Internal DAC Question

[BriReeves629]

Noobie question here: I am getting ready to purchase an Integrated amp that has an internal DAC, but doesn’t have Bluetooth. I stream a lot of 32 bit from Tidal. I have noticed that a lot of higher end Bluetooth adapters have their own internal DAC and was wondering: is it best to plug it in to the amp using an analog RCA input or running an optical cable? Am I correct in assuming that only the signal running through digital inputs in the back of the amp are run through the amps internal DAC?


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[John Parks]

Are you streaming via Bluetooth, or is that the plan? Have you considered streaming over Wifi instead? What integrated were you considering? What Bluetooth receivers/adapters were you looking at? Budget?

I am not sure if I understand the wording to your question. Yes, if a digital cable (optical, coaxial, USB) is plugged into the socket on the amp, the amp's internal DAC will convert it.

 

[BriReeves629]

Are you streaming via Bluetooth, or is that the plan? Have you considered streaming over Wifi instead? What integrated were you considering? What Bluetooth receivers/adapters were you looking at? Budget?

I am not sure if I understand the wording to your question. Yes, if a digital cable (optical, coaxial, USB) is plugged into the socket on the amp, the amp's internal DAC will convert it.

I am looking at the Arcam SA10, but there is no built in Bluetooth. A few of the Bluetooth adapters I’ve seen have both RCA output and optical. They also seem to have their own built-in DAC. This leaves me with two options: 1. RCA output going into the analog RCA input of the SA10. This would only be utilizing the DAC in the Bluetooth adapter. 2. Optical output which would have the audio going through the DAC on the Bluetooth adapter and the DAC in the SA10. Am I overthinking this? How would I stream through the Wi-Fi?


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[John Parks]

Okay - if you are going to use Bluetooth, I would advise feeding the optical in the Arcam as it has a pretty nice DAC.

Do you listen to music on your computer at all? If so, it is connected to your wi-fi. IF you get something like the Bluesound Node 2i which strams from your computer right to your integrated via its own RCA or optical connections: https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2i/ It has its own app to control the music, files etc. It would most likely (in fact, I would bet on it) sound better than any Bluetooth connnection. This is just about the simplest way to do it.

If you want to go into further detail about what you are trying to accomplish and have further questions, I, or one of the many fine members on this site, would be glad to help you out!

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes, if an external bluetooth adapter offers both a digital and an analog output it has a dac built in to provide the analog signal but I'd think the one in the integrated is better, altho may not be audibly different. I just stream wifi direct to my avr, there are some wifi enabled integrated amps as the SA-10 appears to be (it has support both apple and android devices via apps....what do you have as a streaming source?).

Since when does Tidal offer 32 bit streams tho?

 

[BriReeves629]

Yes, if an external bluetooth adapter offers both a digital and an analog output it has a dac built in to provide the analog signal but I'd think the one in the integrated is better, altho may not be audibly different. I just stream wifi direct to my avr, there are some wifi enabled integrated amps as the SA-10 appears to be (it has support both apple and android devices via apps....what do you have as a streaming source?).

Since when does Tidal offer 32 bit streams tho?

You are correct. It is 24 bit, not 32 bit sorry.

In my family room, my AVR has Tidal built in so I typically stream through the AVR which is plugged into my network. My AVR has an app which makes control very easy, but I’m not streaming Bluetooth, but rather just controlling things. The SA-10 has an Ethernet port, but it appears to only be for upgrading/maintenance. Ideally, I would love to stream the same way in my bedroom which will be a 2-channel set up only.


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[lovinthehd]

You are correct. It is 24 bit, not 32 bit sorry.

In my family room, my AVR has Tidal built in so I typically stream through the AVR which is plugged into my network. My AVR has an app which makes control very easy, but I’m not streaming Bluetooth, but rather just controlling things. The SA-10 has an Ethernet port, but it appears to only be for upgrading/maintenance. Ideally, I would love to stream the same way in my bedroom which will be a 2-channel set up only.


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You're right it seems only to provide another way of doing remote control of the SA10's functions, I assumed it could do more (and these days would expect it to be able to). You could add an external unit to give it network streaming capabilities, maybe you could still find a Chromecast Audio unit....

 

[BriReeves629]

You're right it seems only to provide another way of doing remote control of the SA10's functions, I assumed it could do more (and these days would expect it to be able to). You could add an external unit to give it network streaming capabilities, maybe you could still find a Chromecast Audio unit....

I’m starting to think a stereo preamp or stereo receiver may give me more of the capabilities I’m looking for. The problem is there seems to be a gap in the $800-$1500 price range.


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[lovinthehd]

I’m starting to think a stereo preamp or stereo receiver may give me more of the capabilities I’m looking for. The problem is there seems to be a gap in the $800-$1500 price range.


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Even an avr can do quite well, you often pay a penalty for the gear that's sold in smaller quantities like 2ch integrated amps/receivers. Especially if you're using just ending up with bluetooth (even tho bluetooth has come a long way over the years).

 

[John Parks]

You are correct. It is 24 bit, not 32 bit sorry.

In my family room, my AVR has Tidal built in so I typically stream through the AVR which is plugged into my network. My AVR has an app which makes control very easy, but I’m not streaming Bluetooth, but rather just controlling things. The SA-10 has an Ethernet port, but it appears to only be for upgrading/maintenance. Ideally, I would love to stream the same way in my bedroom which will be a 2-channel set up only.


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What brand/model AVR do you have?

 

[BriReeves629]

What brand/model AVR do you have?

Integra DRX-5


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[John Parks]

Have you looked at something like the Onkyo TX-8270? two channel, network receiver, same manufacturer as Integra, so you would have most of the same apps: https://www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-8270&class=Stereo Receiver&source=prodClass

Just a thought...

 

[BriReeves629]

I think I may have stumbled across my solution:

https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/decco125-sky-amplifier-with-dac.html


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