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Amps with Optical Input (computer to amp)

Last post Jul 04, 2009, 1:53 PM by hi fi newbie. (4 replies)
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Posted on Jul 02, 2009, 12:34 AM

Amps with Optical Input (computer to amp)

I've been looking at a few different amps recently, but am trying to find one that has an optical input so I can play music on my PC through it. The tech/specs never seem to list this on most websites I have visited and was hoping someone here could help. At the moment I just run a 3.5mm jack -> RCA wire from the soundcard to my amp, but am worried about loss of sound quality as I just use the built in soundcard, which is why I want to use the optical port.

I had my eye on the NAD c352, but would of course consider any suggestions in that general price range (~£300)

 Thanks in advance.

Posted on Jul 02, 2009, 8:56 AM

273103

Re: Amps with Optical Input (computer to amp)

I would put a, relatively cheap, Beresford DAC in between your PC and amp....job done.
Marantz CD 7 - dCS Elgar Plus - Vitus SS-010 - Scorpio 2 - VERTEX AQ

Posted on Jul 04, 2009, 7:41 AM

273137

Re: Amps with Optical Input (computer to amp)

Try this thread.

 

Posted on Jul 04, 2009, 9:54 AM

274046

Re: Amps with Optical Input (computer to amp)

As Thaiman said.

Beresford TC-7520 is around £180 including VAT and UK postage. (1 optical + 1 USB + 2x coax digital inputs).

Beresford TC-7510 just over  £140 including VAT and UK postage. (2 optical + 2x coax digital inputs).

The TC-7520 is somewhat better sound quality. Both models have built in headphone amps and either fixed or variable outputs.

The TC-7520 can have it's opamps user upgraded easily in a few minutes with slot in components costing £10 or less from ebay with no soldering or electronics skills required.

The TC-7510 cannot be user upgraded without good soldering skills and a knowledge of what you are doing.

More info here.

If you only need 1 optical input and like better quality and you are the sociable type - who wants their mates/missus/GF with (USB only) laptops to be able to use the same DAC - then the TC-7520 is the better match.

If you don't need USB and prefer 2 optical inputs (for a second device like a Freeview/Sky/Virgin box or PS3 or whatever) then - despite the slight quality difference - the TC-7510 would suit better and save you £40 

Rega P2 • Ortofon 2M Blue • Rega Fono Mini • Naim Nait 5i • Naim CD5i • Naim NAT 05 FM tuner • Rega R3 loudspeakers • Naim NAC-A5 speaker cable • Beresford TC7520 • Panasonic DMR-EX78 DVD/HDD • Chord Chrysalis, Crimson & Naim interconnects

Posted on Jul 04, 2009, 1:53 PM

274059

Re: Amps with Optical Input (computer to amp)

 

Ah you have heard them both now then chebby? Smile  where would you say the main differencies lie between the 7510 and 7520. 

NAD C352, Panasonic 37" PX80, Acoustic Energy Neo 3, PS3 connected to external hdd, Beresford MK6/3,