Using Audiolab M-Dac with active speakers and active subwoofer

[hybridauth_google_112370865474665644907]

Hi,

Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere. I spent an hour trying to search but so far haven't found the answer.

I have the Audiolab M-DAC and two active speakers, connected via balanced XLR cables.

Can I use the unbalanced RCA outputs of the M-DAC to connect to my active subwoofer's RCA line inputs?

In short, can both the balanced XLR and unbalance RCA outputs of the M-Dac be used simultaneously with this arrangement?

In particular, would love to hear from Audiolab M-Dac owners who are actually using it like this, before I actually try it.

Much appreciated

Miles.

 

[ID.]

Does this help?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/590530/question-about-audiolab-m-dac

Additionally, although I'm not a member, I remember reading that the designer of the M-DAC, John Westlake often posts on http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/ so you might be able to get answers there.

 

[hybridauth_google_112370865474665644907]

Yep thanks heaps, seems to answer my question exactly, which I'm happy about.

But what I'm not happy about though is the apparent drop in sound quality, for one person.

Wonder if anyone else had the same experience.

 

[Overdose]

Does your Sub not have the means to pass the signal to the active speakers?

Normally the connections would be full signal into sub from DAC and then filtered or full signal, fed unprocessed to the main speakers via outputs on the sub.

 

[hybridauth_google_112370865474665644907]

Yep the SVS SB-2000 sub does have RCA line outputs.

But I've read in a few places that its best to go from DAC to sub, and DAC direct to active speakers. Rather than via the sub's circuitry.

If that's the consensus, then the Audiolab M-Dac might not be the best option for me.

Any thoughts/comments are much appreciated.

 

[Overdose]

The sub connection is simply a pass through to the speakers, the active circuitry merely filters for the sub signal by cutting all frequencies above a given setting. This means that the monitors receive the full frequency signal.

 

[cliffordgd]

Hello,

I am currently using an Audiolab 8000A. I managed to buy a 8000DAC at a garage sale. I've read reviews (of old, all good) praising this pairing. Only thing is, no instruction manual and interconnect cables came with it.

How do I connect them correctly so as to get the most of the duo?

Any help is much appreciated.

Clifford

 

[ID.]

Did the website prevent you starting a new topic?

Looking at some pictures available online (Google is your friend) it looks like the only option would be to use standard RCA interconnects. Run them from Audio Output 1 on the DAC and connect them to the CD or Tuner RCA inputs at the back of the amp.

i.e. the standard way of connecting most kit.

 

[falernia]

Hi Miles,

Did you have any success in connecting both your active speakers and sub to your M-DAC? I'm thinking of doing the same. If so, which connection method did you use; the active speakers connected to the M-DAC or via the sub?

Chris