Two channel stereo amplifiers

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Item

1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1288363 21-Apr-2015 11:36

Gambit: Im in Nelson so will probably be buying online.
Be great to be in a main center but It is good being able to look around for deals.
Some have free shipping which is helpful.
I'll keep my eyes open and see what happens.

Are these guys no good? (or too pricey!?) They stock a good range of Cambridge gear...

Gambit

169 posts

Master Geek

#1288513 21-Apr-2015 14:05

I guess I can use the line out on the fiio x5 and connect it to the 651a using the rca inputs on the back.
Would be good to have a bit more grunt amp wise.
A normal coaxial or optical would make it easier though.

Item

1717 posts

Uber Geek

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#1288527 21-Apr-2015 14:30

Gambit: I guess I can use the line out on the fiio x5 and connect it to the 651a using the rca inputs on the back.
Would be good to have a bit more grunt amp wise.
A normal coaxial or optical would make it easier though.

Looks like PBTech sell the converter I pointed you to earlier - at a decent price too!

http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=AUDCYP0003

Probably better than using line out.

( http://www.lindy.co.uk/audio-video-c2/converters-scalers-c105/audio-spdif-analogue-dacs-c106/spdif-digital-to-analogue-stereo-audio-converter-p2729 )

Gambit

169 posts

Master Geek

#1288549 21-Apr-2015 14:53

I'd go coaxial out of the fiio into the converter then out of that rcas into the amp?
Not using the usb on the amp.
Would there be much difference in sound quality compared to 3.5mm to rcas into the amp?
Hope I'm not too noob. :-)

Item

1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1288556 21-Apr-2015 14:59

Gambit: I'd go coaxial out of the fiio into the converter then out of that rcas into the amp?
Not using the usb on the amp.
Would there be much difference in sound quality compared to 3.5mm to rcas into the amp?
Hope I'm not too noob. :-)

Yeah - thing is again, you are using the DAC in the adapter and not the DAC in either the amp or the FIIO...and the quality of that is an unknown for me - other than the reviews.

What quality is your source audio? If you are running 256kb or lower MP3s, it is probably a moot point anyway.

Gambit

169 posts

Master Geek

#1288565 21-Apr-2015 15:16

I'll be playing flacs through the fiio.
That's the main reason I want a good connection.

Item

1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1288574 21-Apr-2015 15:25

Get a DACMagic Plus to go with it then - it's what I did!

Probably don't want to use a cheaper DAC then if you are running FLACs - assuming your ears are sensitive enough to the small differences it would likely make in that system?

I haven't actually tested my own lugholes to be honest, but I too like to know I am running the most accurate recreation of the music and also use lossless sources...partly why I invested in the DACMagic in the first place.

Hmmm.

I dunno mate. I would say that if you are committed to the FiiO and the Azur doesn't really support the most direct output from that and buying a new DAC isn't on the agenda then maybe it still isn't the right amp for you.

Personally, if it was my money, I would still go to that local HiFi place with the FiiO & my speakers and see what they recommended and give it all a listen before parting with any cash.

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Gambit

169 posts

Master Geek

#1288902 22-Apr-2015 07:32

Some info i found:

Q:How to connect the X5’s line out to other audio equipment?

A:The X5’s line out outputs an unamplified signal to e.g. amplifiers, receivers,
headphone amplifiers, car audio inputs, etc. The fact that it’s an “unamplified
signal” can be misleading however. The line level signal of the X5 is of a higher
voltage than the headphone out at all but the highest volumes and can damage
headphones if you connect them directly to the line out. Please keep the line
out port covered (e.g. using the provided silicone case or port covers) when not
in use to prevent accidental insertion.
Also, some audio equipment (e.g. car audio receivers) cannot handle a high line
input voltage and will distort when connected to the X5’s line out. If you find
this to be the case, you may try connecting it to the X5’s headphone out
instead and adjust the X5’s volume to a suitable level for output to your audio
equipment.

Q:How to connect the X5’s “Coax out” to other audio equipment?

A:X5’s “Coax out” outputs an S/PDIF compliant coaxial digital audio signal,
and may be connected to decoders, DACs, receivers etc. with S/PDIF coaxial
input ports using regular 75ohm coaxial RCA cables via the provided 3.5mm-RCA
adapter.

Ortomator

26 posts

Geek

#1324910 15-Jun-2015 12:25

Hey Gambit, did you have any luck getting hold of a power amp?? I'm considering an upgrade for my system and would be interested to see what improvement to your sound a dedicated amp made (if you got one!)

I'm considering a Rotel RB-1552 to plug into my B&W 683S2 from an Onkyo NR-709

Gambit

169 posts

Master Geek

#1324942 15-Jun-2015 12:46

Hi,

Just placed an order for a cambridge audio 651a :-)
Got a good deal so waiting for it to turn up.
Also the fiio x5 gen 2 comes out this month so will get that too.
Pretty keen to hear how it sounds!!!

robbon44

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1326376 17-Jun-2015 11:12

coming in pretty late to the discussion so catching up and reading the back threads but I would say..

1) How things sound will vary from user to user, listening is in the ear of the beholder.

2) In testing an amp or pre amp set up I would still try and compare a good CD player together with a lossless audio source such as the fiio - the source is important.

3) Connections to and from the amp can make a huge difference depending on the quality of the source, the quality of the amp, warm up time and

4) the environment, your room will make things sound different, don't necessarily blame the amp.

that said I have had Rotel, NAD and Cambridge Audio amps in the past and currently have a Cambridge Audio hooked up for 2 channel music to a CD and digital music source (DLNA) rather than using my Marantz HT receiver. The sound is very different.

Johnny67

28 posts

Geek

#1327392 18-Jun-2015 15:15

Ive been using a Marantz PM8004 and run my Fiio X1 and laptop through it using an external dac via rca. Had Cambridge Audio amps in the past and always enjoyed them but got a big discount on the Marantz amp which made it a no brainer.

Would definitely say you need to upgrade your speakers though. I managed to get a good deal on some Kef Q900 a year or so back, lovely speakers and made a huge difference to what I had before (though I cant recall what they were right now)

robbon44

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1327396 18-Jun-2015 15:19

yes ! invest in good speakers, we did and have B&W 602's ...love them..

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