need a digital input on amp

David88vert · 07-26-2004, 10:52 AM

I need an amp with a digital input since my laptop has a digital output. Anyone know of any? Preferably 5 ch.

DjBac · 07-26-2004, 11:11 AM

Try a DAC or processor!!

David88vert · 07-26-2004, 12:42 PM

The whole purpose is to keep the signal truely digital as long as possible - all the way to the amp. A DAC defeats the purpose. If I have to convert, I would rather go to optical and find an amp with an optical input.

antimatter · 07-26-2004, 01:03 PM

Then Google it.

Zip-Lock · 07-26-2004, 01:10 PM

Here you go http://www.cardomain.com/item/PHOR51MT

I ordered one this morning to test out. It looks like it should be ideal for people considering doing away with a head unit yet still having good control over their speakers. It has on screen programming, optical in, and coaxial in.

antimatter · 07-26-2004, 01:25 PM

That looks pretty nice. Not too bad of a price either. I wish it had a little bit more power at least on the subwoofer channel.

MrPerfectionest · 07-26-2004, 01:41 PM

Quote:

The whole purpose is to keep the signal truely digital as long as possible - all the way to the amp. A DAC defeats the purpose. If I have to convert, I would rather go to optical and find an amp with an optical input.

What do you think is happening inside the amp? In theory a self contained unit should be better than two seperate units but if the amp is using poor DACs itself then performance will suffer. You could also argue the case that the DACs inside the amp are using the same power supplies as the rest of the amp which could introduce undesirable sonic effects.

In fact, I will go out on a limb here and say a dedicated DAC plus good amplifier will sound better than almost all other DAC + AMP combos for a similar amount of money out there.

MrSpace · 07-26-2004, 04:06 PM

I also think a good DAC and a good amp will sound better. You can send the signal with a fiber optic or high end digital cable and then use high end RCA to send to the amp (as close as possible to the DAC).

Altough Phoenix Gold makes really good amps, they aren't as good since their head engineer is now in a new co. called Concept.

Plus when having a separate DAC, you can then send your signals to many amps, controlling perfectly the power you want for your components.

Etienne

DjBac · 07-26-2004, 05:12 PM

In my opinion and experience Alpine's PXA-H900 is one of the best processors that can do the job!!! It also has 11-ch outputs!!!:P:P

MrSpace · 07-26-2004, 07:42 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DjBac

In my opinion and experience Alpine's PXA-H900 is one of the best processors that can do the job!!! It also has 11-ch outputs!!!:P:P

your'e talking about the top of the line

if you have th emoney, that's the best you can get!!!

Etienne

David88vert · 07-27-2004, 11:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Zip-Lock

Here you go http://www.cardomain.com/item/PHOR51MT

I ordered one this morning to test out. It looks like it should be ideal for people considering doing away with a head unit yet still having good control over their speakers. It has on screen programming, optical in, and coaxial in.

Thanks, that will do the job. We don't sell PG, so I hadn't looked at them. Picking them up soon though.

David88vert · 07-27-2004, 12:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MrPerfectionest

What do you think is happening inside the amp? In theory a self contained unit should be better than two seperate units but if the amp is using poor DACs itself then performance will suffer. You could also argue the case that the DACs inside the amp are using the same power supplies as the rest of the amp which could introduce undesirable sonic effects.

In fact, I will go out on a limb here and say a dedicated DAC plus good amplifier will sound better than almost all other DAC + AMP combos for a similar amount of money out there.

Of course it is being converted inside the amp.

The performance will not suffer to a point that you could every hear it. You could only measure it at best.

This car has a limited amount of space, and a lot of other items being installed in it, so space is at a premium. The PG amp that he listed will do the job just fine for this application.

David88vert · 07-27-2004, 12:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DjBac

In my opinion and experience Alpine's PXA-H900 is one of the best processors that can do the job!!! It also has 11-ch outputs!!!:P:P

Can't afford that one. Too much for my blood, but I am probably using it in one of our show cars soon.

DjBac · 07-27-2004, 01:01 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MrSpace

your'e talking about the top of the line

if you have th emoney, that's the best you can get!!!

Etienne

I am trying for the last 50 days to find it!!! Do you know a dealer that could have it???

Can this co-operate with an audigy's optical output??? Is it toshlink compatible??

MrPerfectionest · 07-27-2004, 03:56 PM

Quote:

This car has a limited amount of space, and a lot of other items being installed in it, so space is at a premium. The PG amp that he listed will do the job just fine for this application.

You didn't indicate this as a reason for needing a single unit.

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