I've heard that you can take these speakers to the 'next level' by adding a DAC. Is the DAC built in or do I need to buy a separate part?
1338030
"DAC" just stands for "digital-to-analog converter". It's a box that takes the raw digital signal from your computer or other digital input and converts it to the audio you hear coming out of the speakers. DACs are everywhere - in your phone, in your computer... Using a DAC for these speakers doesn't really make sense because they have a built-in DAC, plus the signal is always run through the speakers' equalizer. So the signal would be converted from digital to analog in the DAC, then converted from analog back to digital and back to analog in the speakers... Sorry if that's complicated. But the short answer is "No, you don't need to use a DAC with these speakers."
1372178
Really depends on the sound device your computer has and what you hope to get out of an attached device. A decent sound card will give you as a good a DAC as the one in this device, so you could most likely "get away with" a less expensive headphone-amplifier only - there's really no reason to pay for the DAC component if you don't need it.
246869
You can't. They are not powered speakers. You will need a separate amplifier
1632143
If you have an existing DAC, I'd suggest looking into the Audioengine A2 original version.Differences between A2 and A2+:USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC)Variable audio output (connect a subwoofer or wirelessly send audio to other speakers with our optional W3 wireless adapter)Upgraded speaker connectorsStandard 1/4" threaded inserts for wall mountsUpgraded power supplyUpgraded accessory cables
695788
I'm using mine with a conventional component stereo system, no DAC. Mine is connected directly to my preamp. If you plan to use it with your computer, I think using a DAC between the computer and the Magni will really improve the sound, but I think the Magni will work without it.
1963081
Well i dont think so. The speakers sounds great, but i installed mine with a bass system apart, and they work pretty good. So try to add an amplifier and bass speakers to your system.
1304277
Noooo lol just the tweeters.. get a class-D mono for the subs is sugges Boss audios 5K amp for the subs. Sorry for late reply feel free to ask anyything else.
2134617
The built in subwoofer in the speakers are solid. If i am not mistaken, i picked up the 8060 center, which also has the subwoofer. At any rate, the built in subwoofers are more than enough.
1812620
These speakers require a separate amplifier. I use them as surrounds in my system and they have served me well.
1673555
No. You need an external tool for that like a karaoke machine or a pc to hook into your amp. (which you also need if you don't have, these are just speakers.)I see these kind of questions a lot, and I'm surprised no one really tries to make more casual audio gear. Seems like there's a market for it and it'd be nice to get some new faces into the discussions other than the crazy audiophiles who want to compare 1100 dollar speakers to 90 dollar ones
677146
I have heard with my ears and from Tek Syndicate on YouTube they do not need a DAC. So they should be fine with on board audio.
1582399
Not while using one of their key features - the integrated DACs. It would have to be through a separate audio receiver that fed signals both to your subwoofer and these. Would require a DAC to send the audio to the subwoofer, and if your receiver had digital out you could still make use of the DACs on these -- if it did it would most likely be optical though, not USB. In short - its not intended for these. These have a DAC built in, if you want a subwoofer better to get analog speakers (cheaper) and buy an external DAC.
1080021
It is only necessary to add a DAC if you have a very demanding headphone (mine were: AKG K701 and HiFiMan HE-400)and if your PC soundboard has interference from spinnng harddrives (in my case Thinkpad X230 it was) audible in a silent environmentI recommend the SMSL Sanskrit DAC. Very affordable and great sound.
1105559
It's just a DAC, you need to connect it to a headphone amp or a pre-amp. Mine is connected to a music fidelity xcan-v8p.
295921
Just RCA outputs. Would need a seperate HF amp that accepts RCA inputs. Topping DAC sounds sweet.
1582400
Well...if you're not an über purist audiophile you may get away with it. I have these babies coupled with a paradigm milleniaone sub. I have a n external uDAC 3 connected to my computer and unused its coaxial output on another DAC (FiiO) to connect that to my subwoofer. Not pretty but it works. I love these speakers and even if you use a 3.5mm jack, that connection is converted to digital and then to analog again. In the future I'll upgrade my FiiO DAC to something better but for now I highly recommend it.
777792
Dear Billy: Ok, these M1s come with the USB cable, power adaptor, and interconnectfor the left/right speakers and that's it. You do have RCA inputs on back, one pair,plus one pair of line-levels, and one 1/8" input, but they don't come with separate RCA cables, those you would have to supply yourself, easily obtained online or Radio Shack or whatever. But yeah, it comes with your basic USB cable and it's an absurdly easy setup for basic usage. These speakers are phenomenalas far as I'm concerned, they're definitely a lot better quality and sounding thanI was even expecting them to be. Dear Billy: Ok, these M1s come with the USB cable, power adaptor, and interconnectfor the left/right speakers and that's it. You do have RCA inputs on back, one pair,plus one pair of line-levels, and one 1/8" input, but they don't come with separate RCA cables, those you would have to supply yourself, easily obtained online or Radio Shack or whatever. But yeah, it comes with your basic USB cable and it's an absurdly easy setup for basic usage. These speakers are phenomenalas far as I'm concerned, they're definitely a lot better quality and sounding... » Read More Dear Billy: Ok, these M1s come with the USB cable, power adaptor, and interconnectfor the left/right speakers and that's it. You do have RCA inputs on back, one pair,plus one pair of line-levels, and one 1/8" input, but they don't come with separate RCA cables, those you would have to supply yourself, easily obtained online or Radio Shack or whatever. But yeah, it comes with your basic USB cable and it's an absurdly easy setup for basic usage. These speakers are phenomenalas far as I'm concerned, they're definitely a lot better quality and sounding thanI was even expecting them to be. « Show Less