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

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.

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

designsfx

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

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.

My active speakers are BeoLab 8000’s. My room is 20’ x 40’ with mostly hard surfaces, but also broken up by furniture, protruding bookshelves, etc. The only option for treatment is ceiling absorbent panels.

Is there a rug on the floor?
Or a couple of indoor plants?

 

I’m cautious because others have said that adding an Aires II to the NODE made no difference. I know it’s a risk that I will get little or no improvement. I’m in a smaller city with only a Best Buy nearby

If they have said that adding the Aires II it made no difference, then why consider it? Why take the risk?
There has to be something with greater certainty of SQ success to pursue.

When I do not know what that is, I usually try and go slow.

In this case, you are considering investing money in “hope”, which against the evidence of the reports that said it made no difference.