Using an External DAC or not

joeparaski

I've hooked up my brand new Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro and wondering if I should use the built in DAC (24bit/192khz) or my external MSB Link DAC 11? Right now I set it up using the external DAC, since I just recently bought the darn thing.

The LMC-1 manual also says that I should use the coax or optical inputs whenever possible as these will carry any encoded multi-channel audio format such as Dolby Digital or DTS.

But doesn't the external DAC send these signals from its analog outputs which would then go to the pre/pro analog inputs? (using CD digital out to DAC digital in)

This unit is my most modern unit in my otherwise 80's equipement and I've got a lot to learn. Like what do I use when listening to cd's...pro logic? dolby digital? Dolby digital ex? DTS? DTS-ES? DTS NEO:6? Virtual? Matrix? and what do I do with dvd's and their corresponding setups? Do I need to look more closely at the packaging when buying media?:o

Oh, and I love the fact that I don't have to get up to raise or lower the volume.:D

joeparaski

joeparaski wrote:

I've hooked up my brand new Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro and wondering if I should use the built in DAC (24bit/192khz) or my external MSB Link DAC 11? Right now I set it up using the external DAC, since I just recently bought the darn thing.

***Sorry to say, you wasted your money, that MSB dac is old and outdated, you should use the built-in dac.

The LMC-1 manual also says that I should use the coax or optical inputs whenever possible as these will carry any encoded multi-channel audio format such as Dolby Digital or DTS.


***LIsten to what the manual says, it is the end all definative answer. Your manual doesn't mention anything about usning an external DAC, therefore it is impossible to use one...junk the MSB.



But doesn't the external DAC send these signals from its analog outputs which would then go to the pre/pro analog inputs? (using CD digital out to DAC digital in)


***Who knows and who cares? Junk the MSB and listen to the manual.

This unit is my most modern unit in my otherwise 80's equipement and I've got a lot to learn. Like what do I use when listening to cd's...pro logic? dolby digital? Dolby digital ex? DTS? DTS-ES? DTS NEO:6? Virtual? Matrix? and what do I do with dvd's and their corresponding setups? Do I need to look more closely at the packaging when buying media?:o


***Yes you do have a lot to learn. The first thing you need to learn is that you have to junk all that crappy 80's stuff and move into the real modern world like the rest of us here, only THEN can you post questions that we can answer. As for all the other techno stuff....you need to get off your butt and search and read up on all that, do you think that we're here to spoon feed you information just for the heck of it?

Oh, and I love the fact that I don't have to get up to raise or lower the volume.:D

***See, you're already learning. Modern equipment rules, your stuff from the 80's suck! I suggest you find a forum dedicated to 80's crappy gear and disco, they go well together.

HBombToo

Joe
is everything ok over there?

steveinaz

Get Joe a beer, he's arguing with himself....

Your MSB would sound better, I would imagine...try it and see for yourself. I don't know schitt about all that Dolby this, DTS that stuff, I'm 2-channel baby.

halo

Talking to yourself is said to be a sign of madness. Posting to yourself has got to be worse. If you live near Joe - RUN!!! RUN AWAY NOW!!!!!!!!!

Dennis Gardner

He must have flown too close to the sun in one of his contraptions!!!

Dennis Gardner

Using the External DAC will require coax or fiber into the DAC and RCA outputs into the analog multi-channel of the Emotiva. This bypasses the usage of the Emo's DAC and allow you to choose 2 channel or multi channel.

I would try both DACs to determine a preference. I use an external DAC for my 2 channel mode running into my tube pre, but rely on my HK through digital coax to decode the movie codecs.

joeparaski

I figured since nobody responded to my questions I'd answer them myself.

For those that did answer, thank you for your suggestions. I'll try and figure out all the other stuff later.

Holydoc

My advice is to start drinking heavily. I see a Jerry Springer show dedicated to you soon.

halo

Holydoc wrote:

My advice is to start drinking heavily. I see a Jerry Springer show dedicated to you soon.

Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! Bleeep! Bleep! Bleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! Bleep! Bleep! Bleeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!!

schwarcw

The analog outputs of your DAC should go directly through your receiver by-passing their boards. You may have set set the inputs on the receiver to "Analog" on the input settings on your setup menu. Most separate preamps would receive the DAC output only in analog.

joeparaski

Ok...the little bulb just lit over my head. I'm going to run the DVD via Toslink straight to the pre\pro and the cdp will go through the DAC and then to the pre\pro analog inputs.

This way, the LMC will decode the movie stuff (dts-dds-ddses-tph-rrs-tcby and any other letters that are out there)

steveinaz

You're on it, doggone it. That is a good solution, and what I would do.