Question - Connecting X-Can to Amp and another question for HP Users

[Jason36]

Hi Guys,

OK X-Can arrived...want to check on connecting it to the Caspian Pre / Power Amps.

Am I correct in thinking that I connect the X-Can to the Tape Loop Out on the pre amplifier? When I have done this can I leave the power amp turned off and just use the source (CD / TT) via the pre and X-Can, with volume being undertaken by the X-Can volume control?

Secondly and taking a leaf out of IDC's book for a simple lounge based system (main hifi is in the dining room).

I am thinking of using my laptop (itunes and Spotify) for listening when sat in the lounge, again via Headphones. So I am thinking that I can buy a DAC, connected to the laptop and then have unlimited access to my ripped music in itunes and spotify.

Now as far as I can see the best options for this would be either:

Beresford 7520 - combined DAC and H/P amplifier with multiple digital outs

Fiio E9/E7 combination

HRT Music Streamer II

I believe that all of these allow connection by USB to my Laptop. However am I correct in thinking that only the HRT Music Streamer allows full 24bit transfer though?

What do you guys think, any advice would be much appreciated on these options.

 

[Jason36]

Also realise that if the HRT Streamer was the route, I would need an additional H/P amp or use the X-Can.

 

[idc]

Tape out is fine. You will need to turn the power amp off or mute the pre amp or it is likely you will get sound out of your speakers as well as the headphones.

I don't know the specs of the Beresford nor the FiiO to see if they support 24bit.

You will need an amp with the HRT.

 

[Jason36]

Tape out is fine. You will need to turn the power amp off or mute the pre amp or it is likely you will get sound out of your speakers as well as the headphones.

I don't know the specs of the Beresford nor the FiiO to see if they support 24bit.

You will need an amp with the HRT.

Cheers IDC,

The Beresford and Fiio both only support 16bit via USB. However I think I may have just realised something that actually makes this irrelevant.

My music is stored in iTunes on my pc as Apple Lossless, so if it is the sample size we are talking about then I would only need a maximum of 16 bit via USB anyway. I assume 24 bit DAC's for USB would only come into play if I was using FLAC or similar high res files.

So by the looks of it I could get either the Beresford or Fiio and be more than happy with the sound output over and above just plugging the headphones into my laptop headphone socket.

Is my thought path correct on this...anyone who understands data transfer better than I do?

 

[El Hefe]

Idc,

Do we really need to switch off the power amp or mute the pre-amp? If I remember correctly, I just zero off the volume on my XA1 integrated amp and the XCAN V2 will still sing happilly without any sound coming out of the speakers.

 

[El Hefe]

Jason,

Have a look at MF M1 HPA. It has a USB input and headphone amp in one.

 

[idc]

My Rega had a mute button, zeroing the volume would do the same.

I think 24 bit will only work if the file, PC and DAC are all 24 bit. I am sure itunes is not 24 bit.

 

[Jason36]

My Rega had a mute button, zeroing the volume would do the same.

I think 24 bit will only work if the file, PC and DAC are all 24 bit. I am sure itunes is not 24 bit.

Yeah with my set-up, I just have the source switched on and the pre amplifier and the X-can...dont need to touch the volume on the pre power as the power amp is switched off so no sound comes out the speakers.

Yeah that's what I was trying to say...badly. I only need a DAC that transfers up to 16bit by USB as my music is Apple Lossless...which quite rightly is only 16 bit.

 

[Jason36]

Jason, Have a look at MF M1 HPA. It has a USB input and headphone amp in one.

I dont think the M1 HPA is a DAC mate its just a H/P Amplifier with a USB socket for connecting to a laptop.

Ideally I am looking for a DAC with built in H/P socket to connect to my Laptop for improved sound...so ideally Fiio E9/E7 combo or the Beresford.

 

[El Hefe]

Oh OK. I always thought a USB input will have a DAC since it is a digital input. I post a query on the USB input on my M6i integrated amp and Andrew mentioned that it has a DAC built in. Hence, I assume the HPA has DAC as well.

 

[Jason36]

Oh OK. I always thought a USB input will have a DAC since it is a digital input. I post a query on the USB input on my M6i integrated amp and Andrew mentioned that it has a DAC built in. Hence, I assume the HPA has DAC as well.

My apologies El Hefe, you are of course very right on that point.....however its weird that MF do not provide any technical details on their website regarding the DAC in the M1 HPA. However after a bit of searching I found this:

Onboard 16-bit, 48 kHz DAC
The USB input uses a circuit that's similar to what's onboard the M6i and M6PRE. It accepts CD-resolution data (up to 16-bit, 48 kHz) and is processed by an onboard 16-bit DAC that runs at 8x oversampling. It sounds quite good and is only bettered by a much more sophisticated outboard DAC, such as Musical Fidelity's V-DAC and the company's higher priced DACs.

The high quality USB input is fully compliant with USB 1.1 with full-speed transceivers. The accurate 12-MHz clock source insures low jitter. The 16 bit Delta-Sigma stereo DAC has very low distortion and excellent signal to noise ratio.

According to Musical Fidelity's Antony Michaelson, "We believe that neutrality and complete faithfulness to the original recording is what hi-fi exists for. If you agree with that ideal, then the M1-HPA is for you."

I must say I do like the look of that product and would sit nicely in the lounge...however the only downside is the future proofing as it is only USB or RCA....no optical or co-ax at all

 

[El Hefe]

No worries Jason. Its a good finding you have there about the DAC. Yes, MF should actually highlight the DAC used in their non-DAC units. Especially that the market for USB connection DAC is growing.

Yes the HPA is limited with inputs. So I guess you have to prioritize between headphone amp or DAC. If its the latter, the best set up I think would be the DAC of your choice with multiple inputs, then connect to a dedicated headphone amp. If its the headphone amp is the priority, then look for a good headphone amp+DAC combo with maybe only one digital input like the HPA.

Good luck.

P/S: I am already having dreams at night about the CLiC. Cant wait for the launch.