1 Topic by tellsapfel (edited by tellsapfel 2018-09-03 11:41:15)

  • Registered: 2018-09-03
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Different sound when connected through other preamp

Hi,

first of all i´d like to thank RME for the ADI-2 DAC regarding price and features.

Yesterday i´ve realized that when the DAC is connected directly to the power amp, the sound is different compared to a connection thorugh a preamp (XLR and Chinch). I´ve tested this with 2 different preamps. For example: When connected directly to the power amp the sound is a bit airy (in a positiv way), a little sweet and alife. Through one of the preamps it sounds dryer, more direct, sharper. Not sure though what is better. Btw. I´m no one believing in cables or other stuff like that. So the sound difference came as a surprice to me.   

Perhaps others can share what their experience is. And if possible i would be very happy if someone from RME can point out what is happening.

thanks

  • cyrano
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Belgium
  • Registered: 2015-04-28
  • Posts: 701

Re: Different sound when connected through other preamp

Different levels and different impedance?

Since we don't know which preamp, we'll have to guess...

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  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,774

Re: Different sound when connected through other preamp

I believe we talked about this on the phone last week. There is no way the ADI can "sound" in any way different with a different connection, as it neither knows where its output signal is going nor does it change anything... The reason for whatever you are hearing (difficult to really compare without being able to actually do a proper blind test) must be somewhere in the external signal path....

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2018-09-03
  • Posts: 2

Re: Different sound when connected through other preamp

I´m not blaming the DAC. I´m just curios what is happening. Does a direct connection to the speaker alter somehow the sound (by the speaker) or does the connection through a preamp alter the sound? I ask here cause i haven´t experienced the same with other dacs.

Preamp14 from Abacus (Stereo, Input impedance ca. 50kΩ )
AV-Receiver Marantz AV8805 (Multi, no info on impedance)
Speakers are Abacus Trifon 5X (https://www.abacus-electronics.de/trifon-5x.htm).

Levels are matched. Input impedance on the speaker is 10kΩ.

thanks for looking into it.

5 Reply by bejoro (edited by bejoro 2018-09-04 19:51:30)

  • bejoro
  • S/Mux specialist
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  • Registered: 2017-03-16
  • Posts: 300

Re: Different sound when connected through other preamp

If you are using a preamp you hear the sound of the preamp circuitry. The Abacus amps use an unusual circuitry and produce a bit harsh, bright sound with a relatively high noise level.

If the digital volume control of a DAC is of very good quality, which is with the ADI-2 PRO/DAC, the direct connection to the power amp/active speakers is the ideal (cleanest) connection.

Edit:
Corrected some typos.

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