Dac or preamp or both for EMX512SC and Pevey pr15 to connect to computer with or without xonar essence stx

[Nova_X]

So as I listed above I have a Xonar essence stx sound card, a Yamaha DMX512SC power amp/mixer and a pair of Pevey PR15's



my question is what would be the best way to connect the amp and speakers to the computer?



Do I go through my Xonar essence stx using rca cables direct to power amp( I have done this and the sound isnt that great)? or do I use a dac paired with the Xonar essence or do I use a preamp in between sound card and power amp? or both a Dac and a preamp? or no sound card but dac with preamp or just a dac or just a preamp?



little bit confused on which way to go I was thinking that all I might need is a preamp + sound card connect to amp but I also noticed my powered amp has alot of XLR inputs so was also thinking maybe a dac and/or preamp that has XLR inputs than connect dac and/or preamp to sound card with rca cables somebody give me some insight here please would greatly be appreciated

 

[ryanosaur]

Dude.
1 post is enough.
4 is excessive.

When somebody can help you out, they will.

 

[Nova_X]

wasnt sure if I was in the right forum + accidently got posted again not sure how

 

[Eppie]

The specs on the sound card are very good and it has a decent DAC, so I don't know if there is much to be gained with a different DAC. I would have tried the same connection: RCA from the sound card to the mixer. I think the problem is that you have speakers not intended for music reproduction in a home setting. Those speakers are intended for live bands or DJs in a large room. In a home setting you're likely too close to them. The Xonar software allows for a lot of processing options. I would start with everything flat and no processing and maybe play with the gain. You can then experiment with the EQ or room modes. I wouldn't expect those speakers to sound very good in a home setting though.