Topic by Whallsey

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  • Whallsey
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  • Registered: 09-09-2017
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Topic: Integrated amp with DAC

I'm looking to limit clutter and seeking a half width integrated amp with on board DAC (USB input) for my Pianoteq set up. Any recommendations in the sub £400 range? I would probably go in at the cheaper end if possible. I have a couple of shelf standing speakers (Monitor Audios).

My reason for going this route is that I can't help but feel blowing a couple of hundred on a separate DAC is overkill. I'm sure many will tell me I'm wrong/ignorant but the DAC chips have been high quality for years and the HiFi reviewers seem to be spouting meaningless verbiage to separate the various models in the reviews I have read. I don't need audio IO. Hifiberry DACs are highly regarded and cheap as chips so I just feel it's all become overrated.

The other route I considered was active monitors with on board usb DAC. If anyone has a recommendation here again for use with PTQ I'd love to hear it.

Thanks

Reply by aandrmusic

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  • aandrmusic
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  • Registered: 18-04-2010
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Re: Integrated amp with DAC

DACS are simple and inexpensive.
OTOH Amps can cost as much money as you have available, or more.

In the raspberry pi thread I have expressed the opinion that the Suptronics X400 DAC/Amp should be adequate for pianoteq in many/most home situations.
It is a good start for experimentation and at an almost throwaway price the financial risk is low.

Reply by seanjackson

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  • seanjackson
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  • From: Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
  • Registered: 05-06-2016
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Re: Integrated amp with DAC

Whallsey wrote:

The other route I considered was active monitors with on board usb DAC. If anyone has a recommendation here again for use with PTQ I'd love to hear it.

that's my setup(s), i use small fanless shuttle pc's with  SSD's running Pianoteq, they usb out to either a cheap £50 DAC or a more expensive one i have, (both sound great) and then outs to 2 powered monitors - they have auto turn off it not used for a period, love that bit :-)
It's as uncluttered and direct/pure sound as i can get, ok i don't have any amp treble/bass etc but everything is editable. I use the same piano so i've removed the monitor from the PC as well.

Sean

Last edited by seanjackson (23-11-2017 00:50)