Bypassing the DAC

Paul explains how to use an external DAC with an integrated amplifier.

[ud-]

Thanks Paul❤ it's me Majd
I watched all the videos waiting for you to answer my question
You are the best
My Kenwood doesn't have a jumper only an aux anyway thanks for the answer again and sorry for my bad English

[sidesup]

Hard to believe that some DACS can be so small and cheap and yet some companies are selling DACS that weigh 50 pounds and cost $40, 000.

[dwymer]

When I get me some money, I'm going to buy a stand for my eyeglasses just like Paul's. I can just imagine my very own VPI eyewear holder. And it even has room for me to rest my important papers. I think that one is the direct drive (HW40?) or is it The Classic?

[DN]

The DG55 is a stack that pretends to have seperates, No chance of a pre-out mains in jumper. Just use one of the aux inputs.

[gdownz]

I think the Kenwood DG55 is from the late 80s early 90s. Not sure about the in and out jacks like the old kick ass Kenwood's of the 70s and early 80s. I'm sure it still sounds good though. 👍

[Douglas_Blake_]

Despite Paul's advice, I would stay with an AUX (line level) input. Going direct to the power amplifier prevents you from using your volume, balance, tone and loudness controls. It also bypasses your headphone jack and the other inputs for CD players, Tuners, tape decks etc.

[InsideOfMyOwnMind]

I would have severe reservations about signaling a raw power amp with computer (PC/Mac) controlled volume. Too many things can go wrong with the OS, sound infrastructure, GUI etc., sending out full volume to your downstream components before you even know what hit you. If you have output indicators on your amp and a speaker switch I suggest using them at each boot up to make sure you know what's coming out of your computer before you commit it to speakers.

[RectifiedMetals]

Not all amps, especially today you can expect to get all the “digital, ” out of the sound. NAD, for instance, now, puts all analog, including the phono through its digital system. Many amps have DSP which can’t be bypassed. I hate integrateds with built in DACs. I can disconnect the power circuit of that dac, dsp, etc. (if possible, cut trace, rerout signal path, etc.) make the amp way better sounding. Don’t understand the thinking of today’s audio company’s engineers.

[LeonFleisherFan]

At that point it might be wise to tell people to turn the volume down on their computer/laptop before doing that! 🤔

[michaelturner]

Foobar2000 is what I use, can't find a better player.

[pracheerdeka]

USB dac are shit they get in built class d amp. I need dac with class ab amp.

[Scopolamine]

Sounds like his whole music system is FUBAR