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How To Connect a DAC?

I have a NODE 3.  The two RCA Analog Out connectors go to my R and L powered/active speakers.  The Analog Sub Out RCA has a splitter, with each side going to a powered/active sub.  This is a mono signal and connects to the R side of each sub.

I’m looking to buy a separate DAC.  Most have XLR R and L Analog Outs, and RCA R and L Analog Outs.  I’m wondering how I would connect my speakers and subs.  My best guess is using 2 RCA splitters, I would connect one splitter to the R Analog Out to the R speaker and Sub 1 RCA R input.  The other splitter would connect the L Analog Out to the L speaker and Sub 2 L input.

Any thoughts?

 

 

 

 

128x128tcotruvo
designsfx
795 posts
 

@tcotruvo 

@audiotroy has offered the simplest way to resolve your query. Use the SPDIF coaxial output of your Node to the coaxial input of the Dac you purchase. From there use the unbalanced rca outs from the Dac to each respective speaker. The wiring to your subs would remain as you have it now.

tcotruvo's avatar
tcotruvo OP
179 posts
 

designsfx

OK, the DAC’s I mentioned have 2 unbalanced RCA Outs, a R and a L. I have 2 speakers and 2 subs to connect to them. That was my question….how do I do that? Are you suggesting that I connect the 2 speakers to the DAC, and leave the 2 subs plugged in to the Sub Out on the NODE? So in that case the lowest frequencies wouldn’t go through the DAC.

designsfx
795 posts
 

Yes- there isn’t enough information going to your subs to make a difference.

tcotruvo's avatar
tcotruvo OP
179 posts
 

designsfx

OK, got it!   I didn’t understand what @audiotroy was suggesting.  Worth a try!

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,794 posts
 

The 3 has digital coax and USB outputs. USB is new with the 3 and will work as both an in and a output. The RCA’s, Optical or the XLR’s are the analog outputs that go to your amp.

All the best.

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