BACK TO BASICS Part 3: DACs

Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: John Darko
PATREON: / johndarko
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Another look at external DACs and why we use them.
Further essential viewing...
Back to Basics Part 1: Music streaming:
• BACK TO BASICS Part 1:...
Back to Basics Part 2: Music servers & network streamers:
• BACK TO BASICS Part 2:...
A beginner's guide to DACs:
darko.audio/2019/11/a-beginne...
Raspberry Pi audio streaming 101:
darko.audio/2020/01/raspberry...
Schiit Modi 3 review:
darko.audio/2018/11/a-short-f...
Also seen in this video...
Sonos Connect:
www.amazon.de/Sonos-CONNECT-M...
Naim Uniti Atom:
darko.audio/2018/07/wheel-lov...
Allo DigiOne:
darko.audio/2017/08/allos-dig...
AudioQuest cables:
• Room tour: AudioQuest ...
Red bike? Trek FX3:
• Trek FX 3 2019: Bike r...
#beginners #DACs #audiophile
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Darko.Audio FAQ:
darko.audio/faq/
What the bloody hell am I talking about?
• What the bloody hell a...
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DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A PODCAST?
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
open.spotify.com/show/1mnKixp...
/ johnhdarko
__________________________________________________________________
Darko.Audio is a web magazine covering new and exciting developments in the audio world and we aren’t afraid of indie rock or techno.
Web: Darko.Audio
Instagram: / darkoaudio
Twitter: / darkoaudio
Facebook: / darkodotaudio

[@johnnemesh5459]

How to be a success on KZbin: 1) British accent 2) extensive and deep knowledge of the subject at hand 3) extensive command of the English language, avoiding overused terms such as "warm". 4)ability to give listeners an idea of how something sounds WITHOUT denigrating products or brands. 5) ability to explain a complex subject without sounding arrogant or talking down to the audience. Well done, sir!

[@beardedschlim]

You would like James Hoffman 😂

[@thenullco]

Your camera guy never loses focus. I hope he is well renumerated. Enjoying these Back to Basics vids. I bought my first DAC last week and it's pushed me to upgrade my humble system and speakers to something better. It's great fun.

[@DarkoAudio]

Please dig into the information linked in the description box before leaving a comment. For example, if you want to see me talk about DACs inside amplifiers and active loudspeakers, you need to watch THIS video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epnVp2CFbticrKs Oh -- and constructive comments only, please. :)

[@julian73de]

Hey John, was just enjoying an album from "Boards of Canada". Mellow eloctro and great sound. Thought, could be your cup of tea too. Cheers

[@barrybenkendorf672]

I need to understand if I need an amp or not for my speaker system. I am currently only using the Schiit Modi 3 DAC with my LG smartphone as source using Tidal high quality. My speaker system is a Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 Mk2 connected to the Schiit Modi 3 via RCA line in. My speaker system is powered. It is 480 watts, 2 tweeters, 2 midrange, and 1 subwoofer. Let me know I need an amp or not. Thanks!

[@OriginalgEd]

@@barrybenkendorf672 you don't need an amp. you amp is already built into your speakers (hence the "480watts"). the big clue that you don't need an amp is that you are (presumably) already hearing sound from the speakers.

[@johncolton]

@@barrybenkendorf672 The Beoplay A9 is an integrated amp. Don't connect an amp to it.

[@barrybenkendorf672]

@@johncolton thank you all for your replies! So using the Schiit Modi 3 via RCA connection to the speaker instead of wirelessly streaming music via bluetooth or airplay with my smartphone and only using my phone as the data transfer to the Modi is the highest possible sound quality I can get with my speaker system setup using Tidal high quality?

[@HeddwynEvans]

Bought a chord mojo last week after watching your videos, have had my eyes and ears squeegeed open to the power of DACs as a result - wow!

[@Drackleyrva]

Great video John! I hope you continue to do more 'Back to basics' videos. They're very helpful.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

hear hear

[@desmondnimmons3047]

Thanks for answering my DAC question regarding connections.

[@bobcat6653]

I love these Back To Basic videos, you do a good job of conveying a complex idea!

[@adminp34]

I enjoy so much refreshing and simplistic approaches John likes to use in his videos, thanks for entertaining and educating us

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Great video! I have a thorough understanding of how all of this stuff works, but your explanation is so much better than I could ever give someone. Nice job.

[@harriglnola7655]

This video has been SUPER INFORMATIVE and enlightening for me regarding DACs!!! I am one of those people that really needed this video and am super thankful to you for making it! Bless you.

[@marktodd7397]

Lesson here is a lot of people understand these sorts of videos when you actually show where the cables go and how these would work in real life situations, great video thanks.

[@Zargatan1337]

Since I found this channel a few months ago. I learned so much from Darko, thanks a lot! Watching all the videos with joy its so down to earth for a nitwit as me in the audiophile world. Also helpt me to upgrade from my old system (20+ years) to the KEF LSX

[@barrymitchell4612]

Thank-you John, this video is the best yet. I'm pretty new to this audio world and you have been very helpful.

[@amrand82]

Omg. I’ve struggled with understanding this concept for so long and SOMETHING (i.e., I can’t pinpoint it) you said made this all click for me. Thank you!! New sub!

[@kl9941]

Excellent John. Each of the three Back to Basics nicely builds information in sequence. Also clarifies some questions related to the LG30/LG40/iPad series of videos. Howard S

[@zetapal]

I had to figure this out about a year ago when I watched my first video of yours on the Dragonfly. I remember I had to pause the video a couple of times and think about what you were talking about in order to 'get it'. That video was helpful because I was better able to understand what was going on in my own gear because, as it turns out, I have several DACs. Here in this video you have addressed this understanding of the difference between digital and analog signals directly and in a straightforward manner. This should be helpful to a lot of beginners. Thanks

[@bthivierge]

Great summary John, thanks for posting. You're not wasting your time (for some of us) and we appreciate it!

[@dovyhk]

The introduction is great with clarity. Thanks.

[@ibsyrfalhsn]

Whoa, it's makes me understand better about how DAC and Amp is really makes the sound better. Thank you for the great video!

[@dlorbieski]

I have found your back to basics series very informative so far.....thanks for sharing and take care 👍👍👍

[@hardestyboy]

Thanks so much for the clarification on dac connections 👏🏼 Darko you’re the best

[@johncolton]

Thanks for the recommendation on TV audio. I just connected my old Samsung TV to my Naim Uniti Atom via Toslink and my TV life is better.

[@kriswhitman8027]

Love these 'Back to Basics' videos. Great job!

[@dougcampbell2814]

Your Back To Basic series are very informative. Keep up the great work. 🎵

[@ralphpaquin8313]

thank you for the simple explanation!! On the whole analog/digital especially on the thing on the computer /DAC/bypass thing

[@ianorigbo7617]

I wish I had such videos when I first got into streaming and DACS. Nice video again John 👍

[@ValthoRoberto]

Great video as always, John. I like the bike in the background!

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Man, what an incredible series.

[@capelight52]

Bravo J Darko! Keep the digital interfaces coming. Build upon it and thanks!

[@kowaltoboggan]

Have been trying to understand why some use a DAC with a streamer, but haven’t understood why until I saw your video. Thanks for making it so easy to understand. Bravo to you!

[@tyuklm1]

Thank you John. I finally managed to understand DACs and their importance thanks to your review of the Schiit Modi 3, which I bought along with a Schiit Magni Heresy. I have a really old set up: NAD 510 CD player and a NAD 710 amp hooked up to some exotic McFarlow Regency Two speakers. I know.... Thanks to your advice and help I've rediscovered my love for listening to music. I use a small PC to stream FLAC files from DEEZER HI-FI to my Modi. The modi then sends it to the NAD 710 or I plug in my Phillips X2HRs into the Heresy. For me, my budget and my untrained ears this set up is great. I wouldn't have discovered this new level of listening experience if it hadn't been for your videos and Internet site. I'd recommend anybody thinking twice about investing in a DAC to take the plunge. You won't regret it. Please keep up the good work as it's really made a difference. I look forward to my coffee Sunday mornings and listening to some music. Thanks.

[@davemonell9308]

Thanks I learned a lot about streaming from your content I ll been a analog guy forever I started streaming music most of time. Thanks keep up the good work.

[@Jimmy.1979]

Awesome video! This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@thomaslee6957]

A brilliantly helpful video John. Thanks

[@IvicaMarusevic]

A great explanation for the novice enthusiast! Now when my colleagues and friends ask me I can simply point them to your video, and spare myself of repeating story over and over again ;) Thank you!

[@victorlazzlo7626]

Really helpful. Would love some advice on getting quality audio out from home hifi (my case Uniti Star to Sennheiser Momentum 3 wireless headphones. Sure can be hard wired but 5 metre sitting distance is not enjoyed. Have tried rx/tx unit but connection ropey. Any ideas for best sound?

[@adamsmith8900]

Hi J.D., Subscriber here, and just wanted to say, I appreciate your videos( in part) because of the excellent sound quality! So many reviewers have poor acoustics in the room or poor microphones, and play low quality music feeds. Your music sounds great and so do your vids. As an audiophile I appreciate that!

[@dugahole55]

Along with Roon - Tital , added the Schiit Modius DAC....awesome audio now on my home system PSB, Pioneer Elite A/V, ASUS computer. Thanks for the informative videos and clarity on whats the basic requirements for amazing results.

[@MarcStJean1965]

I'm new to your channel ! You make it so simple to understand !! Big Thanks ! Mr. John Darko !

[@user-df7mg5xb3p]

Thanks so much for posting John, very informative! I`ve been playing around with analogue gear for over 45 yrs now (60 yrs old). I have a Rega DAC and have figured it out...kinda...now I`m looking to learn more about streamers to run through my all Rega home stereo. I`m now helping my 65 yr old friend set up his new tv to a Rega DAC. Your video really helped! Ron

[@streetsoundselectro124]

Thanks for that John, us thicko's finally understand what your talking about now!

[@rexx3137]

Great breakdown. Thank you!

[@iulian0410]

I've learned so much thru your channel ! Thank you and keep up the good work !

[@christopherjohnson9001]

Great video showing how converged many digital devices are today regardless of quality - hence the ability to go toward digital separates in compact form factors. 👍

[@circattle]

When you buy all their components to make a full hifi system, you can say “I definitely got my Schiit together”. Thank you - you can have that one for free. I’m here all week.

[@daverich3352]

The video is good, but I didn't want a 'Schitt' DAC I wanted a good one. ;-)

[@johnnemesh5459]

@@daverich3352 I am pretty damn impressed with the Schiit Gungnir multibit DAC I purchased last year! They have great products at all price points. (excluding insanely expensive...not their gig)

[@gerdemannfpv5113]

Maybe I should start selling my schiit too 🤔

[@StreetComp]

This is all helpful and I've sent your videos to a few people and it's helped clear things up so thank you. Seems most of the confusion is because some devices do all the work and some devices do just one or two parts of it and it's not always clear what does what.

[@jeanm289]

I remember how confusing the digital chain was to me when i first started, this video is going to help so many folks to start their hifi roads.

[@bmj4052]

Very helpful. Love your videos

[@andyhunt5150]

Great video!! You made it very easy to understand.

[@spenceraaltonen]

I have really enjoyed the way you broke these videos down, I have been into HiFi for a long time but a lot of people don't understand these basics.

[@craigpaske9351]

Excellent explanation! Methodical and clear.

[@jamesferrell497]

great job John, enjoy the videos, and appreciate the everyday know how information and options of how to better enjoy my musical hobby

[@FranciscoRamirez-pt8ck]

As always short and sweet. I will just say that I enjoy the DACs of my Arcam AV to listen to my digital signals (appletv4K,BD player and Cable TV, all using HDMI which is a pretty good way to send digital audio to the receiver.

[@fredkinneary7829]

John, thank you so much. I'm an old 2 channel guy and am struggling to enter the digital world. This was a great video, helped so much. I'd love to see more basic videos if you can.

[@dilbyjones]

Fred kinneary me 2

[@shaunpaulwallace]

Yep. He does it so well.

[@lazarosnikolaidis256]

Excellent video. Believe that every beginner should be covered.

[@skyehenderson8869]

Thanks for the info and your total honesty. 👍🏼

[@nplenn00]

This stuff is fascinating and I've gotten hooked of late...I'm waiting for my Denafrips Ares II DAC delivery...what no one ever talks about is the weak point in the whole digital chain is the stability of your WiFi network and configuring your router, extender NAS server etc...

[@Spannertech728]

Thanks for turning me on to Schiit. I bought a Modius (the one with XLRs) and couldn’t be happier with it.

[@cpiddy7]

Superb video John. Simple and informative👍🏻

[@ramsrinivasan2698]

Thank you so much for this! Its so helpful

[@avocadotree7956]

‘dac’ to basics.

[@euphospug]

dac to dacdacs

[@TheZiZaZo]

Best video explaining DACs that I've seen!

[@angrygirl7083]

Great video for absolute beginners for who all this is extremely confusing. I send my Music streaming (Tidal) from my couch to the Blue-Tooth receiver (Ifi Zen) on LDAC codec, from there it goes to my DAC (Geshelle J2), and then my amp. The quality is mind-blowing.

[@christopherdacunha8636]

One thing to note about the audio from TVs that you mention towards the end. Most TV programming is 5.1 (surround sound) while almost all external DACs that I know of are stereo only. Plugging your TV's digital signal into an A/V receiver and using the receiver's DAC will give you the surround sound audio from the TV. If you plug the TV's digital signal into an external DAC before it goes into your receiver you will only get stereo audio from your receiver, not surround sound. Surround sound audio (5.1 or more) is something that never really caught on in the "audiophile" community (though some of the 5.1 mixes of music are pretty cool actually. However there's very little of it out there).

[@fraserfab68]

Is this a problem with a 2.1 channel system like the bose 901's with sub? Can I still get full sound from the tv to the speakers when the original is 5.1 into a 2.1 system?

[@antoniorussell9893]

Thank you! And you have great taste in music IMO.

[@markwest5517]

This video was mind-bogglingly helpful to this noob. Thank you. I finally understand some digital audio stuff.

[@19janiboy96]

I use a native instruments audio DJ as my main DAC right now and I must say that they really did a great Job on the driver side in Windows als oI DJ at home from time to time.

[@kwokfaitsui6882]

In chinese, we have「深入淺出」，that’s means explain something which is complicated, but in a simple and easy to understand way. Thank and great job👍🏻👍🏻

[@scottscottsdale7868]

I like this complicated kanji. Seems appropriate.

[@toffe2ventil]

Very nice, basic, easy to understand. Thank you sir!

[@Raffuentes030999]

One of the best videos I've seen, thanks I am using vs450 Crest Amp

[@yohanpeiris]

Thank you so much. Only today I got this DAC thing cleared. Thanks again!

[@remonjap]

Hi john. I am being watching your KZbin video for last couple of months. I am into speakers and music since I was a kid. Also, I have upgraded my living room and my work room to sonos, bose etc. last couple of years also played with computer sound card etc. I feel like my ears grown for more clean sound, want to hear every detail of music and instrument. I love music. When I listen to a song, I listen to music more than lyric. So, I listen to different language songs even though I don't understand what they are saying. So, after watching lots and lots of videos uploaded by different user in KZbin, I founded your video is more natural and you really into this and when you talk, I feel like your heart is talking so I start trusted your word watching your video. Now, my computer has # Sound Blaster X3 - Hi-Res 7.1 Discrete External USB DAC and # ADAM T7V Studio Monitors I feel like I need a good dac I saw your couple of videos about it. Could not decide it as I live in Australia I don’t have lot of option like usa or uk to go to the store and check which dac sound good. I know I am still new to this dac/amp world but my ear is very hungry for clean crisp detail, would you be able to advise me (I know you cant decide for me) Which dac I should buy, I do not need streaming option as I am going to use it for computer, I like to play with eq as well.

[@shaunpaulwallace]

John thanks again. Most informative. 👍🏻

[@steverees1936]

Great wee video John. I use my TV to listen to Spotify, which is connected to a Chord DAC using a toslink cable, then connected to my stand alone amp. Sound is very good.

[@alanmodimages]

Thank you. These have been great explainers!

[@paulbradshaw736]

Great explanation John. I love your channel 👍

[@x838nwy]

Love the video, mate. So refreshing to see actual things and not some graphics.

[@pblackuk]

You explain it so well, I think I have now got an addition, this week I have bought the Schiit Modi & Magni and then upgraded my headphones to the Meze 99 Neos....help meeeeeeee :) n a serious note, good work buddy keep it up.

[@redstarwraith]

I was always mystified as to what a DAC was. I mean yeah, I knew they "converted digital to analogue" but how one was supposed to use them, I hadn't a clue. Thanks, John!

[@decaf77]

I was in the dark about this and now I’m not. Very well done thank you so much!

[@IvanMarjanovicLDN]

Really nice and simple. Thank you very much.

[@BehnämakaBen]

Well Done mate, your videos are so informative and simplify things to the easy understanding point. gathered heaps of knowledge with this video. Keep it up, Ben From Melbourne Australia (Well known for its Lockdown 😊)

[@kevinzeng9606]

Currently using the Mojo+Poly as streamer/dac line out (2V) to my Nait. Fantastic all-in-one solution!

[@Bighungrymike]

Thanks for this information.

[@simonsaysrewind]

Glad to watch this as I never bought a dac but was interested whether it was worth it.

[@mykeviper]

simple and on point.

[@AyushP2014]

Loved the video! 🙂 The best channel on KZbin for HiFi related topics.. Please keep making such videos!

[@KIEVMINSK]

Very nicely explained Appreciated

[@NJT1]

Boss video, really helpful and has pointed me in the right direction 🤙🏼

[@hdibart]

Really helpful,thanks.

[@mjmonjure]

Hi, I just subscribed, but only because of the blinking/popping eyes before and after the videos 😂. Seriously though, your videos are very good and while I have been down DAC rabbit hole before (Bursin DA-160 and still powered on after 15 or so years!), so now getting back to it and these are great primers.

[@Kbaum752]

Excellent video John. My cambridgeb dacmgic is still the nucleus of my hifi. CDs, Apple TV and raspberry Pi. Waiting for Allo to ship product to Canada again. Digi one in my future

[@killianmace2413]

Thank you for this perfect articulation ! A french viewer.

[@petrikpiemel8299]

thanks John This video really helpt me out! thanks

[@gurustarr9277]

So happy that I ve just bought my Modi 3 + magni 3+ stack! Next stop: dt770 pro and some powered speakers

[@esperoutdoors9421]

great vid. really enjoyed it

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

Your tutorial has shown the ease that one can enter into digital audio without much fuss. the example of the MODI 3 multi-bit DAC shows it to be a digital to analog "Swiss army knife" of sorts. Accepting a TV via Toslink, a RasPi/Hat streamer via S/PDIF Coax, and a PC/tablet/smartphone via USB makes this 'Cheap as Schiit' DAC a true single box solution. All you need is a volume controlled amplifier and a set of speakers. There is an even more minimalist single box that throws in amplification as well. It's called the Cobalt DA from True Blue Box in the Netherlands. Inputs include 2 Toslink, 1 USB, 1 Line in, and 1 MM Phono. These are all processed digitally, even the Phono's RIAA compensation. All is up-sampled to 24 /192, converted to PWM, and then sent out to the speakers via 100 WPC BTL outputs. Definitely Kalax Fi. Waiting for it to arrive ...

[@ashishyakthumba1704]

Your videos are amazing and very helpful ...thank you Namaste 🙏

[@vannoyre]

Perfect basic breakdown for me.

[@byrnemcneill]

Love your content, mate. I’ve set myself a utopian kind of Hi-Fi end point to attempt to DIY everything (as close as economically practical) in the signal path. Speakers, power amp, pre amp (valves/tubes in this stage), wireless end point receiver and DAC. From what I can see the conversion is handled primarily by one chip, but the reduction in distortion and of converted signal is where things get a little complex. Not sure what the point of this comment is, but you’ve certainly highlighted the point that a separate DAC will shit all over anything built in to a device.

[@evi1yoda]

Love your channel - wasn't very interested early on in the episode and then realized how "back to basic" this segment was and closed out entirely. Still, looking forward to your future videos.

[@djhmax09]

Nice basics vid! I know you said at the end you don’t know much about pre amps and amps but would be great to see a video on it even if just general overview