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Help me find a preamp / DAC

Flint

Flint

Prodigal Son
Superstar
Guys... For my downstairs system I need to find a simple device, something that should be out there, but isn't.

I need a very simple Preamp DAC with at least one Toslink input and an additional input (could be analog RCA or Toslink). It needs a remote control and not much else.

Basically, I need to get digital audio out of my TV and convert it to analog with a volume control. I also need to get audio out of my Squeezebox. That's it.

There are many great small T-Amps with exactly what I need, but they all include speaker output and no line level outputs.

I don't want to spend more than $100, as I know these should be out there, somewhere.

Anyone see something like this?
 
Isn't this something we ask you? :confusion-scratchheadblue:
Unless your account was hacked. :think: Zing, Pauly.... is there a way to check?
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If it's really Flint, given the price range, sounds like a basic HT receiver is what's available.
 
I don't know offhand of any inexpensive DACs with volume control. Most of them don't have independent inputs either - although many have switchable inputs, meaning there's more than one *type* of input (e.g. toslink, coax, usb, etc.) that you can switch between. But rarely more than one of any given type. And all of that for <$100... Hmm, I dunno. It might be worth poking around in the source component section of the for-sale ads in Head-Fi, as there's a lot of trade in DACs there.

But it sounds like you also want an analog pass-through? That may be tough to find in a DAC...
 
I am frustrated because there are a number of headphone amps, small digital "T-Amp" devices, and such, which do exactly what I want, but the variable output is not line level.

http://www.parts-express.com/topping-tp ... c--310-314
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NK7NTJE?psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUB79CQ?psc=1


Or super high end models I don't need:
http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-HD--DAC1H ... rantz+DAC1


I was to dump my huge and mostly under-utilized Sony HT Preamp/Processor for something my wife finds easier and more attractive. All of the video sources (Roku & BluRay Player, sometimes Xbox) go into the TV and it spits out a digital stereo signal via Toslink. The TV does not support any other simple output as the analog outputs are variable level and they do not turn off the internal speakers (what were they thinking?). I also have a Squeezebox I'd like to use. The speakers are my Mackie studio monitors, so I don't need a power amp. I also don't need a headphone output.

Basically, all I need is a preamp with one Toslink input, one analog RCA stereo pair input, a volume control, and a remote control. I don't mind buying something with a few more features, but once I start looking at something like an older HT Receiver I might as well stick with big clunky Sony preamp.
 
TKoP said:
Are we talking about something like this? with a refurb unit on ebay for $175?

That was the only stuff I found that wasn't $300 or more.
Click to expand...

That fits the technical requirements, but $180 is too much to spend for this application. My living room is NOT a HiFi enthusiasts dream. It does have nice speakers, but other than that it is worthless (very hard, plain surfaces - loads of washy echo).
 
With the obvious problem of the TV needing to be on for use, I'll pose the following question just for completeness: Does the TV have line outs which could go to the Mackies?

Otherwise, I think you're exactly right about a product such as this should be available but alas I have no idea what that product would be. Maybe we should make one?

John
 
The TV does have line outputs, but they are controlled via the same volume control as the internal speakers and there are no settings on the TV to turn off the internal speakers. If I purchased the add-on speakers for the TV, they have an umbilical cord which turn off the internal speakers and I can then control the line out independently. I think it is a very poor design.

I like the TV, and leaving it on is fine, I just need one or two Toslink inputs and a variable line level outputs.
 
Thanks for searching, but those are only DACs.

I can get a very good DAC for $30:
http://www.amazon.com/D03K-Digital-Anal ... s=Fiio+DAC

I am looking for a preamp with a DAC, either two switchable Toslink inputs or one Toslink and one analog stereo pair. It needs to have a volume control on the analog outputs, and a remote control would be highly preferred.
 
Does your TV allow easy back removal, so you could just disconnect the internal speakers? Or is it built like a smartphone?
 
Flint said:
I am looking for a preamp with a DAC, either two switchable Toslink inputs or one Toslink and one analog stereo pair. It needs to have a volume control on the analog outputs, and a remote control would be highly preferred.
Click to expand...
Then perhaps adding this to the package may be a solution.
 
You getting close! Now all I need is to add a second input and a switch for that and I might have something.

But... I am not terribly thrilled by the costs and effort required to use these kits.
 
Flint said:
You getting close! Now all I need is to add a second input and a switch for that and I might have something.
Click to expand...
That kit does have 4 selectable inputs via remote.
But... I am not terribly thrilled by the costs and effort required to use these kits.
Click to expand...
Well, either that or bigger HT receiver...
 
Ease of use and aesthetics are more important than the features/functions of a full-blown receiver, it sounds like a perfect use case for a powered sound-bar. You can sell the Mackies and buy a Zvox Soundbase.
 
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