In need of a splitter/DAC?

Ice Rich · 26 Sep 2022 at 13:54

Hi all,

I have a Sonos Play 5 single speaker which I know is nothing special but it works for me just right, I connect to it via 3.5mm cable (I know I can network to it but I prefer cable

)

I need to add another device so in need of splitter / DAC , I have a budget of £100 and need it to have a volume control on front (as well as allowing 2 inputs obviously)

Thank you,

hornetstinger · 26 Sep 2022 at 20:08

You want a stereo pre amplifier. Something like audiolab 8000q.

Or if you need digital inputs (DAC) stereo digital pre amplifier

Ice Rich · 26 Sep 2022 at 21:42

Thanks for reply,

I have 2 inputs - one Toslink Optical and the other from my computer, at the moment I have just a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable from this.
I like the look of the CA DacMagic units as that has a source switch front button and volume control. However, no 3.5mm input, only Optical and and S/P diff. I'm thinking maybe I can get another cable for it to hook up the computer (3.5mm - optical?)

hornetstinger · 26 Sep 2022 at 21:47

Nah.

You're trying to work around a limited connectivity setup. Lack of 3.5mm input isn't a problem, use 3.5mm to stereo RCA.

Also once you're buying CA stuff you might as well get proper speakers, to replace the Sonos.

Ice Rich · 27 Sep 2022 at 08:19

Cheers Hornet - have made a note on the 3.5mm to stereo RCA lead (and can see where those would insert into a DAC), that seems nice and straight forward .

To confirm, i'm not looking todo anything special with the audio necessarily (upscale, convert to anything fancy etc.) I just want to be able to have ability to switch between sources rather then having to reach round to back of speaker and physically change leads. I mentioned DAC as I think that's what I have now (a soundblaster GX6) which works great as it has a volume control knob on front. If it had another input on back (it only has one) and source button, all would be perfect

I know, that Sonos is nothing special but it is surprisingly punchy and to my untrained ear if does sound really good. I use this setup in my home office so don't need anything more then that really.

hornetstinger · 27 Sep 2022 at 09:44

You could look for a cheap AV pre amp, that'll work. They have digital inputs, line out, pre out , management

Somelike like tag av32r, lexicon mc-8 etc

Ice Rich · 27 Sep 2022 at 16:31

Brilliant , thank you Hornet those look good - will most likely go for one of those. Will let you know how I get on, thank you