Where does an Amp sit - and do I need one?

Ice Rich · 28 Feb 2023 at 08:43

Hello!

I'm really pleased with my sound setup (it is very basic I know but perfect for my needs and to my untrained ear, sounds great).
I use a DAC Magic Plus for the signal convert but also as a handy switcher as I have computers + console attached. Speaker is just a Sonos connected via 3.5mm from the DAC and I know it's nothing special but I think it sounds and works well.

Would it be worth me getting an amp? I was under the impression my DAC would not work without one but presumably the signal is being boosted somehow now (i'm guessing the DAC must have something inside?)
And am I right in saying the amp would sit after the DAC (so the 3.5mm cable inserted into DAC now would go into the amp instead?)

Thank you

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hornetstinger · 28 Feb 2023 at 13:03

Sonos is active speaker so no, you wouldn't use a amplifier as it already has one

If you want your own speakers look at the Sonos amp and a regular pair of passive speakers

Ice Rich · 28 Feb 2023 at 13:18

Thank you

That makes sense.

hornetstinger · 28 Feb 2023 at 13:29

If you want to upgrade I'd recommend

Passive stereo studio monitor speakers
AV amplifier
or stereo integrated amp and DAC
Dedicated streamer (not sonos due to 65,000 limit)
Active subwoofer

Ice Rich · 28 Feb 2023 at 17:35

One last question, would I need an amp to power a set of headphones do you know (from the DAC magic plus, it has a headphone socket so i'm guessing not)

hornetstinger · 28 Feb 2023 at 17:48

DAC magic + has headphone amp on the right side

Ice Rich · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:09

Got it thanks , I can see the output but was unsure if it needed to go into some kind of signal booster first

I might order some headphones and give it a go

hornetstinger · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:40

Are the dac magic+ RCA/XLR outputs fixed or variable?

If they're variable then you can add a stereo power amplifier, passive speakers to get a system up.

Rroff · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:44

Ice Rich said:
One last question, would I need an amp to power a set of headphones do you know (from the DAC magic plus, it has a headphone socket so i'm guessing not)

Depends on the headphones - the headphone output on most consumer electronics will drive run of the mill headphones fine but some higher end headphones will require more voltage or power than basic headphone output can provide which is where a [dedicated] headphone amplifier comes in.

hornetstinger · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:52

Rroff said:
Depends on the headphones - the headphone output on most consumer electronics will drive run of the mill headphones fine but some higher end headphones will require more voltage or power than basic headphone output can provide which is where a [dedicated] headphone amplifier comes in.

I would think the headphone amp on that would be pretty deceng

Rroff · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:53

hornetstinger said:
I would think the headphone amp on that would be pretty deceng

Was more a general comment - some stuff has a decent built in headphone amp, other stuff is pretty basic.

The Dacmagic plus apparently can drive stuff up to 600ohm and fairly decent current supply.

hornetstinger · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:58

Looks like RCA/XLR are fixed and variable so yeah add stereo power amplifier, passive speakers, active sub and use audio streamer with digital out, or pc usb and have a 2.1 system

Ice Rich · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:59

That makes perfect sense, thanks both - will let you know how headphones route goes (and how it sounds

)