I currently have a Topping E30 DAC connected to a Schiit SYS (10k volume pot box) connected to a Hafler DH-101 preamp (using for tone controls since I’m hearing impaired and my idea of “neutral sounding” may be different than yours) and that is connected to a Hafler DH-120 amp (22k input impedance) or sometimes another amp with a 47k input impedance. The output level of the DAC is so high that the volume level of the preamp is either all the way off or too loud, hence the Schiit SYS pot box inline. Interconnect cables are very short, the longest being 3’ from the Hafler preamp to the power amp.
Having wired the preamp myself and looking over the schematic, the signal from the DAC/pot box goes directly through the DH-101’s own internal 50k volume potentiometer before it goes through the active high level gain stage. The DAC does have a remote and digital volume control (It can be put in pure DAC mode or preamp mode.) Should I just use the preamp mode instead? I bought the Schiit SYS since my other DAC (Schiit Modi 3+) is fixed line level out only. The Modi 3+ has an output impediance of 75 ohms. Since the Modi 3+ and SYS are wired in what is basiaclly series, it’s 5.075k ohms maximum (Schiit’s website says the SYS’s output impediance is 5k ohms maximum.) correct? I’m not sure what the output impedance of the Topping E30 is, but it would be xx ohms + 5k (max).
I ordered a Schiit Loki Mini+ a few days ago and my plan is to stop using the DH-101 and just use whatever DAC (Modi 3+ or E30), the SYS, and Loki Mini+. Is there a correct way to connect these 3, or does it not matter? I was thinking DAC > SYS > Loki Mini+ > power amplifier. Or do I want the DAC connected to the Loki Mini+ and then the Loki Mini+ connected to the SYS?
Having wired the preamp myself and looking over the schematic, the signal from the DAC/pot box goes directly through the DH-101’s own internal 50k volume potentiometer before it goes through the active high level gain stage. The DAC does have a remote and digital volume control (It can be put in pure DAC mode or preamp mode.) Should I just use the preamp mode instead? I bought the Schiit SYS since my other DAC (Schiit Modi 3+) is fixed line level out only. The Modi 3+ has an output impediance of 75 ohms. Since the Modi 3+ and SYS are wired in what is basiaclly series, it’s 5.075k ohms maximum (Schiit’s website says the SYS’s output impediance is 5k ohms maximum.) correct? I’m not sure what the output impedance of the Topping E30 is, but it would be xx ohms + 5k (max).
I ordered a Schiit Loki Mini+ a few days ago and my plan is to stop using the DH-101 and just use whatever DAC (Modi 3+ or E30), the SYS, and Loki Mini+. Is there a correct way to connect these 3, or does it not matter? I was thinking DAC > SYS > Loki Mini+ > power amplifier. Or do I want the DAC connected to the Loki Mini+ and then the Loki Mini+ connected to the SYS?
