DAC as preamp w/subwoofer


All. I am considering the W4S DAC 2 to use as a DAC and a preamp. However, I run a subwoofer and need separate outputs for the power amp and sub. Is this feasible with the W4S or with any other DAC for that matter?

Thanks
sruffle

Showing 1 response by cymbop

Sruffle,

I run my W4S DAC-2 in the way that you wish to. I send the unbalanced outs to my tube integrated amp, and use a Cardas balanced > unbalanced adaptor from each of the DAC-2's balanced outs into left and right subs. It works like a charm. Importantly, the Cardas adapters are wired to float Pin 3. Failing to do so can cause a short in the DAC.

My understanding from W4S is that the balanced and unbalanced outs share an output, so running them simultaneously as I do is the same thing as running a Y adapter. Audioquest makes a decent-quality Y adapter that in theory should provide the same performance as the Cardas adapter setup.