bluewrecKI'm also looking at the SMSL AD18. There should be enough power to drive these to decent volume levels in a small to medium sized room with the AD18. Its 45w x 2 into 8 Ohms and 80w into 4 Ohms. I'm assuming 6ohms is around 60w. I'm also hoping the aux input on the AD18 allows you to bypass the internal DAC. I'd prefer to use my Mimby for DAC duties as I read SMSL DAC's have a tendency to be bright.
SpeedSmithI can't see an issue with this setup. Looking at the manual it should by pass the DAC, but would need to test. I have the AD18 and I joined this drop so I'll let you know how it works.
bluewrecKThanks. I think you're right. It would follow that the analog signal sent to the Aux port wouldn't be washed by the internal DAC. The interwebs seem to agree as well. So I just ordered an AD18. ;) I'll report back to this thread as well. Looking forward to this combo.
SpeedSmithWanted to close the loop on this thread in case there were others who were interested in this setup. The SMSL AD18 works great with the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers. This little amp has plenty of power to drive them. Further the Aux input is a true analog input which by-passes the internal DAC. My setup is Laptop >> Schiit EITR (USB cleaner) >> Schiit Modi Multibit (DAC) >> Schiit Magni 2 Uber (acting as a pre-amp). This works very well.
SpeedSmithJust got mine hooked up to the AD18. Sounds amazing so far!
I don't have a standalone DAC, but that setup must sound even more amazing. Wonder if I could use the OG schiit usb dac/amp dongle to the ad18 for the schiit dac only?