Preamp project, DAC+BT+phono+Dirac

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#41
InspectorGadget said:
re the FLEX, That way, you could still build it into one box, but alternatively, build the hagerman and khozmo into one box and just connect the output of the Khozmo to the minidsp flex and thats it, all your needs sorted.
Click to expand...
Or, sell Khozmo, Fiio and DDRC24, and buy the FLEX. Connect Hagerman to FLEX, and done... I'll have to take a closer look at the FLEX before I do that, and I'm not exactly a fan of the idea that the volume control would be on the MiniDSP...
 
#42
You seem to need more inputs than normal.
And those inputs are low noise, so more care is needed on the switching side.
Phono, you may need MM and MC switching too.
Digital and analog line level matching is the Inspector's subject.
I feel it is quite complex, and error prone, let him do the guide work from now.
 
#44
Nikodemuzz said:
Or, sell Khozmo, Fiio and DDRC24, and buy the FLEX. Connect Hagerman to FLEX, and done... I'll have to take a closer look at the FLEX before I do that, and I'm not exactly a fan of the idea that the volume control would be on the MiniDSP...
Click to expand...
Yes, indeed. The passive pre could be avoided then. If you wouldnt trust the minidsp to do Digital attenuation, it shouldnt be in the system at all, as thats part of its main function, attenuating/boosting signals in different frequency bands. Provided your power amps arent ridiculously overpowered and terribly matched to your speakers, there is no reason to worry. Ive been using digital volume exclusively for decades now. it is fully transparent, except for the situations where someone hasnt paid attention to gain staging.
 
#46
InspectorGadget said:
Yes, indeed. The passive pre could be avoided then. If you wouldnt trust the minidsp to do Digital attenuation, it shouldnt be in the system at all, as thats part of its main function, attenuating/boosting signals in different frequency bands. Provided your power amps arent ridiculously overpowered and terribly matched to your speakers, there is no reason to worry. Ive been using digital volume exclusively for decades now. it is fully transparent, except for the situations where someone hasnt paid attention to gain staging.
Click to expand...
It's not that I don't trust it from a technical standpoint. More from the point of view of user experience. I don't particularly like the remote on the DDRC24, how it feels in the hand and how precisely you have to point it. The former is a bit of a vanity thing, the latter might be because the unit is hiding behind all the other devices and could be helped.

In any case, the value proposition in the FLEX is strong enough that I could probably live with the remote: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/minidsp-flex-review-audio-dsp.30804/
 
#47
its not a lot of functionality in a remote; perhaps you could add the functionality to a universal remote, or control over bluetooth/wireless and that via smart phone, or a raspberry pi zero. you could build one into a smallish TFT colour screen, or a cool retro VFD and CNC an alloy bezel. ie., make your own killer remote.
 
#48
InspectorGadget said:
its not a lot of functionality in a remote; perhaps you could add the functionality to a universal remote, or control over bluetooth/wireless and that via smart phone, or a raspberry pi zero. you could build one into a smallish TFT colour screen, or a cool retro VFD and CNC an alloy bezel. ie., make your own killer remote.
Click to expand...
Yeah, remote seem like such a secondary thing, but it is after all the aspect of the device that you interact with the most. And if you're not that focused on sound quality, like my spouse, it becomes significant. I love the simplicity of the Khozmo remote. Two buttons, volume up, volume down. That's basically all I need. If I need to change inputs it most likely means that I'm going to listen to vinyl records, which means that I'm standing next to the equipment anyway, and it's completely fine to change the input manually. The remote is a CNC'd aluminum block with a wooden accent, looks and feels fabulous. These things also mean that the WAF is off the charts.

For some reason the DDRC24 refuses to learn the Khozmo remote's inputs. If that would work there would be nothing to worry about.
 
#49
Resurrecting this thread because I also wanted something similar to what the OP is describing- found it to be significant research project.

Wanted single enclosure with all necessary PCB's to allow user control of multiple inputs (digital & analog line level- also phono) accessible via rotary selector switch. Selected signal then pass thru priority override BT module when source paired to activate. Then thru 7 band graphic EQ to keep it simple before exiting to my tube amp.

So here's list of modules used:

PCB & transformer from this classic Phono preamp, which IMO, has good sound for not much cost:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/374152715449?hash=item571d3d5cb9:g:0lsAAOSwzl9iuQj1

FiiO DAC- Toslink and Coaxial input. Decent sound & very affordable:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254737705279

BT module with priority override:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/325...st.0.0.21ef1802a448Fu&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

7 band EQ:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/225...st.0.0.21ef1802a448Fu&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

EQ was purchased with the offered power supply, which turned out to be +/- 5 VDC. I upgraded it's transformer to also power the DAC & BT module.
All components fit tightly inside 3x4x6 inches enclosure.

Hope something here helps... locating an affordable BT module with override capability took 3 months of searching- that alone is worth the read-IMO.

Good luck,
Jim
 
#50
Looks like Coronet3 is about a $500 phone stage. Khozmo passive mixer, about $400. Something of similar quality in a dac that includes BT might be a Topping D90SE or D90LE. IMHO, good value for the price but not quite reference quality.
 
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