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Can a DAC sort out a flat\cold amp?

My pc is connected to an external sound card (scarlett 2i4 by focusrite). I bought the Yamaha a-s1200 & am really disappointed at the brightness & the lack of bass to the extend I prefer listening to my portable JBL boombox. I'm in no position to sell or trade this amplifier so I thought a DAC with eq may help the predicament. Since auditioning my equipment is not an option in my country I have no choice but to buy something purely on recommendations. I also thought about replacing the speakers but since I listen to soundcloud & youtube i really think upscaling & eq will be much more cost effective option in sorting out this issue & may give me the confidence to try a much more expensive speaker option. what would you recommend?

orenm145
lanx0003
1,006 posts
 

You might want to consider trading YH 1200 for a used Hegel H90 with some money left back to your pocket. This integrated amp is equipped with more than adequate DAC/Stream which allows you to play music directly from Hegel. It is a very wonderful thing because the desktop music playing is like a third rail. It has only 60 wpc but high current with damping factor more than 2000 which should drive your speakers with authority and clean bass.  

IF you desire more power, a used Hegel H160 will just cause you $300-500 more than H90.  See the review by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2iLYRjCFOw&t=1156s.

 

fiesta75
1,378 posts
 

+1 On double checking speaker phase. I know it’s basic but this is a new hook up?

mceljo
1,357 posts
 

For a solid budget DAC I'd recommend a Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 for about $300 and then eventually upgrade it with three Sparkos Labs Dual Discrete OpAmps SS3602 and possibly roll in a tube for some extra fun.

For what it's worth, seeing your room made my head hurt because it looks to be very tight quarters and also very live which could explain what you're hearing.

tmccarthy's avatar
tmccarthy
31 posts
 

I've seen a number of reviewers state that the Yamaha's top end calms down considerably with enough break in time. You Tuber Sean @ Zero Fidelity did a video on this, if I remember correctly.

eagledriver_22's avatar
eagledriver_22
87 posts
 

OP, I do second your consideration regarding a DAC.

I can imagine that the audio interface (which is primarily for home recording and/or dj-ing as far as I know) is, for some reason, the weak piece. IMO, it's not the amp nor the pc.

In order to test, you might want to invest a little money in a decent DAC (no need to spend more than 200 Dollars, really), using USB 2.0 and a media center software (if you don't have 1 alreaday) like jriver or foobar (no additional $$ investment for fb). That is what I would do if I were in your place.

Even without a change in the current lineup of all your gear, you should hear a difference in SQ. Although I do support the respective suggestions of other members of this community, which will further improve SQ.

Please comment on the results after you have changed whatever you intend to change. I'm sure all those who have contributed to this post will appreciate it.

Best, eagledriver

 

 

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