and now I can get a combo of them instead, but would it be better to have it as one unit or two separate units? The pros that I can think of in the combo situation are form factor, and having one unit plugged with one cable to my PC, the cons are not having the ability to change the DAC or the AMP in case I'm upgrading one of the two. Also, joining two separate products of two different companies can be very good, but might be forcing some design sacrifices on either the CTH or the SDAC. @CEE_TEEIt will be great if you could provide some information on how the integration of the two was made.

Sep 8, 2017

jxliu

1267

Engineer

Sep 9, 2017

talkaplan4474With the combo unit, you will be able to use a different DAC with the CTH but you won't be able to use the internal SDAC with a different amp because there's no exposed DAC output for this combo unit.
So the extra cost of buying them separately will allow you to use the SDAC with another amp or sell each part separately.

Sep 9, 2017

talkaplan4474

125

Sep 9, 2017

jxliuSo basically the SDAC only "lives" inside the amp, getting its power separately from USB and connected as another input internally alongside the RCA input of the CTH allowing you to switch between them. The only con is not having an RCA output for the DAC itself. Also according to CEE_TEE answers he mentioned it is a daughter board which just act as another input, and mentions another pro of this combo which is the active cooling of the CTH cools the SDAC as well. I'll provably upgrade from CTH to this version, and buy the SDAC separately for my laptop or another on the go solution as it uses USB power.

Sep 9, 2017

tessierpg

Sep 9, 2017

talkaplan4474In fact the RCA input in the back with the input switch in front would enable to upgrade the DAC in the future with an external DAC. But the opposite is not true: without a line out from the enclosed SDAC you may not change the amp in the future while still using the enclosed SDAC. In the latter case you are better off with standalone components (Standalone SDAC and standalone CTH amp).

Sep 9, 2017

Vote

jxliu

1267

Engineer

Sep 9, 2017

talkaplan4474Yeah, but I think you're misunderstanding the cooling. The cooling is passive. I think the hotter circuitry is near the front, so the hot air rises out of the top vents and that air is replaced by cooler air from the back vents. The case is seamless other than the front and back plates.

Sep 9, 2017

Vote

talkaplan4474

125

Sep 11, 2017

jxliuOK, so to upgrade or not? (given that no matter if I upgrade or not, I am still also joining on the SDAC alone drop). The sound would be exactly the same, the form factor would be smaller than having both units, and the functionality will lack the RCA and line-out of the SDAC unit, and will only have 1/4" and 4-pin XLR from the SDAC when used as an input. ** and I lose the serial number under 550.

Sep 11, 2017

Vote

jxliu

1267

Engineer

Sep 11, 2017

talkaplan4474Depends on what you want more: a one-box rig for the office or the ability to mix and match amps/DACs?

Sep 11, 2017

talkaplan4474

125

Sep 12, 2017

jxliuDecided to go with the units separately, in order to maximize the functionality per value. I got no desk space problem, and as the SDAC does not have any controls on it, I'll just hide it away and use extension cables. Also, as no specific information regarding the merging of the SDAC and CTH was provided, so I think it's best to stick with the originals - SDAC by Grace Design and CTH by Alex Cavalli. Thanks everyone for the active and informative discussion.

Sep 12, 2017

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