AudioEngine D1 24-bit DAC Video Review

[admin]

I didn't realize how crappy the preamp was that I was using to feed my AudioEngine 5+ speakers. Now we reviewed those speakers earlier this year and for our listening tests I used various source components, including an iPhone, a Blu-ray player and the stereo outputs of an A/V receiver. But after the review we hooked the speakers back up to my laptop using an external hybrid microphone DAC. That was a mistake. I wondered why the clarity and top end of the A5+'s seemed a bit lacking all of a sudden, when I had previously found them to be pretty darn good. Then I connected this thing - the D1 DAC from AudioEngine.

Discuss "AudioEngine D1 24-bit DAC Video Review" here. Read the article.

[sholling]

Were any comparisons down with higher quality motherboard sound systems or just basic MB sound? Other than high-end gaming systems most store-bought computers tend to use really cheap components in order to keep the price down. You don't have a lot of choices if you're using a laptop but those with a desktop computer also have the option of high quality sound cards with a variety of outputs.

For notebook users the one thing I'm skeptical of is the lack of a subwoofer output. I guess you could go from the DAC to an active crossover but by the time you do that you've spent almost enough on outboard processing and active speakers to pay for decent passive speakers and an entry level receiver. Maybe they're aiming at computer speaker sets but if I were going to spend that much for a DAC I'd want good speakers and a sub.

[jcl]

It's probably targeted as an upgrade to those already using the active AudioEngine speakers. I'm sure bass management would have added to the cost. It might make for a nice desktop dac/headphone amp.

[Clint DeBoer]

I compared to several laptops and there was a noticeable difference in the dynamic range and the bottom end.

To expand on the other posts, I never had an issue with the sub output because nearly every upper-end active speaker I've used to-date has had an RCA through output. Also, my subs have a variable crossover. A DAC that has a sub output would have a good chance of being either a full-range mono output or using a fixed crossover. I'd almost prefer just another set of parallel stereo RCA outputs.

Not a bad suggestion for an updated, more advanced product, though. But you'd have to pay for that upgrade and I'm not sure the target market needs it.

[j_garcia]

How about a configurable unit that allows the addition of a bass management module

[sholling]

It's probably targeted as an upgrade to those already using the active AudioEngine speakers. I'm sure bass management would have added to the cost. It might make for a nice desktop dac/headphone amp.

Bass management would have been a huge plus but the D1 looks like a great option for laptop owners with limited space or just running headphones. For a desktop user I'd lean toward a very capable internal solution like an HT Omega Claro, HT Omega Claro Halo, or an Asus Xonar Essence, or just go optical out from MB sound to a receiver. For my home-office desktop I go from a mid-range Asus Xonar to a receiver and use the Receiver's DACs but I have the room.

I compared to several laptops and there was a noticeable difference in the dynamic range and the bottom end.

To expand on the other posts, I never had an issue with the sub output because nearly every upper-end active speaker I've used to-date has had an RCA through output. Also, my subs have a variable crossover. A DAC that has a sub output would have a good chance of being either a full-range mono output or using a fixed crossover. I'd almost prefer just another set of parallel stereo RCA outputs.

Not a bad suggestion for an updated, more advanced product, though. But you'd have to pay for that upgrade and I'm not sure the target market needs it.

It seems like a great product for notebook users in an office, a bedroom, or a dorm room. Places where space is tight and powered speakers make a lot of sense. For corporate critters the driverless design also saves a lot of arguing with IT people (and losing) and that's a huge plus. For me personally if I were going to pay $170 for a top notch 2-channel DAC I'd happily pay $30-50 more for a 2.1 with a fixed 80hz or better yet selectable 60/80hz crossover, those are good options for their A2/A5/A5+. On the other hand it looks like an idea solution as-is for someone that just wants to drive good headphones, whether at home, the office, or on the road. If I were still a road warrior I'd have one in my bag along with my UE TripleFi 10s.

[jcl]

The Outlaw receiver and the HK 990 integrated amp are the only two channel products with bass management that I know of. I thought Denon made a stereo receiver with it, but when I look now they only have full range sub outs. Same for HK's and Yamaha's. Too much complexity? Not pure stereo? I don't know know. I agree though that bass management is a feature that really can make a difference.

[slipperybidness]

The Outlaw receiver and the HK 990 integrated amp are the only two channel products with bass management that I know of. I thought Denon made a stereo receiver with it, but when I look now they only have full range sub outs. Same for HK's and Yamaha's. Too much complexity? Not pure stereo? I don't know know. I agree though that bass management is a feature that really can make a difference.

I believe the parasound 2100 and the emotiva usp-1 also have bass management.

[BoredSysAdmin]

The Outlaw receiver and the HK 990 integrated amp are the only two channel products with bass management that I know of. I thought Denon made a stereo receiver with it, but when I look now they only have full range sub outs. Same for HK's and Yamaha's. Too much complexity? Not pure stereo? I don't know know. I agree though that bass management is a feature that really can make a difference.

too bad Outlaw only accept usb as only digital input and not spdif
p.s: HK 990 does look rather interesting, but since it has bass management and autosetup - it's really more of modern avr (minus video switching and tuner) than integrated amp

[slipperybidness]

too bad Outlaw only accept usb as only digital input and not spdif
p.s: HK 990 does look rather interesting, but since it has bass management and autosetup - it's really more of modern avr (minus video switching and tuner) than integrated amp

Wouldn't that make it an AR instead of an AVR?