Do I also need a DAC with this amp?
1429107
No DAC is required. I use bluetooth from my Apple gear (ipod, iPhone, iPad) and use my inhouse network via a Airport Express which is plugged into the amp. The auxiliary into the amp accepts the output from a standard earphone jack.
760904
Buy a Schiit Sys Preamp, it acts as a volume control and you can connect each speaker to it easily. Then you can connect the Sys to your DAC/amp
2165571
There is NO USB input on this amplifier. There are 2 analog RCA inputs. You would need a separate DAC unit to go between this and your source component.
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.
1446289
Yes it has a DAC because it has a headphone output jack. I assume the quality of the DAC is the same as the ADC used to digitize the audio to begin with. However, I have not used the phone jack.
2221217
Yes, you run it to your preamp. Just like any other DAC. Oh & bye the way the TEAC sounds remarkable!!!
1573246
not required. I can play directly to the amp or use a preamp if I need more volume. It won't be as loud without a preamp but it works fine if all you need is a little boost.
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
2067945
I connected it to the AMP directly. However it doesnt have good sound resolution. I would avoid if you are looking for excellent sound quality.if however you have a Computer 5.1 set like Creative speakers, etc. It is functional...
1353201
Have a listen to the Arcam amps. They are a good match. The Nad line is also a good fit. I am using two nuforce mono blocks and have no complaints. It's worth getting a quality DAC.
1051890
Yes. It would be nicer to also have a good DAC, but amp wise this will drive those cans.
1846914
Yes, you really don't need an external dac with this unit...in fact I think that is it's main appeal. A good external amp would be a better compliment. It works pretty well as a complete unit(player, dac, amp) but getting a separate amp would allow you to custom taylor your sound to your given cans.
413565
As the other responses say, yes, you do need an Amp or a receiver. Good Luck
2047729
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
539668
No it does not have a dac. The sound is far better then a FM tuner ( I own the Marantz 10 B tuner which many believe is one of the best FM tuners)
2207783
I'd start by just plugging right into your receiver and see how you like the sound. some receivers have decent headphone amps, others have horrid ones. I don't know your model, but my Yamaha has the horrid type unfortunately. if you find you don't like the sound, be it too muffled, thin, or lifeless, then add an amp. there are many you can add. I run mine on a schiit vali and I love the pairing. the schiit magni is a good amp as well, more versatile than the vali. there is the jds labs o2 amp, and many many more. you'll need a line out from your receiver though. I was shocked to learn mine did not have any line level outs, so I had to run an optical out to an optical dac, and connect my headphone amp to the dac.
1232709
Not at all. The Fiio functions as a stand alone headphone amplifier. However, if you choose to combo it with the Fiio E17, you will have a nice, functional DAC/AMP.