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Well, I'm in the process of considering an upgrade on the audio equipment I use for my PC and my bedroom in general.
I currently am using my PC with bit-perfect output (kernel streaming, bypassing kmixer etc) via optical to a zhaolu 2.0 DAC with upgraded discrete amp powering a set of grado sr225s.
I would like to expand upon the system so that I can use headphones as well as speakers (2.1), and optionally a couple of extra sources.
I would like to run the DAC to a passive pre-amp/volume control with a couple of inputs and 2 outputs. For the time being I plan on only using a single output, to the speaker amps (more on this later), and remain using the internal amp on the DAC for the headphones (upgrade in steps).
The output of the pre-amp would go to an active crossover of some sort to run a pair of speakers and a subwoofer.
From PC to DAC
From DAC to Headphones and Active Crossover
From Active crossover to 2 power amps
from amps to speaker/subs.
Does this sound like a reasonable setup? Any recommendations on the pre-amp and crossover? I've been looking at Channel Islands (www.ciaudio.com), either the 2 input or 4 input unit (is there a functional difference between these other than the more expensive one has more inputs and a volume control)
Amps will probably be the likes of behringer a500 (possibly a pair), and subwoofer will be something like a peerless 12" or similar. From amps downward are undecided at this point.
I'm really looking for input on a preamp/crossover combination that will suit my needs.
Oh, and XLR inputs/outputs as an option would be nice, but isn't required.
I currently am using my PC with bit-perfect output (kernel streaming, bypassing kmixer etc) via optical to a zhaolu 2.0 DAC with upgraded discrete amp powering a set of grado sr225s.
I would like to expand upon the system so that I can use headphones as well as speakers (2.1), and optionally a couple of extra sources.
I would like to run the DAC to a passive pre-amp/volume control with a couple of inputs and 2 outputs. For the time being I plan on only using a single output, to the speaker amps (more on this later), and remain using the internal amp on the DAC for the headphones (upgrade in steps).
The output of the pre-amp would go to an active crossover of some sort to run a pair of speakers and a subwoofer.
From PC to DAC
From DAC to Headphones and Active Crossover
From Active crossover to 2 power amps
from amps to speaker/subs.
Does this sound like a reasonable setup? Any recommendations on the pre-amp and crossover? I've been looking at Channel Islands (www.ciaudio.com), either the 2 input or 4 input unit (is there a functional difference between these other than the more expensive one has more inputs and a volume control)
Amps will probably be the likes of behringer a500 (possibly a pair), and subwoofer will be something like a peerless 12" or similar. From amps downward are undecided at this point.
I'm really looking for input on a preamp/crossover combination that will suit my needs.
Oh, and XLR inputs/outputs as an option would be nice, but isn't required.