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Hi all, I am considering expanding my current system to include a stereo power amplifier and compatible bookshelf hi-fi speakers. My current system is essentially a mix of hi-fi & digital components both of which are monitored from the digital output stage. System components: Technics SL-1200 MK2 turntable Jelco TK-850S tonearm Nagaoka MP-200 phono cartridge/stylus Graham Slee Reflex M phono pre-amplifier RME Fireface 800 Coleman Audio M3PH MK2 monitor controller Dorrough 40-C2 loudness monitors Studio monitors (KRK Rokit 8 G2) The Coleman Audio unit is capable of hosting 4x stereo XLR inputs, and can be switched to 3x stereo outputs. It has a 47 position stepped level control that tracks to ±.05dB, and is completely passive in its design. Ideally, I was hoping to split the output stage from the phono pre-amplifier and split one stereo output direct into the RME unit, and the second stereo output direct into an available Coleman audio input, then switch outputs between the digital and analogue systems. I have access to two Radial LX-3 units, which are line level splitters; 1x mono input (balanced or un-balanced) to 3x mono outputs (2x Jensen transformer isolated, 1x direct output). I have utilised these in the past to perform similar duties with my system and it worked flawlessly. However, upon recent testing I ran into a capacitive coupling issue, which was confirmed by both the manufacturer of the phono stage and the Radial units. It was due to the cable termination on the TRS connector and the interfacing with the LX-3 unit. The phono stage outputs are RCA connectors, so unless I attempt to re-solder the cables TRS connector so this signal flow can be achieved, I’m somewhat at a loss as to how I can split the signal of the phono stage while avoiding the capacitive coupling issue. Follow up question; as the Coleman Audio unit utilises balanced I/O connections and if I was to incorporate a stereo power amplifier with balanced XLR inputs, would the monitor controller be sufficient to drive signal into the stereo power amplifier? Thanks for the read.

Hi All, I recently picked up an RME Babyface Pro: http://babyface.rme-audio.de/ I purchased it for music production and speaker/room measurement purposes, but have discovered that it makes a fantastic DAC and headphone amp. It absolutely kills the dedicated "hifi" DAC/headphone amp I was previously using in my desktop system. I've had other pro-audio products before, but apart from a Benchmark DAC, none of them have particularly impressed me. The RME is very impressive, at least with my Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro headphones (I haven't had a chance to try it in my main system yet). It's dynamic, articulate, and sweet sounding. It does space very well, and satisfies both head and heart. (It's also beautifully made.) If you're after a DAC, or DAC/headphone amp, give it a trial, I think you'll be impressed. I'm impressed enough that I'll be looking to add RME's top 2-channel DAC to my main system when I have the funds.

(this ad is in a series of my very first posts here at StereoNET. I was drawn to this forum due to its high quality) Audient iD44 converter/interface in mint condition. Purchased from: Store DJ Purchase condition: Brand new Usage: Light home studio use Warranty: 4 months remaining Operation: Fully functional Mods: N/A Included with sale: - iD44 interface - USB C cable - USB A to USB C cable - 12V Power Supply (OEM) Please let me know if you have any questions.

Further information: The hiFace2 plugs into a USB port at the source (e.g. computer) and then connects to a DAC through coax interface. It produces better sound than many hi-end USB cables. I have compared it with a number of USB-AB cables in the $200 mark. One needs a good coax cable to connect this device to the DAC. Software can be downloaded from the manufacturer website and installed on the computer from where the music is streamed. For more information, please see : https://lnx.m2tech.biz/products/pens/hiface-two/ https://www.thecableco.com/cables/usb-cable/hiface-usb-to-s-pdif-thumb-drive.html https://www.carltonaudiovisual.com.au/m2tech-hi-face-two.html Photos: