A Small DAC query

[venkatcr]

I have a small decision query regarding a DAC I need for my PC.

I recently put together an over specified PC based on an Asus motherboard. I spend a lot of time on the PC. I have attached a pair of Presonus Eris 3.5 BT to the PC. The connection is a 3.5 mm to RCA cable connected to the audio out of the PC. The sound is decent, particularly when I play FLAC of WAV files through a minimalistic player such as Audacious or PlayPCMWin.

A week ago, I routed the digital signal though an USB connected to FiiO JadeAudio KA3. The sound improvement was phenomenal and I am hooked to connect a DAC permanently.

I am looking at three options:

(a) The SMSL SU1
(b) FiiO’s K11
(c) FiiO’s K11 R2R

The SU1 has got great reviews. A couple of points I am concerned about.

(1) The power and USB in are in a single socket. Feeding from the PC through an USB, would that make a difference. Many reviewers are suggesting to power it with an external linear power supply. If I do that, I am limited to inputting a max of 24 bit-192 kHz. The USB can go up to 32 bit - 768 kHz

(2) The output is only an unbalanced RCA. Will I miss out on balanced output?

(3) The SU1 delivers a max output of roughly 85mW with no volume control. The K11 and the K11 R2R can go up to 1300 mW.

The K11 and K11 R2R are also very good products available at very reasonable prices. My only worry is that either of these may be an overkill for use with a PC. Both have balanced out through 4.4mm sockets that I can connect to the 6.35 mm sockets on the Eris.

So, my one question is this – would a balanced output make a huge difference to listening to music on a PC?

Thanks, and regards,


Venkat

 

[mbhangui]

The SU1 has got great reviews. A couple of points I am concerned about.

(1) The power and USB in are in a single socket. Feeding from the PC through an USB, would that make a difference. Many reviewers are suggesting to power it with an external linear power supply. If I do that, I am limited to inputting a max of 24 bit-192 kHz. The USB can go up to 32 bit - 768 kHz

This I didn't understand. Why would powering it with an external LPS reduce the sampling rate to 192 kHz?
With a minor DIY you can use a cable like this. The usb cable with the headphone end goes to your PC and the one with lightning symbol goes to the LPS.

(2) The output is only an unbalanced RCA. Will I miss out on balanced output?

If the distance from your DAC to the speaker isn't much the difference will be output. Balanced output level is double that of the SE output level which can be compensated by the volume control.

 

[venkatcr]

Thank you. That is a brilliant idea. Will try to get that cable.

Regarding balanced output, I am getting a 4.4mm to TRS cable. I will listen to that through the JadeAudio KA3 and then decide.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[amrutmhatre90]

I am using FiiO K11 R2R for past few months for my desktop setup, it sounds phenominal for the price.
Smooth and musical dac. The headphone out is decent too.

Currently using Mac Mini M2 with Roon + HQplayer via USB to FiiO K11 R2R > Darkvoice Tube headphone amp > HD650 or HifiMan 400se.

 

[venkatcr]

Thank you, amrutmhatre90, for your post. I am well aware of the capabilities of the K11R2R, notwithstanding the argument for/against NOS processing. Nevertheless, here are some points with regard to my specific requirements.

1. I don't use headphones at all. I have an insane number of active and passive speakers and I am trying to make sense of their placement and use. Just to list - Presonus Eris 3.5 BT, Edifier 1280, a pair of Aperion Audio bookshelves, a pair of JBL Flip 5s, a pair of Wharfedale floor standers, a pair of specially constructed single driver floor standers, an Anker Soundcore to boot. Not to mention a pair of low priced soundbars for my TVs!

Over and above all this, I am now attracted to the Onkyo's new GX-30ARC powered speakers. I know, I know - completely mad!

Given this scenario, any DAC I buy should act as a pre to be connected to either active speakers or to an amplifier.

2. At this juncture, I am specifically looking for a DAC between my PC and the PreSonus. Even if I push that DAC to my main music system, I will still need a DAC for my PC. The SMSL SU1 fits nicely in terms of capability and price. My only doubt is between balanced TRS, and unbalanced RCA. I will get a 4.4mm to TRS cable on the 13th and will make the decision.

Thanks for reinforcing the capabilities of the FiiO K11R2R. I will buy that someday.

Cheers

Venkat