How to plug in a DAC! Easy for Beginners!

[@brandonburr4900]

It's nice to see a simple video really break things down for new folks. You would be surprised how many out there don't know what a dac is. Let alone hook one up. Videos like these do nothing but help down our nitch audiofool hobby. Thank you Josh!

[@kato2395]

perhaps you meant "niche"?

[@brandonburr4900]

@@kato2395 thanks for taking your time to troll for grammar and spelling. I have a feeling you will be busy on you tube.

[@kato2395]

@@brandonburr4900 hey it's just a friendly correction. No need to take it so personally.

[@kato2395]

@@brandonburr4900 or you can take it personally. It's your choice really. But I have no ill intent.

[@azreal4633]

@@brandonburr4900 It's a correction for understanding, not trolling

[@Armbrust210]

Lets be real: everybody who's watching on the first day, does not watch this for advise, but just to immerse in their hobby

[@cowboyflipflopped]

For me, it's all about our boy Josh. I've watched him for years, and enjoyed seeing him, his ear, his ability to express his impressions verbally, and most of all his talent for cinematography grow. I'm at endgame with Arya, CTH+SDAC, and EQ APO. It sounds exactly perfect to me, so I'm not in the hobby any more. I just listen to music, now. Josh could be talking about anything, so long as he does it with the same interest, thoughtfulness, humor, clarity, and style. I'd be an avid viewer of his cookie review channel, if he had one.

[@Staybrown11]

Agree, but a few days from now someone will…that’s how I got into this hobbie. I wish a video like this would have been Available a couple years ago…save me a headache

[@bartomiejkomarnicki7506]

i’ve been watching Joshua for months and haven’t bought my first DAC yet

[@gabrielmoreno5775]

100% facts man took the dive about 2 years ago and it’s so amazing not on the wallet tho so many wants lol

[@thegrumptastic]

@@Staybrown11 ditto

[@allydea]

This is for newbies, in case they get confused: 7:02 _Input_ is uttered, _output_ is meant. 7:56 _Output_ is uttered, _input_ is meant.

[@alxexp]

I cannot believe people unironically use the word “uttered” in this context

[@normalhumanbeing6066]

I cannot believe people unironically use the word “uttered” in this context

[@dinkostinko]

I cannot believe people unironically use the word “uttered” in this context

[@keppycs]

I cannot believe people unironically use the word “uttered” in this context

[@whatsf2]

I cannot believe people unironically use the word “uttered” in this context

[@awzup57]

while not new to dacs and amps, its always interesting seeing it explained, and also nice to have a good reference to send other people interested in starting.

[@altr.]

Yeah, pretty new to this and this really helps! Btw, is it possible to output speakers/monitors from the amp/dac? Heard it isn't possible as it doesnt have enough power. But my setup in my head is: PC > Modius > Magnius (as it is amp and preamp) > headphones and/or speakers. Is this a viable option to listen to on either outputs?

[@ducksbewildin1443]

I gotta learn how to take cinematic shots like that. You’re a man of many talents, Josh

[@tonycaine5930]

One of the best explanation of what a DAC is and what it's used for

[@pvtghost24]

As a car enthusiast, an audio enthusiast, a video enthusiast, an overall electronics enthusiast and a coffee enthusiast who roasts his own beans, I really appreciated the intro to this video.

[@bongchan531]

Hello, what are good car audio speakers in your area?

[@Huckleberry42]

This is literally the video I wanted to suggest in the comments for ages but somehow never did, just what I needed.

[@Palartzski]

Something that was overlooked during the video is that a DAC isn’t absolutely necessary for your headphone setup. All digital devices (phones, laptops, etc) have DACS built into them. They’re just not as high quality as an external DAC. I think another thing that would help new users is: do you even need a DAC? Why do audiophiles invest in DACS?

[@euimey1510]

It wasn't overlooked, it's a different discussion. This is a tutorial for those who are already looking to buy a DAC and wanted to know how things should work.

[@hipidipi20157max]

I want a dac to be able to play high res files from an android phone. I already have the high res files on the phone. Cannot find a dac that has input equal to the headphone output of my phone and an output that is rca like the input of my amplifier.

[@radiofreealbemuth]

8:20 do the xlr cable need to be colored blue and red?

[@MrBradso]

Thank you, Josh. I decided to jump into the audio world a little deeper after watching some of your videos. I found myself getting lost with all the equipment - there’s so many reviews and so few how tos. I appreciate this video, it’s explains a lot in really simple terms. Thanks again. I’m looking forward to the next one already.

[@BrotherMedHatBear]

After watching so many videos to try to understand this concept yours is the first that is finally comprehendible!! Thank you greatly for your efforts. I plan to immerse myself in your channel !!

[@rogerwaters6852]

This was extremely helpful. I find videos telling what to get and why but I always had trouble finding a video showing how to use them. This is the most I learned in a video in a long time.

[@mdfrick]

DID YOU NOT PREWET THAT FILTER PAPER?! I don't know if I can trust you any longer. 😆

[@PCcardboard1354]

AMAZING!!!! to many people think eveyone knows what an RCA is. this is great.

[@tekkenespie]

This was exactly the video I needed. I had to be a little patient, but it all came together, I highly misunderstood how you properly utilize dacs and amps.

[@JisMortal]

since its for beginners, do you plan on making videos for every step in an audio setup? like passive speakers, amps, tubes, etc?

[@cliffbolin7716]

Just getting started. Videos like this are so helpful. Thanks for breaking it all down.

[@malinduweerasinghe5286]

Hey Joshua, really appreciate this video. Everyone in the youtube reddit and forums talking tons of shits about their dacs amps and all their stories. There is not a single video on here how to plug a dac in to your system for an absolute beginner. Really appreciate your effort man. ❤️

[@BobFudgee]

The random flex of the coffee is great! Amazing analogy!

[@TheRjee]

I have an older MacBook that had optical out trough the headphone jack. I looked it up, but they don’t have it anymore.

[@Vonliktenstien]

Lame, they got rid of this too. SMH

[@jwest88]

Very useful video. I don't really need it now, but I remember being unsure when I first got my dac and amp how to connect everything while also getting my pc speakers connected to that system. I'm sure this will be helpful to many.

[@statusneutral]

To those who have the low end less expensive smaller DAC's shown in 2:34 and are connecting to a Smart TV if you're connecting through Optical cable make sure you go to sound settings then advanced and scroll down Digital Sound Output and put it to PCM, then go to Sound Out and set it to Optical Output Device.

[@josephrouse5395]

Very clear presentation by Joshua. I appreciate this video immensely.

[@FriedrichBoettger]

Solid and thorough explanation. Great examples of high and low end products. Just what a beginner needs.

[@lazyblackmage8083]

Although I got several amp/dac I still find this informative & entertain, Good Job. Keep it Up Man :)

[@sephondranzer]

Yo I don’t mean to detract from your content at all bro, but you definitely nailed the really short hair style this time around. Just 👌🏼

[@shawn7351]

It’s a pleasure watching all of your videos. Great production and very easy to follow. I just recently got into this hobby and this is exactly the video I needed. I’ll be keeping an eye out on all your videos.

[@stevemarshall8505]

Did I miss the step of hooking up speakers or headphones? It may be a fully functioning system, but it's going to be silent until you give the amplifier something to output the sound.

[@gjtube37]

Thanks for the great tutorial! One question, what is a balanced output (what does balanced mean in audio) and why would I want that over an RCA output? Thank you!

[@laLakshya]

Hi he already made a video on your question 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4Wug6Rmba-aZ9k

[@youtuber-452]

Still not clear, so i have bought 2 stereo monitors, 1 mic (usb), and 1 headset. I would like to switch between stereo speakers and headset. So i need a good DAC and Amplifier yes?

[@PatentRob]

A very informative session presented more question than are answered. You left out the speaker setup. If your (un)balanced connections are used for your speakers, where do you put the connection for your DAC? In others words, you have a TV (streaming source) connected by e-ARC to your receiver, which connects to an external amp using (un)balanced inputs. Now, where do you place your DAC to get the more efficiency out of the streaming source (TV) and how do you know that your internal DACs are disabled and you are using your new state of the art external DAC. Again, very informative video.

[@dizzle1119]

Just purchased my first DAC this evening. Pro-Ject DAC Box S2+.

[@jasongofandi4874]

Some DACs don't have power on-off switches like the examples here. Personally, I'd advise to do the power cables last and hook up the interconnections between the DAC and the sources and amplifier first. Rather not risk the touching of ends that are not supposed to touch, and any weird sounds or pops when plugging in these things. And routing them becomes easier as the first thing I'd do is powering off and unplugging the power cord first for changing things that connect to the DAC.

[@DeividasGedgaudas]

TRS or 6.35mm Jack is technically compatible and IS technically XLR just in another form. TRS'es come in Balanced, Unbalanced and Mono variants, so just make sure that if you have a DAC with TRS and AMP with XLR, that you get proper cables, f.e. DAC -> AMP = Balanced TRS (3 contacts) -> MALE XLR. I'm currently running this "mixed" setup, because I have TRS Dac, TRS Monitors, but an XLR subwoofer. So I had to cash out a bit and get 4 cables. TRS -> XLR(M) 2x and XLR(F) -> TRS 2x (both balanced, 3 pins per cable)

[@peacelovemetal5197]

I greatly appeciate videos like this despite being pretty experienced in audio at this point. It always helps to make new folks feel welcome!

[@michaelthompson9798]

Great video 👍🥳 these are great tutorials when starting out as I too only recently got into the audio scene and when I asked around about generic questions like these the typical response was “it’s easy! you’ll pick it up” …… not the kind of answers when your fist starting out into an unknown hobby / industry and google doesn’t always have the answers. Great work Josh and thank you for the many future newcomers to this area of enjoyment.

[@MrGone60]

To be honest I hope you make more videos like this for beginners like me. Like how I’d set this up with a pc and setup my own sound system

[@davidonerigatoni]

Nice and easy approach to any topic…….start easy for everyone and raise to pro level

[@its4vibe381]

I had a laptop that had an optical out years ago. It was a duel purpose 3.5mm that had an optical out.

[@RubenAliFuenmayor]

My first video on the subject, Thank you very much 😊

[@ItsFiske]

YESS I've been waiting for this video

[@mineturte]

wish I had this guide when I started getting into audio stuff, EXTREMELY logical and helpful!!

[@TheRULLY789]

I watch movies and youtube videos a lot. What headphones should I get below 300 USD and never feel to upgrade in the long run?

[@alexandermuvua4299]

6XX

[@DuSeun]

Sennheiser HD 600. They last forever and are reference quality headphones, they've kinda become the default in the audioworld

[@slacky4358]

man that was a good video i have an topping d30and a30 and this is my first time and i didnt know what to do till now thx bud 👍

[@SkiKat-USA]

A Very useful video! I am new to the world of audiophilia and have been trying to understand what the heck DACs are and whether or not I should buy a combined DAC + headphone amplifier (e.g., Topping DX3 Pro). You present and explain things Very clearly, making this arcane area less of a mystery. Thank you too for your review of that Topping unit.

[@samuelgadgets1391]

Does the video audiophile headphone for immediate and advance will be coming in the near future?

[@johnclintonmusicandmore]

hi i hope you can answer a question i just got a Schiit Modi 3E i hooked it to my mac mini and i still can control the volume on my computer even with the computer switched to the Schiit Modi 3E out put so on youtube and itunes i have the volume at 50% otherwise i have distortion isn't the stereo's volume supposed to be the only way to adjust the volume thanks

[@Pygmyer]

Let's say you want to listen from your CDs and want to plug in an analog CD player into an amp/DAC combination like the dx3 pro plus. Would that be possible via the coax input?

[@tommynikon2283]

Hey, I'm still lost.....bought a lot of misc. electronic gear/garage sale, that included a DAC. I assumed w/ the cabling provided (complete) that I could use this with my PC and headphones to improve audio. But....confused as to HOOKUPs. My unit has RCA L/R out the back, w/ a typical 1/8th. single jack....that goes where? The headphone jack on my PC tower? Or, at the rear of the PC tower, the AUDIO jack Output? (as when using external; speakers)

[@mickael486]

All I need is more amperage (power) for my new Senneiser's and Hifiman Sundara's. My "DAC" is my a/v receiver which I will be using to listen to music, movies, and play games. My a/v receiver does not have a pre-amp out but it does have optical out's. Will an Amp here work for me?

[@LukasLampe]

You didnt talk about the cable dac you showed in the beginning. A friend of mine just uses some dongle to hook up his rokit 5's to his laptop. Im thinkin about the smsl su-1 for my lp-6 v2. should i get a dongle or the su-1?

[@MarioHernandez4music]

I've been using the rme dac as my desktop. Im using the XLR inputs of the dac for studio speakers. works fine as well instead of connecting them to a amp

[@m0bob]

I ordered one of these today and I intend to connect it to a hifi system with a preamp and separate amplifier. Do I connect it to the pre-amp or amp? My intention is to use it to connect Bluetooth headphones. Thanks.

[@lambooo]

What an amazing lesson on how to choose , plug and start using the DAC AMP audio equipments. Thanks a lot

[@mikebigboss16]

Getting into the hobby and this was really helpful. Thanks for taking the time explaining everything for a fool like me 😅. Please make more videos like this.

[@theguitaramptech]

Thanks Josh. Will a DAC help me if my NAD CD player connects via optical cable to my home theatre amp?

[@jwdiho]

Looking to hook up a sub to a dac, specifically the e70. Wondering how best to do this? No separate amp, powered speakers. Nothing with a sub out.

[@jmcprotech9670]

Please tell me does the rotel a11' Tribute AMP have a Connection for a DAC I do not know how to plug 1 into A AMP Where the connection should go & if it has a connection I am autism so I need a step by step walk through Sorry I know I am Asking

[@nyccrcsx]

Good video I listen to Pandora on my iPad which is the best way to hook up to a reciever and the sound of it by using the dac ?

[@rigomortiz]

Loved this video. One thing I'd mention is to make sure your PC volume is all tre way up if you aren't getting sound.

[@sirbestia]

How would I go about plugging in a DAC to a Rodecaster Pro 2? I know the RCP2 already has a built in DAC, but I have the Topping DX7 Pro Plus coming in and really do not want to be switching outputs all the time since I want to be able to use the DX7 and RCP2 at the same time. Currently I have THX AAA 789 plugged to the headphone output of the RCP2 but it's simpler than a DAC/AMP combo

[@richardhartford609]

I may have missed it but did you talk about signal sources other than cell phones? I'm trying to figure out how to improve my Dell desktop (Win11) output sound - provided on a 3.5 mm stereo plug? Thanks!

[@tonytfuntek3262]

Apologies in advance in the event that this question has been answered already.... Presently I have the audio out from my computer going directly into my amplifier, that powers my speakers. What ....it any...are the benefits going through a DAC to my amplifier ? Thank you

[@hipidipi20157max]

What dac can I use for the headphone output of my android phone so I can connect the dac to an amp which has rca inputs?

[@alex_es]

5:20 “ I don’t think I have seen a laptop with optical ever”. Until 2018 or so, Apple noteboos and Macs included TOSLINK optical output.

[@DustinDynastyNelson]

I'm a total noob with this as I'm starting to dive deeper into things but I'm curious that when the sound get's converted from digital to analog and you're hearing it that way once you set it up right.... I'm curious how you would go about getting that analog signal back into your DAW so when you bounce your song it's all analog?

[@skyewalker6579]

beginner question here. if using an apple dongle for 3.5mm feeding into dac, does the dongle become the bottle neck of the system essentially negating the dac itself?

[@ahappycoder2925]

The 3.5mm adapter is not actually a digital output (ones and zeros), rather it is itself a DAC which outputs analog (continuous audio signal). You’ll want to take regular usb from the device into the USB port on the DAC. The external DAC is to replace the dongle. Hope that helps!

[@moots27]

Are planning on doing a video on the Topping E50 and L50? Thanks for the great video, have a good day! :)

[@redbuoy10]

As I am somewhat more knowledgeable in AVR/Home Theater, I want to Delve into Home Stereo and utilizing a Turntable, as well. In terms of incorporating a pre-amp, where would it be introduced in this line-up? Before the DAC and before the Amp?

[@RiloProducciones]

Macbooks used to have ópticasl on the 3.5 jack

[@ThePeopleVerse]

So, mine is a tc7510 and it has a dial knob that says 24 bit to 96k ... No idea what it is supposed to do. Any help?

[@lisacrafton7485]

How do I use this with my cable box? My wireless headphones will no longer work connected directly to my TV since Optimum put in a new cable box.

[@andrewk8227]

Looking forward to your review on the Sabre-X dac. That thing looks money.

[@jonfoss3437]

Can it be run through a tape loop, on a vintage receiver?

[@GaryHuntPianoman]

This is the best explanation yet !!!!!! Can I connect this to an echo with 3.5 output and still get a good sound ? I really like the voice feature of echo Alexa units for Amazon music

[@HenriqueJardim-qq6fp]

Hello. Can I use one USB Interface and Schiit Magni at the same time using a DT Beyer Dynamic 990 PRO ?

[@Briand5590]

i need some help i brought DT 1990 Pro's i thought i was powering them with my GOXLR MINI. Can i just buy and set it up with my goxlr mini?

[@laLakshya]

Thank you so much for explaining wonderfully. I know about headphones dac/ amp but doesnt know even a bit about speakers Can you also make a video about plugging in speakers with speaker amp, what is power amp , speakers connections dac etc.

[@WILLIAMMORALES-gw1zz]

How do i conncect a dac, my amps are going thru a receiver as a preamp, then the nodes 2 ?

[@benegesserit9838]

Zen dac v2 to new Topping PA3s what type of balanced cable i need for connection? I haven't found anything like that anywhere...

[@danm203]

I'm trying to find a USB C cable to run from from my phone to my Gustard X16 dac and I have no idea what type of termination end the input is. Looks like it's probably the same input size of the dac Joshua is using as an example. Anyone know the USB input name for the cable?

[@Vonliktenstien]

Pro tip: Macbooks headphone jack is a combo TOSLINK/Optical out. ;)

[@danbalkey2580]

Let make sure I have this correct iam old so it take me a few timers lol. Anyway iam only using CD player connect rca cable to the recivier from the dac or player it self and the opt goes to dac or reciviver ? Also my recivier had a dac also will it by pass also

[@MotherMantiss]

You many not see this question but here goes: I use a Wave XLR. Ive been advised to use a DAC for better music experience with my new higher-end headphones but I dont want to overcomplicate my livestreaming set-up either. Can I plug my headphones into my DAC - DAC into headphone jack on the Wave XLR and then Wave XLR to PC? ( and DAC to a power supply) ? Would this work or is it overcomplicated and unnecessary? Thank you in advance if you happen to see this question.

[@dinogiolitti2844]

I can plug a dac usb into my computer and xlr cables from the dac into powered monitors foregoing the need for an amp correct? Than Spotify would sound better?

[@marc8vino]

Do most USB inputs allow for full res? I saw on a few models the USB can not do as high of a bit / sample rate as optical. Is that the norm. I want to get an RME DAC and plug my MacBook Pro into the USB. Do you know if I can get all the sampling rates like the optical inputs?

[@muhammadhadi6391]

Hey bro! such a useful vid for newbie like myself. Thank you so much. Keep create this kinda content for newbies all around the globe. 😁💯

[@gaba023]

I have been wondering if I need a dedicated DAC. This video answered some of my questions about how to hook one up - that's great. However I am still unsure about the need. I use Spotify or MP3s from my PC. I am sure all motherboards have analog sound out. Mine is a ROG Strix Z490-E, from which I use the analog out to a NAD D 3020 amp. (which has a Cirrus Logic 8-channel IC (don't know what that means in terms of quality)) The motherboard has a CODEC S1220A and a SABRE9023P or SABRE9018Q2C DAC - not sure which, it is hard to get info. Should I expect a great improvement if I use the digital out instead of the onboard DAC? Okay, now for the hard part: I also have a Pioneer SC-99 hooked up to my PC via the HDMI from my 3090 graphics card. Is the Spotify file/stream converted from their digital format to an HDMI format, then the Pioneer DAC converts that? The SC-99 has a SABRE32 Ultra DAC ES9016S. Does it matter if the signal comes from USB or HDMI? Related: do all DACs convert all digital file formats? What happens when a new file format comes out? Will a software update handle it or do you need a new chip? Last question - if I go digital out, will I lose volume control on the PC? If digital is just the file being transferred, how could volume information be passed to the external DAC? Thanks for your answers.

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

Can you connect the dac to a preamp using Aes/ebu?

[@zenos.5315]

You said RCA TO amplifier, what input on amplifier? Thanks

[@Havanero52]

Great video thanks……… can I use DAC in my 7.2 receiver ?

[@zulnar1234]

For a channel that talkin about audio, your channel sound usually mellow, soft and need to dial up my volume everytime.

[@tylersimpson5541]

can you hook up bluetooth headphones to fiio k9 pro ess. i have turtle beach but have lcd-gx in mail. got the dac/amp before headphones so just messing around with it and cant get my gen 2 700 max turtle beaches to connect and have sound with my amp. they are bluetooth wireless headphones

[@sabrywaheedali]

was waiting for you to connect the speakers next :)

[@b4s1s]

Would be nice to hear how to hook up 2 pcs and usb mic :)

[@xujznajit]

Sorry for the stupid question, but I have fiio ka3 dongle dac/amp and fiio Q5 dac/amp. Can I connect both of them together and use Q5 just as an amp?

[@snaccboi]

So I recently bought a Topping E30/L30 stack. When I plugin my DAC to my PC, it says 44.1 PCM on the display. But when I look at product photos online, they show 22.57 DSD. Should I care about that? Are my settings wrong?

[@Ivan-bg1jp]

What product photos? of the Topping stack? I'm sure the "22.57 DSD" on the product photos are just meant to convey/advertise that it can play "22.57 DSD". You can also make the display show 22.57 DSD by playing a DSD file. You must have been just playing/streaming your usual hi-res audio files so it just shows PCM. So yea, don't worry about that

[@snaccboi]

@@Ivan-bg1jp if I look up the product on Amazon that's usually what is shown. I see, so it's the file that I'm playing that changes that, not a setting. Thanks for clearing that up.

[@Ivan-bg1jp]

@@snaccboi Correct. You're welcome

[@Kiddenreal]

My friend I’m so confused I’ve had a Denon 5.2 Receiver for a while now and want an upgrade to its internal DAC can DAC’s not process surround sound? Is there anyway to upgrade the dac on my Denon or should I just get something new. Was thinking of the Schiit syn but not sure if I also need a receiver with it or amp. Any help is appreciated.

[@robwaite1118]

So Where do you plug in the Speakers?