Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 286 conversations about:
CEE_TEE
3480
Jan 24, 2018
bookmark_border
catboyoblue
19
Jan 24, 2018
bookmark_border
CyanaEmorrachi@CEE_TEE Can we change an original LCX order into this offering? Oh, and is the internal SDAC connected to the amplifier in a fully balanced configuration? Thanks!
GreatMagician
150
Jan 24, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEEthis is amazing amp and u will add sdac 24/96 to bad , is there achance to apply centrance dac HD for this amp coz its support 24/192 , DSD it will be amazing combo 👌🏻
mastershake
376
Jan 24, 2018
bookmark_border
catboyoblueim curious also especially if this will allow both use of its dac as well as use of a different one as it seems you stated it will. i would also be fine with the dac on its own if we can get a form matching size. but yes im curious as well. thanks
CEE_TEE
3480
Jan 24, 2018
bookmark_border
mastershakeYes, this combo comes with a great DAC and you can also use an external DAC if you wish!
CEE_TEE
3480
Jan 24, 2018
bookmark_border
catboyoblueHi catboyblue,
Sorry, the standalone LCX drop was a while back without overlap to this drop and cannot be changed over.
However, the SDAC can be purchased separately and used with the LCX.
The internal SDAC and an external SDAC are both run through the LCX phase-splitters to be able to take advantage of the LCX balanced/bridged topology. I do hear the difference between outputs with the SDAC.
mastershake
376
Jan 24, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEEany chance there will be a chassis matching dac? im fine picking up the sdac standalone but id really love one to match
catboyoblue
19
Jan 24, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEEThanks for the quick response! Does that mean any single ended signal would run through the phase splitters resulting in a different sound on the balanced out (Vs the SE out)? And for clarity, if that’s true For this version of the LCX, you’re also saying that’s true for the previously dropped stand-alone version?
cspirou
220
Jan 25, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEEAny idea when the standalone SDAC is available again? I've only seen it drop once but I've seen several drops since with it integrated in other products (O2, Cavalli CTH, Cavalli LC).
dasman
387
Jan 25, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEEFor those of us that purchased the LCx months ago, are there any plans for creating a fully balanced dac in a matching chasis for stacking?
I'm sure there see a boatload of us crossing ite collective fingers. Heck, the original LCx discussion even has a post outlining possible pairings...
I'm sure there see a boatload of us crossing ite collective fingers. Heck, the original LCx discussion even has a post outlining possible pairings...
Wuthoqquan
80
Jan 25, 2018
bookmark_border
dasmanThat's exactly what I've been asking many times in the original LCX discussion... an external DAC built into a matching enclosure would be a very welcome add-on for those who invested in the LCX.
A reply from Massdrop has yet to come to surface...
Wuthoqquan
80
Jan 25, 2018
bookmark_border
mastershakeI do second this request/inquiry... as already expressed in the discussion stand-alone LCX!
CEE_TEE
3480
Jan 25, 2018
bookmark_border
catboyoblueHi catboyblue,
The SDAC signal goes through phase splitters at the single-ended input only.
This way, the SDAC benefits from the balanced operation through the amp.
There are no phase splitters at the output of the amp.
The balanced output stays balanced into balanced headphones (getting the benefits of balanced- more power/quieter noise, etc.).
So, the single-ended SDAC benefits from the balanced topology of the amp if you use balanced output.
The single-ended output is also there for convenience and flexibility, just as in the original Liquid Carbon.
Hope that helps!
gabriel-dan
16
Jan 25, 2018
bookmark_border
GreatMagicianThe Grace DAC is very good as is the Centrance, however I would bet my newly arrived HD6xx that you can't tell one from the other in a blind test.
dasman
387
Jan 25, 2018
bookmark_border
WuthoqquanTo be clear... a good balanced dac. I don't really want to plug a SE DAC into the LCx. The balanced inputs are there for a reason.
Wuthoqquan
80
Jan 25, 2018
bookmark_border
dasmanAbsolutely, I fully agree with you... The external DAC should be a balanced one.
FaceMcBashy
140
Jan 26, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEECan you let me know if this is the internal logic for the LCX DAC/AMP?
I want to add a mixer into the equation. Main question I want to know is: 1) Can you use this as a PRE AMP for external speakers? 2) If you are outputting to headphone, will it still output to speaker? 3) Can you use both headphone jack at the same time or only one at a time?
Please let me know if there is any logic in my diagram that is incorrect.
I want to add a mixer into the equation. Main question I want to know is: 1) Can you use this as a PRE AMP for external speakers? 2) If you are outputting to headphone, will it still output to speaker? 3) Can you use both headphone jack at the same time or only one at a time?
Please let me know if there is any logic in my diagram that is incorrect.
CEE_TEE
3480
Jan 26, 2018
bookmark_border
FaceMcBashyHi FaceMcBashy,
The RCA output is only a "pass through" of the input that comes into the RCA input. This way you can use a DAC into the LCX and pass it through to a tube amp (for example). So, the volume control does not have an affect on the RCA pass through in the back.
You can output signal from the 3.5mm DAC output to either a mixer or to powered speakers but not to both at the same time.
Yes, you can listen to both headphone outputs at the same time, the single-ended output will be lower in power.
One way to use this amp as a powered pre-amp is to use in low (1x/unity gain) and then take a signal from a headphone jack output to a set of self-powered speakers. You would not have a separate volume control for both headphones and the speakers if using both headphone jacks simultaneously but that is how you could have most of this capability...
The RCA output is only a "pass through" of the input that comes into the RCA input. This way you can use a DAC into the LCX and pass it through to a tube amp (for example). So, the volume control does not have an affect on the RCA pass through in the back.
You can output signal from the 3.5mm DAC output to either a mixer or to powered speakers but not to both at the same time.
Yes, you can listen to both headphone outputs at the same time, the single-ended output will be lower in power.
One way to use this amp as a powered pre-amp is to use in low (1x/unity gain) and then take a signal from a headphone jack output to a set of self-powered speakers. You would not have a separate volume control for both headphones and the speakers if using both headphone jacks simultaneously but that is how you could have most of this capability...
FaceMcBashy
140
Jan 26, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEEThanks for answering my questions.
Lets say if Input 1 comes from SDAC, Input 2 comes from Balance Input, Input 3 comes from RCA Input. Can I use the Input switch to switch between outputting the DAC's signal to either the AMP or the mixer(always connected to the DAC in the back)? For example, if I use Input 1, then I want to get sound from the USB to my headphone. If I use Input 3 which read signal from RCA IN, then I want the DAC to still work and output to my Mixer that is connected to the 3.5mm out in the back. In other words, can the DAC and AMP also work completely independent of each other?
I want to make sure that the signal can travel through these path without having to unplug any wires: 1) DAC -> AMP -> HEADPHONE (Use Input 1) 2) DAC -> MIXER -> AMP -> HEADPHONE (Use Input 3) 3) DAC -> MIXER -> SPEAKER (Use Input 3) 4) MIXER -> AMP -> HEADPHONE (Use Input 3) Note: The mixer has two output channel with independent volume control so it is not a limiting factor. The DAC and AMP I am referring to is the ones in this product.
Also, if I plug in a headphone into the AMP, will it still pass through the signals from the RCA IN signal to the RCA OUT?
I really need to understand the signal logic in order to decide if this can fit into my audio solution.
Thanks
Lets say if Input 1 comes from SDAC, Input 2 comes from Balance Input, Input 3 comes from RCA Input. Can I use the Input switch to switch between outputting the DAC's signal to either the AMP or the mixer(always connected to the DAC in the back)? For example, if I use Input 1, then I want to get sound from the USB to my headphone. If I use Input 3 which read signal from RCA IN, then I want the DAC to still work and output to my Mixer that is connected to the 3.5mm out in the back. In other words, can the DAC and AMP also work completely independent of each other?
I want to make sure that the signal can travel through these path without having to unplug any wires: 1) DAC -> AMP -> HEADPHONE (Use Input 1) 2) DAC -> MIXER -> AMP -> HEADPHONE (Use Input 3) 3) DAC -> MIXER -> SPEAKER (Use Input 3) 4) MIXER -> AMP -> HEADPHONE (Use Input 3) Note: The mixer has two output channel with independent volume control so it is not a limiting factor. The DAC and AMP I am referring to is the ones in this product.
Also, if I plug in a headphone into the AMP, will it still pass through the signals from the RCA IN signal to the RCA OUT?
I really need to understand the signal logic in order to decide if this can fit into my audio solution.
Thanks
Varholiaglimp
939
Jan 26, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEETwo questions:
1. Can both headphone outs be used simultaneously? I'm looking for a sonic siphon my fiancee and I can squeeze through together.
2. Has anyone tried this amp with CF Andromedas? I expect that combination to hiss rather than sing, but if it did sing, this would be an automatic splurge.
I've googled that combo (along with the Lord's name) in vain!
1. Can both headphone outs be used simultaneously? I'm looking for a sonic siphon my fiancee and I can squeeze through together.
2. Has anyone tried this amp with CF Andromedas? I expect that combination to hiss rather than sing, but if it did sing, this would be an automatic splurge.
I've googled that combo (along with the Lord's name) in vain!
dasman
387
Jan 27, 2018
bookmark_border
zhoubobbyCan people please read before posting the same question? This was asked multiple times in this thread, and CEE_TEE has already responded that the orders can not be switched. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-liquid-carbon-x-sdac-dac-amp/talk/1946431?utm_source=linkshare&referer=7273JN
dasman
387
Jan 28, 2018
bookmark_border
VarholiaglimpI believe I read that using both simultaneously fried the v2 version of the amp. I don't know if MD addressed this with their model.
Varholiaglimp
939
Jan 28, 2018
bookmark_border
dasmanI’d have thought a slightly underpowered amp would have an internal either/or switch between outs. If you can damage the amp by having two sets of headphones plugged in even if the intent is to use only one, that’s troubling.
I might pluck my hoary MAD Ear++ out of storage after all, since clients and I could listen together with that amp.
I might pluck my hoary MAD Ear++ out of storage after all, since clients and I could listen together with that amp.
cspirou
220
Jan 29, 2018
bookmark_border
VarholiaglimpI doubt you would damage the amp with two sets of headphones plugged in. although it might not sound good because there could be interaction with the two sets of headphones.
dasman
387
Jan 29, 2018
bookmark_border
Varholiaglimpregarding plugging SE and balanced at the same time....
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/the-cavalli-liquid-carbon.267/page-10
About 3/4 of the way down the page they talk about it. Guy blew out his amp, others mention that it is a big no-no.
Again, this was the Cavalli version of the amp, I have no idea if Massdrop addressed the problem with their version.
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/the-cavalli-liquid-carbon.267/page-10
About 3/4 of the way down the page they talk about it. Guy blew out his amp, others mention that it is a big no-no.
Again, this was the Cavalli version of the amp, I have no idea if Massdrop addressed the problem with their version.
CEE_TEE
3480
Jan 30, 2018
bookmark_border
dasmanHello dasman and Varholiaglimp,
Checking with Korotnam to see if his Liquid Carbon is the first version.
Should not be an issue with this version per Alex.
Thank you for the link!
CEE_TEE
3480
Jan 31, 2018
bookmark_border
dasmanHi dasman,
Korotnam confirmed that his Liquid Carbon is a V1 and the issue was fixed on V2+.
Alex further confirmed that it should not be an issue on version 2 and up. :)
Varholiaglimp
939
Jan 31, 2018
bookmark_border
CEE_TEEThat's tremendous news, CEE_TEE! I might not be able to use two sets of headphones at once with the LCX, but at least my amp would survive if I plugged in both.
zbells
234
Feb 1, 2018
bookmark_border
catboyoblueThis right here. I'm interested in where the phase splitter is in the lcx.
cspirou
220
Feb 1, 2018
bookmark_border
zbellsPhase splitter is at the SE input only. When you give it a balanced signal it does not go through a phase splitter.
CEE_TEE
3480
Dec 11, 2018
bookmark_border
brent.kWe're working on the first production run of these:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-grace-design-standard-dac-balanced
Hawaiiancerveza
6
Dec 23, 2018
bookmark_border
rslatara
287
May 2, 2019
bookmark_border
CEE_TEEUnrelated but have not idea for a T50RP or T-X0 MK3 with a balanced connector placed like the T60RP but all black like the Original T-X0.
Hawaiiancerveza
6
Jun 28, 2019
bookmark_border
ConvolvingHaha I can't seem to find my question. I appreciate the reply, but I forgot what I had asked.
Related Products
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop
Thank you! Turns out, this is an extremely versatile system. :) The LCX+SDAC is all you need with your computer and headphones or in-ear-monitors (IEMs) to have a great musical experience.
And, this DAC/Amp combo can be used to test other gear (if you ever wish to): -LCX+SDAC allows you to compare the internal DAC with an external DAC. The LCX can be fed from external sources (DACs, CD players, digital audio players). -The LCX+SDAC can be used as a DAC into another amp. You may want to try a tube amp on top. -Single-ended versus balanced operation…you can try your headphones and in-ear monitors on both outputs. -The LCX+SDAC can accept single-ended or balanced DACs.
The LCX+SDAC is a very high-quality audiophile Swiss Army Knife for sound. Topology - Quiet, Powerful Alex Cavalli and I have had many conversations over the course of the past year about what makes the Liquid Carbon amplifier topology special.
The original purpose for the Liquid Carbon was to make a high-quality, low noise balanced IEM amp with a gain of 1x, with the additional features of having a gain of 3x and a single-ended output for convenience.
The LCX utilizes unity gain current feedback discrete operational amplifiers derived from the output buffers used in the highly-regarded Liquid Glass amplifier. The Liquid Carbon’s balanced & bridged design rejects noise in the circuit, and can produce the clean power needed for both IEMs and headphones.
Grace Design Standard DAC (SDAC) There are phase-splitters in the LCX that convert the SDAC signal into balanced. I've done my own testing and can definitely tell a difference between the balanced and single-ended outputs with the SDAC.
Using Noble K10 IEMs with balanced cable (and adapter to 4-pin XLR), I can report that the Noble K10 balanced out of the LCX+SDAC is a great pairing...