? to get A DAC or not

[Debbie Coleman]

I know the B2 has all the gubbins to play back my music, but I have added a Cambridge Amp, it does give me a rounder sound. The Amp doesn't have an optical connection so is connected electronically. I do get some interference intermittently.  Would a cheap DAC inserted between the B2 and the Amp help?  I could connect the DAC optically.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

When I purchased my HiFi system (A Quad system with ELS speakers), I did so knowing that my hearing would deteriorate over the 30+ years I have had it, and that if I bought good enough (as much as I could afford then), I would not need to replace it in my lifetime.

I think I was correct, I have replaced the CD player when that died (with the Brennan B2) and have had my Quad system serviced once (recently) but when listening to other peoples newer (better?) HiFi's I can honestly no longer tell the difference.

Having said all the above waffle,  I COULD tell the difference when I replaced my analog connection (line out) between my Quad and the B2 with an optical one with a cheap DAC. I can therefore DO confirm that a cheap DAC eg

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005HFTUO0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

is worth getting and using.

I expect that some people on this forum with younger ears may recommend something more substantial and pricey as a DAC, but for me this cheap one did the job perfectly.

Fred

[Debbie Coleman]

My ears are much older too, that DAC is the one that is recommended on the Brennan website, think I will give it a try.

Thanks for the response Fred.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Do tell us what you think when you've set it up!

[Debbie Coleman]

Hi Fred, I am having more trouble setting this up than I should have.  I bought a 2 jack to 2 jack for the DAC output to the Amp. But the Toslink cable does not fit the B2, did you find that?  I have ordered one from Amazon as Brennan are out of stock. A toslink to mini jack  But am I doing this right?

[Russell...@hotmail.com]

Hi Debbie - not sure if this is pertinent but I needed a Toslink - MiniJack adapter to fit into the B2 for my WiFi headphones so I suspect it may be the same for the DAC. Good luck - Cheers Russ

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hi Debbie

Sorry, I did not specify what cables plugs you would need.

From the DAC to the B2 you need an "optical" cable with ends that look like this.

The D shaped end goes into the Toslink DAC port on the "input" side of the DAC

The round end goes into port 14 as shown below.

The cable you need is something like this (they come in different lengths).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FosPower-Toslink-Digital-Connectors-Strain-Relief-Gold/dp/B00T8HWUVS/ref=sr_1_14?crid=PA0JCDAQYM7J&dchild=1&keywords=toslink+cable&qid=1606771900&sprefix=toslink%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-14

The other end of the DAC needs a double wire cable with banana plugs one end of which goes into the L/R plugs on your DAC, while the other goes into a suitable L/R socket pair on your Amplifier.

Hope this helps.

Fred

On Monday, 30 November 2020 at 17:36:28 UTC Stone....@btinternet.com wrote:

[Jimbo Smiles]

Banana plugs for interconnects? I use RCA plugs on my leads.....

-JimS

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Debbie,

JimS is correct - I have got this wrong it is not banana connectors you need at the "out" end of the DAC (to your Amplifier) but RCA plugs.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-2-Male-RCA-Audio-Cable-Black/dp/B01D5H8P0G/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=RCA+plugs&qid=1606776781&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExR1BKWFJPWjQ0NE5XJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTc1NDcxMTRIUVFTMDFXNUpNOSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjcyNTcxU1lBWDRJRFlVS01VJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Sorry about that

Fred

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

That is assuming that your Amplifier inputs accept RCA!

On Monday, 30 November 2020 at 22:21:35 UTC jimbo...@gmail.com wrote:

[PMB]

Hi Debbie,

If you already have an optical cable i.e. standard TOS LInk to TOS Link, you can buy an adapter to fit on one end to suit the B2.

Paul

Brennan Support.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Debbie

Once you are set up make sure that from the UI, the equaliser function is NOT enabled

above is Not Enabled

below is Enabled

Fred

[Debbie Coleman]

Finally got it all set up, including a four way extension USB port, sound is better, more 'rounded' and with a depth that the B2 wasn't giving me even through the Cambridge amp.  I am pleased with the set up now.  Many thanks to Fred and all who offered help and suggestions, you are the best.