How to add a DAC to your home audio system?
When we venture into the realm of sound and want to set up our first audio system, we probably feel lost. The world known as "audiophile" turns out to be quite complex, both at the level of equipment and terminology. Furthermore, to enter the universe of HiFi, it is essential to refine our auditory sense. Otherwise, it is likely that we will not perceive big differences between entry-level equipment and high-end equipment. Therefore, even if we have financial resources, it is not wise to purchase the most expensive equipment from the beginning, since we will still not be clear about what we really like.
To provide guidance, we have created this article in which we will explain how to build a basic, intermediate and advanced audio system. That is, we will offer three proposals detailing the necessary devices, their specific function and even how to connect them together. If you are taking your first steps in the world of sound, you cannot miss this guide.
Entry level audio system
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Let's start with the entry-level audio system. A good way to get started in this area is with a system that consists of three main components: an integrated amplifier, a player, and speakers. As the name suggests, an integrated amplifier merges the preamplification and amplification stages into a single device, allowing direct connection of speakers and player without the need to complicate multiple devices.
Along with the integrated amplifier, a player will be required. The choice of player type depends on the preferred music format. If you have or plan to have an extensive collection of music in physical format (CD, SACD, etc.), a CD player or multi-format player is recommended. On the other hand, if you prefer streaming music, the optimal thing would be to incorporate a streaming player compatible with the various services available on the current market. There is also the option of purchasing an integrated amplifier that includes streaming functionality, as there are multiple proposals of this type on the market currently.
And of course, we will require a pair of speakers to link to the integrated amplifier, whether opting for bookshelf monitors or towers (this decision is at your discretion). Both the speakers and the player will connect directly to the integrated amplifier, which usually provides multiple inputs for connecting additional devices in the future.
Intermediate level audio system
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Now let's move on to the mid-level sound system. Naturally, we are going to add some additional devices to what we already had. We start with an integrated amplifier, a player, and a pair of speakers. So, to set up our intermediate system, we're going to keep these three pieces of equipment and add an external DAC and another type of player, in this case, a record player or turntable.
At iFi Audio we have already explained what a DAC is and its function. The DAC converts the digital signal into analog so that it can be perceived by our ears. In other words, any digital music player must be equipped with a built-in DAC. In the context of our basic sound system, the DAC is present in the record player that we use.
However, as you will see throughout the article, setting up a more complex sound system involves separating the components and using specialized devices for specific functions. In our example, the CD player (or any other digital player we choose) will include a DAC, but it will never provide the same quality as an external DAC. Therefore, a logical step to improve our sound system is to incorporate an external DAC to our setup.
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Why consider including a record player? Isn't it considered obsolete in the digital age? The truth is that it isn't. There are many vinyl lovers who maintain that "vinyl sounds much better than any other format." Regardless of whether it's better or not, it's clear that vinyl has a distinctive sound. In fact, as we mentioned before, there are more and more users interested in these devices. You just need to look at the wide variety of models available in specialized audio stores.
How do all these devices connect? First of all, if our integrated amplifier has a Phono input, we can connect the turntable directly to it. Otherwise, we will need to purchase a Phono preamplifier to facilitate the connection. In fact, if the budget allows, it wouldn't hurt to consider purchasing one, even if our integrated amplifier already has this input. Again, using a device designed specifically for that function will likely give us superior sound quality.
We will connect the CD player to the DAC using a digital coaxial cable, so that the DAC is in charge of converting the digital signal to analog. Then, the output of the DAC, which is made through an RCA connection, we will connect to the integrated amplifier, which will send the sound to the speakers. It is important to mention that it is not necessary to connect the turntable to the DAC, since the turntables work analog and do not require additional conversion.
Advanced level audio system
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To achieve a more powerful sound system, we have two options: either we replace the devices mentioned above with superior models, especially the speakers, or we again opt for "separate" components, allowing each to focus in a specific function.
In the advanced system, we would replace the integrated amplifier with a preamplifier along with an amplifier. The amplifier can be stereo, or instead, we could choose two amplifiers, a less common option due to its high price, but very valid if we plan to use high-power speakers. These two components would be complemented by the DAC, thus forming the set composed of preamplifier + amplifier + DAC + speakers.
To complete this advanced audio system, all that remains is to add the number of players that we want or need. What do we mean by this? That we not only have the option of including a CD and SACD player, a turntable (with its corresponding Phono preamplifier) or a streamer. We can also add, for example, a cassette player, MiniDisc or even a reel to reel.
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How do we make the connection between all this equipment? It is essential to understand that all players that use digital formats must be connected to the DAC. The DAC connects to the preamplifier, and the latter links to the amplifier, where the speakers are connected. As mentioned above, analog players, such as the turntable, connect directly to the preamplifier.
Basically, these are the three audio systems that we can configure. As expected, within each of the mentioned components there are different quality ranges, ranging from economical devices to high-end ones that can reach very high prices. It is also important to consider purchasing suitable furniture to organize devices, as well as accessories that can improve sound quality. Additionally, the choice of wiring can range from inexpensive options to more expensive alternatives. However, this discussion is at the discretion of each user.
If you want to create your audio system, whether from the most basic to the most advanced, we have the ideal products to complement it. Below, we present our catalogue: https://ifi-audio.com.mx/
