If I used, lets say a middle class Denon receiver, with some powered Audio Engine A5 speakers, what kind of results would I get? If I am looking to use just the amplification power of the receiver, is it enough to turn the volume knob down on the speakers and do all adjustments from the receiver. I am somewhat concerned that the active speakers will take an already amplified signal and try to over amplify them even more and cause distortion. I don't think this is going to be the case since there is no conversion going on in the speakers, all they do is take the signal and amplify it, and all the DAC is happening in the receiver so, I think it should be fine, but I thought I would ask.
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Reciever + Powered speakers
- Thread starter Andyk5
- Start date
You can't use a receiver in this manner unless you get one with "pre outs". Those are unamplified outputs designed to go in to external amplifiers or powered speakers. Connecting an amplified out to a line input will burn things out.
Unfortunately, that kinds rules Denon out since they don't offer pre outs until their higher end stuff. Now that's a great way to go, don't get me wrong, I have a high end Denon and love it. But with the price you are paying, you are talking using something better than A5s for speakers. On sense in spending $1000 for a receiver and paring it with $300 speakers.
Unfortunately, that kinds rules Denon out since they don't offer pre outs until their higher end stuff. Now that's a great way to go, don't get me wrong, I have a high end Denon and love it. But with the price you are paying, you are talking using something better than A5s for speakers. On sense in spending $1000 for a receiver and paring it with $300 speakers.
Ok then, I have been doing some reading and found out that most AVR's don't have great headphone amp's/jacks. A lot of people are arguing that a dedicated external dac/headphone amp can bring higher quality sound out of premium headphones. My reasonign behind the denon was to hit 2 birds with one stone. Originally I am trying to get a nioce headphone setup for not a lot of cash, and secodary i thought i could use the AVR to power my speakers also. In this case I am much better with the external DAC/amp and leaving the Audioengines alone.
Well you could kill 2 birds with something like this:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NUICONHD
It's a headphone amp and dac with analog outs you can hook those A5's to. There's cheaper models on that site too.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NUICONHD
It's a headphone amp and dac with analog outs you can hook those A5's to. There's cheaper models on that site too.
basically you are looking to use a reciever just for a the headphone amp and the DAC section am i right?
even with a high end denon with pre outs you wont get Any of the multichannel processing or amplifier benefits from it.
the pre outs on high end reciever are meant to be used with High End Power amps and passive speakers.
your best bet is something like this:
maverick D1 $220
matrix Mini-I $330
those will be better DACs and headphone Amps than any Denon AVR under $400.
even with a high end denon with pre outs you wont get Any of the multichannel processing or amplifier benefits from it.
the pre outs on high end reciever are meant to be used with High End Power amps and passive speakers.
your best bet is something like this:
maverick D1 $220
matrix Mini-I $330
those will be better DACs and headphone Amps than any Denon AVR under $400.
Tch0rT and Procyon, you guys have read my mind. Those DAC's are exactly what I am looking for. Now I do not know which one will give me the best results but just from a price, looks and ease of usability point, I am purchasing the Maverick D1 as I type this.
I'll see how it goes, but I am pretty sure its gonna be great.
Edit: Well since I do not care for any sound enhancements, bells/whistles and or 3d/surround sound stuff, I do not need to get me a sound card anymore. I can just get a digital out from the computer ( which would be the optical out on the onboard sound card of my lap top and usb port on the desktop) and I am done right?
I'll see how it goes, but I am pretty sure its gonna be great.
Edit: Well since I do not care for any sound enhancements, bells/whistles and or 3d/surround sound stuff, I do not need to get me a sound card anymore. I can just get a digital out from the computer ( which would be the optical out on the onboard sound card of my lap top and usb port on the desktop) and I am done right?