2023-10-02 18:15:46
Using a DAC, an amplifier or an external DAC/amp can bring a considerable improvement to the sound quality of your headphones or speaker. However, it is important to know how to make connections between them to extract the best from each device or even to evaluate the performance of the digital and analog parts. With this in mind, we will show here the connection possibilities between DAC, amp and DAC/amp.
How to connect the DAC to the amplifier (amp)?
How to make connections between DAC, amplifier and DAC/amp. Source: Vitor Valeri
To make the connection between the DAC [1] and the amplifier (amp), you must use the analog connections of both, which are the RCA e a XLR [2]. Generally, when using XLR, a balanced connection [3], we will have a “stronger” signal transmission. The RCA connection, which is “single-ended” (SE or unbalanced), is usually weaker than the XLR and when choosing it, it may influence the amplifier’s performance.
Some RCA and XLR cables have arrows on the cover. This indicates which side should be connected to the DAC and amplifier, as it shows the direction in which the signal is sent. This way, the beginning of the arrow should be the side where the cable should be connected to the DAC while the end of it will be where the amplifier will be connected.
To utilize the full potential of your DAC, configure it correctly, as I explained in this article. The reason for this is due to the different modes and functions that a dedicated DAC can currently have.
[1] Article about what is a DAC/amp what is the difference to a DAC
[2] Article about the types of cables and connectors used in audio systems
[3] Article about what a balanced cable is and whether it is worth using them in headphones
How to connect the DAC/amp to the amplifier (amp)?
It is possible to connect a DAC/amp to an amplifier. To do this, the DAC/amp must have RCA or XLR outputs, which are identified as “line out” in the manual and on the back of the product housing. When making this connection, you will only use the DAC of the DAC/amp.
How to connect a DAC to the DAC/amp?
When connecting a DAC to the DAC/amp, you will only use the DAC/amp’s amplifier. In the analog outputs (line out) of the DAC you can only have the RCA connection, which is more common, or also the XLR. If the amplifier has balanced (line in) inputs, you can generally use an XLR cable, but there are cases in which we have to use two 6.35mm plugs (P2) to use the balanced connection.
Before making the connection described above, remember to correctly configure the DAC by disabling the pre-amplification (pre-amp) function (mode), to use only the digital to analog signal conversion feature, as explained in this article .
Bonus: How to connect a notebook, cell phone or DAP (Digital Audio Player) to a DAC or DAC/amp?
In order for the songs to be played, it is necessary to use a device that has the ability to run a music playback program/application, which can perform the function of local reading only or streaming tracks. The notebook, cell phone or computer plays this role. DAP (Digital Audio Player) [4] and to connect it to a DAC or DAC/amp it is necessary to use a USB OTG cable, as I explained in this article, as there are cables that transfer only power, only data or both.
[4] Article about the differences between USB Bluetooth DAC/amp (headphone adapters) and DAPs (Digital Audio Players)
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