So splitting your signal at RCA level is supposed to leave the voltage alone...hmm...the ears disagree. That's why I run 2 matched DACs and split my signal using Toslink. I use SMSL M100 DACs to feed unchanged (maximum) voltage to my full range and subwoofer amplifiers. They're powered by mini USB connectors at 5V rated at 1.2W each. This opens up all kinds of power options from USB outlets. These DACs sound better at higher wattages, specifically the higher the better. I run the full ranger from a USB 3.0 power bank rated 18W and the subwoofer DAC runs off USB 2.0 at 10W. This combination produces the best sound, unbelievable clarity increase over the recommended power rating.
Am I killing my DACs with this over voltage situation? 😳
Am I killing my DACs with this over voltage situation? 😳
Its not quite clear from what you wrote exactly what you are doing. SMSL M100 dacs appear to be designed to run on 5-volt power. How many volts are you applying to them? More than 5-volts?
Have you tried using one DAC for the right signal, and the other for the left? With monoblock amps you could have very short rca and speaker cables.
I believe all USB power sources are 5V with varying amps accounting for the power rating. In that case, these DACs should sound the same when plugged in to 5V 500mA USB outlet as with a 5V 18W USB 3.0 outlet. In fact the power consumption of the DAC is 1.2W, so both should supply more than enough power. They work fine like that but empirical evidence shows higher wattages give more clarity.
I'm a big believer in preserving the original signal and amplifying little. My subwoofer amp rarely goes above 6%. Fact is, when I low power these DACs I have to amplify more than 10% to hear the details I need. The amplification gets even higher when only one DAC is used and I split at RCA level.
I'm concerned that my DACs won't last very long because of the higher wattages I prefer to give them.
Clarity associated with power supplies can be caused by other factors. Power supplies with higher wattage ratings may produce more noise when only use to provide low currents. They may also have higher leakage currents. It depends on a multiple factors. However, such effects can produce a subjectively brighter, more clear sound in some cases. Chances are if that is what is happening is that the is RFI/EMI noise effects of switching supplies can sound like they are helping with cutting through the muddy sound of the rest of the reproduction system. This can be a tricky area to get to the bottom of and fully understand. Probably best to substitute good quality linear power supplies and see how the system sounds then. Probably it will sound more like the true sound of the system. If its muddy then the problem is probably not with the power supplies.
DAC's only draw as much current as they need...the available wattage of the power supply is irrelevant as long as it supplies the current required at the specified voltage.
Mike
