AVR -> Preamp -> Amp ?

alucididea

So, I’m not very happy with using my Yamaha RX-A3070 as my preamp/DAC and I’m considering getting a DAC for all my 2 channel content, including MQA.

My question is whether putting a proper DAC in the signal flow is okay for my surround sound by way of connecting my AVR’s front speaker outputs to the SE input on the DAC. Is there any reason this wouldn’t work well or I might not like the results?

ZLTFUL

Because the Yamaha DAC is still in the signal chain doing it that way.

alucididea

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Because the Yamaha DAC is still in the signal chain doing it that way.

The idea here is that the Yamaha outputs analog to the DAC which in turn just passes it along to the amp. For two channel audio, nothing goes through the Yamaha.

Mikey081057

??? Digital goes to the DAC...Analog from DAC goes to input of pre amp

alucididea

Mikey081057 wrote: »

??? Digital goes to the DAC...Analog from DAC goes to input of pre amp

I should have been a little more clear.

All surround processing goes through the Yamaha. Analog front channel output goes preamp/DAC via a SE input.

All 2 channel content goes only through the preamp/DAC.

ZLTFUL

The only DACs available with HT bypass (which is what you are talking about) are ones like the Benchmark DAC3(?), Wadia 321, Wyred 4 Sound's DAC 2v2, etc.
It is not a common feature on most DACs. It is a more common feature on better 2 channel pre-amps (and some with built in DACs.

alucididea

ZLTFUL wrote: »

The only DACs available with HT bypass (which is what you are talking about) are ones like the Benchmark DAC3(?), Wadia 321, Wyred 4 Sound's DAC 2v2, etc.
It is not a common feature on most DACs. It is a more common feature on better 2 channel pre-amps (and some with built in DACs.

Thats not actually what I was talking about. Though I have thought about going that route. Here is a flow chart of what I was thinking:

alucididea

tonyb

That'll work, did it myself for a long time but the wife got super confused when trying to watch a movie or just play music. Audio nerds like ourselves, no problem, anyone else and they look at it like deer in the headlights.

alucididea

tonyb wrote: »

That'll work, did it myself for a long time but the wife got super confused when trying to watch a movie or just play music. Audio nerds like ourselves, no problem, anyone else and they look at it like deer in the headlights.

That’s funny. I suppose adding a universal remote like the Logitech Harmony will make it easier. Though it always takes way less time to pick up the second remote then it does to search the Harmony for the right command. Is what it is, I suppose...

mpitogo

Yes you can do it. I have your setup in my family room. The family also does not get confused as the AVR trigger 12v overrides the 2ch Integrated Amp into HT bypass for SE L/R in surround or Atmos. With the AVR off the L/R can be controlled independently using the integrated’s inputs including onboard DAC.

alucididea

mpitogo wrote: »

Yes you can do it. I have your setup in my family room. The family also does not get confused as the AVR trigger 12v overrides the 2ch Integrated Amp into HT bypass for SE L/R in surround or Atmos. With the AVR off the L/R can be controlled independently using the integrated’s inputs including onboard DAC.

That’s exactly why I basically need to get a preamp/DAC with a trigger input. Honestly it might have helped me decide to go with the NAD 12 over the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+

mpitogo

alucididea wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

I suppose adding a universal remote like the Logitech Harmony will make it easier.

I swear by the harmony remote. I’ve had many generations and the latest iteration with a base two IR emitters and WiFi connection is incredible. It also includes integration with IFTTT so I can trigger room actions ia voice for very little cost vs custom integration with product like crestron or control4 and the like. Eg “ OK google watch TV” triggers watch TV action on the harmony, closes the shades and dims the lights if they are open or on. For the other room actions I use a Wink hub to control the smart home. Again these are things which you can DIY for very little $ vs custom install. The smart shades besides the HT gear would be the a little more money than manual shades.

Control and configure via remote or via iOS app. Wife and kid friendly for one button (or voice command) operation a complex sequence of startup options.

alucididea

mpitogo wrote: »

alucididea wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

I suppose adding a universal remote like the Logitech Harmony will make it easier.

I swear by the harmony remote. I’ve had many generations and the latest iteration with a base two IR emitters and WiFi connection is incredible. It also includes integration with IFTTT so I can trigger room actions ia voice for very little cost vs custom integration with product like crestron or control4 and the like. Eg “ OK google watch TV” triggers watch TV action on the harmony, closes the shades and dims the lights if they are open or on. For the other room actions I use a Wink hub to control the smart home. Again these are things which you can DIY for very little $ vs custom install. The smart shades besides the HT gear would be the a little more money than manual shades.

Control and configure via remote or via iOS app. Wife and kid friendly for one button (or voice command) operation a complex sequence of startup options.

I’ve had one for a few years and have enjoyed it for the most part. I’ve never had any other smart products until recently. I only just got some Hue bulbs. Eventually I do want to create some smart buttons for them. I haven’t integrated the Harmony into my full setup yet. It’s controlling my bedroom setup ATM, But once I pick (and acquire) my DAC I’ll probably do the damn thing.

Mikey081057

Speaking of Harmony remotes....dunno if you saw that their was a security update needed for those with wired/wireless network connection.