using two outputs from a dac?


Quick question: my main system has a streamer > dac > preamp > amp. Are there any issues running my headphone amp off the dac (Bryston BDA2) as well, using the dac’s RCA and XLR outputs? Will both be "live"?

Thanks!

northman

I had a Tisbury passive preamp (= RCA switch) for that purpose. Typically you don't listen to speakers and headphones at the same time so an A/B switch will work fine without worrying about impedances.

I have 4 DACs here. One has a single output while the others have 2 sets of outputs. Of those, two DACs are single-ended (both outputs are SE); and the third is a balanced DAC that offers both an XLR and SE output. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1 - If the manufacturer approves of using both outputs simultaneously, then by all means try it and see what you think. In my 3 DACs that allow this, I’ve tried each one on single output vs two outputs, and can’t hear any differences

2 - The convenience of dual simultaneous outputs can’t be overstated. I have two systems in this home office, and both DACs currently in use permit this. So in the main system, I can listen to headphones on one amp vs speakers/sub fed signal by he other output; or in the side system, I can listen to 2 headphone amps powered by the same DAC. This makes sonic comparisons pretty easy

3 - Finally, if the DACs manufacturer does not recommend using both outputs simultaneously, don’t bother trying it. They know what they’re talking about. I recently reviewed a DAC of this type (posted on Head-Fi), and the manual straight up advised against using both outputs.

Thanks, @desktopguy. I'm going to follow up and get the manufacturer's recommendation. I appreciate the advice!