By feeding the input/output into the line out or line in on an Audiolab Mdac. I would only be using the D3200, for speakers and using the headphone and Dac from the Pc Via USB to the Audiolab Mdac. Bearing in mind I don' r know what I'm talking about, the only available ports on the Nad D3200 are Aux 1 R & L. Ignore Aux 2 optical and sub. Thanks.
Is it possible to by-pass the Dac and Headphone on a D3020
- Thread starter ethan
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Soldato
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Not sure what you mean. If you have the Nad connected via USB, then if you want audio output, then two choices
1) Digital out, so the NAD is acting as a switch, and outputs whatever the NAD is receiving, it just bypasses from in to out
b) Analogue out, the NAD is acting like a DAC, output is fixed at 100% (line level) via RCA
c) Analogue out, the NAD is acting like a DAC, output is variable (pre-out) via RCA
What do you want to output the signal from the NAD into? And for what reason? So you want the Audiolab MDAC to act as a DAC, and Denon just to be "hub" for your gear?
NAD is lacking on digital out and analogue out, so I think you're up the creek.
If I think what you want to do, you'll need item like this. Digital out
https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_2/images/lexicon-mc-12b-back-large-4-2003.jpg
SPDIF output that is between the RS232 ports and IEC
or L/R zone 2/record outputs
1) Digital out, so the NAD is acting as a switch, and outputs whatever the NAD is receiving, it just bypasses from in to out
b) Analogue out, the NAD is acting like a DAC, output is fixed at 100% (line level) via RCA
c) Analogue out, the NAD is acting like a DAC, output is variable (pre-out) via RCA
What do you want to output the signal from the NAD into? And for what reason? So you want the Audiolab MDAC to act as a DAC, and Denon just to be "hub" for your gear?
NAD is lacking on digital out and analogue out, so I think you're up the creek.
If I think what you want to do, you'll need item like this. Digital out
https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_2/images/lexicon-mc-12b-back-large-4-2003.jpg
SPDIF output that is between the RS232 ports and IEC
or L/R zone 2/record outputs
I just want to use the headphone amp and the Dac on the Mdac in to my pc when using it at unsociable hours and use the D3200 when I want to use speakers at other times in the Day. The Mdac is jus a couple of dacs and designated headphone amp. The Nad D3200 is a hybrid amp, great for speakers but not so good with the headphones.
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Soldato
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How about USB to NAD , and also USB to Audiolab, and use windows sound mixer to choose which sound output device you want?
Or USB to NAD, and onboard soundcard optical/coaxial to MDAC, and again choose sound output device.
That is probably only way I can think of doing it.
Or USB to NAD, and onboard soundcard optical/coaxial to MDAC, and again choose sound output device.
That is probably only way I can think of doing it.
Soldato
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You will have one or the other working, you won't be able to have both.
If it were me, I would connect the M-Dac to the computer via USB. The M-Dac will be a better DAC/pre amplifier unit compared to the NAD.
I would then use the M-Dac in that configuration for headphones.
For speaker situation, I would use the M-DAC's RCA outputs with decent cable to the NAD's analogue RCA inputs. The Nad can then drive the speakers with the M-DAC acting as the DAC/Pre Amp. I personally find the M-DAC to be better than the NAD unit in terms of DAC/Pre amp duties.
Alternatively, sell the NAD on ebay and pick up an Audiolab M-PWR to drive the speakers connected to M-DAC. M-PWR can be found with some decent prices lately.
I would then use the M-Dac in that configuration for headphones.
For speaker situation, I would use the M-DAC's RCA outputs with decent cable to the NAD's analogue RCA inputs. The Nad can then drive the speakers with the M-DAC acting as the DAC/Pre Amp. I personally find the M-DAC to be better than the NAD unit in terms of DAC/Pre amp duties.
Alternatively, sell the NAD on ebay and pick up an Audiolab M-PWR to drive the speakers connected to M-DAC. M-PWR can be found with some decent prices lately.