PigmonkeYHow the tide is turning on Schiit crew... 12 months ago they could do no wrong... But in any case I had one horrible experience with Schiit... Sound and quality was way below my expectations... In research of other products from them I always found something which was a deal breaker for me... In my opinion they are poorly designed and with below par quality... Just small things like power switches on rear side, luck of controls, etc...
Quimet93I am just speaking hypothetically. I think most would agree that the ODAC is better than the Modi. And supposedly this is better than the ODAC, but we will have to see.
CokemanWhatever, it's just a DAC. There will be barely any difference. And Europe shipping customs would make it more expensive than other better optios. Oh and remember that you haven't tried it yet ;)
Sep 6, 2017
KJ741N
Sep 6, 2017
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ld100To be honest, I think many people are drawn to Schitt by their juvenile company moniker. Brilliant marketing strategy, I guess. When thinking about serious audio gear, I try very hard to like Schitt, but I just can't do the "bent sheet metal" ethos. For my time and money, I want something more refined.
KJ741NShort of "Audio Interfaces" I'm having a hard time finding a DAC with balanced line level output, and a volume knob. All I want is clean sound, no roll off or coloring of the audio, any recommendations? At the moment I'm looking at a Fostex PC-100USB-HR-2, but it lacks balanced outputs.
KethVolume knob on a dac? You need a dac amp probably...
Sep 6, 2017
KJ741N
Sep 6, 2017
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KethKeith, that's what I wanted too. I had been using a Focusrite interface and it had line-level volume control (separate from the headphone volume) and I loved using it. Looking for a dedicated audio DAC, I couldn't find one that had it. What I did was insert a master volume control downstream of the DAC (see below). Not perfect, but it works fine and is a very common solution.
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/PC-1eBW.shtml
KJ741NSo the one I mentioned in my post is the same model with a 24 bit DAC, it just lacks balanced outputs. The joys of powered monitors...I'm currently using a Peavey USB-P, the 16-bit DAC in it isn't really an issue...but the lack of volume control is.
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/PC-100USB-HR2.shtml
AlexVallejoWould certainly get the job done, but way over kill. Not trying to buy into the audiophile DAC with the roll off and other filtering, and overkill 32-bit dac. This is just for powered monitors, so I need the signal as flat and untouched as possible, I'm just trying to save myself from having to spend money on an audio interface as I don't need inputs.
Sep 6, 2017
KJ741N
Sep 6, 2017
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KethKeth, I'm using a TEAC UD-301. It has balanced XLR outputs (as well as RCA if you need them) that can be controlled by its volume knob. Highly recommended, professionally executed audio gear. Lovin' mine..
BTW, I'm not an audio engineer, but from my reading it's my understanding that balanced signals are intended for situations where the cable runs are very long - over say 20 or 30 feet, and are used to eliminate EMI. If you aren't in a studio and don't have that long of a run, I don't think the balanced/unbalanced paths make any discernible difference.
KJ741NThey run just fine with the USB-P and no preamp, and the unit I linked is recommended by Fostex to be connected to the PC and Monitors directly. Every USB DAC I've seen outputs line level, so why the heck would I need a preamp for powered monitors?
BIGGUY4x4really appreciate all the responses!!! I think i might get these because they are cheaper than the modi. Also, could anyone recommend a good amp around the same price point as the magni? or is the magni a good pair with this?
Sep 7, 2017
KJ741N
Sep 7, 2017
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KethTo clarify, by "preamp" we simple mean something with the volume control you want. No tone, loudness, or anything else.
KJ741NYeah, I currently use application volume, hat's why I made my post. I'm currently Leaning towards the Fostex PC-100USB-HR2 24-bit DAC with weighted volume knob, or the Audioengine D1, both of which have volume control and are not burdened with unneeded amplification.
Sep 7, 2017
KJ741N
Sep 7, 2017
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KethExcept it doesn't have the balanced out you want. Check out the TEAC - it has everything you are looking for.
wbahmYou mean Schiit customer support? Rude and clueless. Returned defective device. No apology... Restocking fee... Did not offer replacement... Reached out to the owners. Rude beyond any reason. Restocking fee was refunded, but thier attitude is repulsive...
CokemanBut you have NFB 11.28 which is one of the best price/performance DAC/AMP with preamp and line out selector. Really hard to beat for the price.
Sep 7, 2017
KJ741N
Sep 7, 2017
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Quimet93I think Keth wants balanced XLR out. I don't see that on the NFB unit.
Sep 7, 2017
KJ741N
Sep 7, 2017
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ld100I'd hate to be them. If you think about it, how could one expect a company the founder named "shit" on purpose to end up a legitimate, long-running concern? It's a joke that gets old very quickly.
KJ741NTo be fair they do make good gear and have devoted following. The problem is the gear is not that good as their fans say it is... Quality is not perfect... Owners are unpleasant...
For my money I want better.