[this_is_vv]

I have a PC which runs linux mpd and streams the entire music from my NAS server ... the connection i tried was

PC->DAC-> Active Xover->AMp->speakers

my only problem is there is no Volume control in this path and the software volume control is not upto the mark i am looking for a DAC the can also be like volume attuenator without loosing the quality...any things you guys can suggest???


Also would having a DAC with volume control will help with the current setup i have...?

V

[Letitroll98]

One product that I like a lot is the Audio GD 12.1 http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB12/NFB12EN.htm

Dual Wolfson WM8741 chips, Non-feedback design, ALPS 27 volume pot, switchable digital filters, variable gain settings, and a decent headphone amp to boot.  All for $215.00 plus shipping.

[this_is_vv]

One product that I like a lot is the Audio GD 12.1 http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB12/NFB12EN.htm

Dual Wolfson WM8741 chips, Non-feedback design, ALPS 27 volume pot, switchable digital filters, variable gain settings, and a decent headphone amp to boot.  All for $215.00 plus shipping.

is the volume for headphone or for RCA???

again DAC outputs are going to active crossover to amps...will this work?


V

[Letitroll98]

Yes, it absolutely works with all outputs.  You can open the case and configure it not to, but the default from the factory is the volume controls all outputs, with the only caveat being you do have to set the front panel switch to variable.  Additionally there is a high/low gain setting that does a nice job of matching the output to your amps. 

Posting after happy hour at my house, which is anytime after noon, I did neglect to see you specified DIY, but for the price I hardly see the need.  You can alternately go up in price at Audio GD to the NFB-5.32 at $378 which gets you 32bit / 384K Asynchronous Transfer USB inputs and better parts selection.  He also has a similar line using the Sabre ES9018 chip.

For DIY there is the Hifimediy Sabre DAC. ES9023 http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=62&product_id=85 for $68 that says it has an input that goes thru a volume pot.  Pretty new product so I don't know how it might sound.  Here's the AC thread linking to it.  http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110299.0

[Steidl Guitars]

Another that I think fits the bill is the Audioengine D1:

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-D1

[persisting1]

Not sure how much you want to spend.

Maverick Audio has two DACs that fit the bill.
D1
http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_d1

D2
http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tubemagic_d2

Have you thought of a passive preamp?

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-ciaudio-vpc-1-passive-volume-control-2012-11-04-preamplifiers-75035

[this_is_vv]

Not sure how much you want to spend.

Maverick Audio has two DACs that fit the bill.
D1
http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_d1

D2
http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tubemagic_d2

Have you thought of a passive preamp?

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-ciaudio-vpc-1-passive-volume-control-2012-11-04-preamplifiers-75035

i want to be around 300$ max ....but passive volume control is a good idea...i already have an ODAC which i am kinda being very lazy not using it but with this passive volume control i think thats a good deal...

again stupid question this will be able to put volume control  after DAC so connection would be

PC->DAC-> Passive volume control -> Active crossover -> amp->speaker


V

[jmc207]

i want to be around 300$ max ....but passive volume control is a good idea...i already have an ODAC which i am kinda being very lazy not using it but with this passive volume control i think thats a good deal...

again stupid question this will be able to put volume control  after DAC so connection would be

PC->DAC-> Passive volume control -> Active crossover -> amp->speaker

Yes, I think your component order is correct. As for relatively inexpensive Passives, here are a few good ones:

http://luminousaudio.com/axiom.html

http://www.tubeaudiostore.com/basicpotinbox.html

http://richardleeaudio.com/ 

[persisting1]

From what I've read, you might be happy with the Audiengine D1. I'm sure you'll find a buyer for your ODAC. Heck, I've been eying it myself 

[this_is_vv]

From what I've read, you might be happy with the Audiengine D1. I'm sure you'll find a buyer for your ODAC. Heck, I've been eying it myself 

you want one?

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=109356.0

V

[persisting1]

I've been thinking about it. Wish it was the RCA version.

[JohnR]

PC->DAC-> Passive volume control -> Active crossover -> amp->speaker

Why don't you just make one? It's easy enough. What crossover are you using BTW?

[this_is_vv]

Behringer DCX 2496

V

[this_is_vv]

Why don't you just make one? It's easy enough. What crossover are you using BTW?

john

i am using Behringer DCX 2496


V

[JLM]

Scott Endler mods the DAC section of the Behringer for under $300:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/

He did my DEQ2496.  I also bought stepped attenuators from him (use at power amp inputs for best results, like any passive) and all my signal cabling.  Good guy, good work, great prices.

Yes, quality volume controls make a sonic difference.  (cheap + volume control = poor way to save money)

[randytsuch]

If it was me, I would not add a DAC in front of the Behringer.

If you feed the Behringer an analog signal, then it has to convert to digital, do it's processing, then reconvert to analog.

So, you would be doing this :  D->A->D->A

I think there are a few people that offer atteneution solutions for what you want to do, but they are not cheap because you have to deal with more channels.

Randy

[this_is_vv]

If it was me, I would not add a DAC in front of the Behringer.

If you feed the Behringer an analog signal, then it has to convert to digital, do it's processing, then reconvert to analog.

So, you would be doing this :  D->A->D->A

I think there are a few people that offer atteneution solutions for what you want to do, but they are not cheap because you have to deal with more channels.

Randy

So how do you suggest i go with my current setup...Behringer  doesnt have the USB input....so how do i make it work???


PC->DAC-> Active Xover->AMp->speakers

V

[randytsuch]

How about USB to SPDIF?

So you have
PC -> USB -> SPDIF -> Behringer (SPDIF -> Analog)

[this_is_vv]

How about USB to SPDIF?

So you have
PC -> USB -> SPDIF -> Behringer (SPDIF -> Analog)

never tried that route so have no idea about it.....does DCX2496 comes with SPDIF i dont have on one i have...or is it a mod too

[charmerci]

I've been thinking about it. Wish it was the RCA version.

Don't need it. Just buy this.  http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10909&cs_id=1090901&p_id=9301&seq=1&format=2&cpncd=MPTREAT12&cl=res&utm_source=october_newsletter_7&utm_medium=email&utm_content=9301&utm_campaign=halloween_q4_2012

But in the photo, it doesn't look like it had any output.