Connect external DAC to RS250 options

Function
#1

Hi Support,

May I check what are the connectivity options to connect external DAC (either tube or solid state based) to RS250?

Can we use analog RCA, coaxial, USB cable from RS250 to external DAC?

#2

it is a contradiction of the goal … !?

Yes, u can connect via spdif or USB

#3

Hello,

Cap 2022-01-04 18-15-38-333
Cap 2022-01-04 18-15-38-3331643×829 175 KB

You can connect to external DAC with coaxial, USB and optical cables.
If hope to use DAC in RS250 and connect to your amplifier, use RCA cables.

1 Like
#4

Hi Support ,

I’m currently using RS250 as pre-amp as well.

Can I use it as pre-amp and connect to external DAC using RCA output?

#5

Hello,

  1. Does using the RS250 as a preamplifier mean ‘Pre-out level setting’?

  2. If you use the RCA output on the RS250, it’s a analog output. Does the DAC you want to use have an RCA input port? If yes, it is possible, but why would you use it that way?
    The more devices you connect to, the more likely the sound quality will be affected.

1 Like
#6

Hi Support,

Pls see my reply below.

  1. I’m using RS250 as pre-amp (RCA output to power amp) but it has nothing to do with Pre-out level setting as i don’t use this feature.

  2. My DAC has an RCA input option which is very common.

So u were suggesting not to connect and external DAC to RS250?? Then it defeats the purpose of upgrading the sound by not able to connect to an higher grade external DAC :hushed:

#7

If you connect Rose to analog input of the external DAC than all DA conversion will be done by Rose. If you want to use external DAC you must use digital connection: USB, coax or optical.

#8

Hello, you can connect to an external DAC. Just wanted to say that if you don’t want to use DAC in RS250 and hope to use external DAC, USB/OPTICAL/COAXIAL would be better.

This is because if you connect to your external DAC with RCA, which is an analog output, your DAC has to go through the ADC process and then work as a DAC again.

#9

Hi Support, Michal

Thanks so much for the advice :blush:

#10

Hi Support,

Do we need to perform any setting on RS250 after I connect to external DAC either thru USB, Coaxial or Optical output?

#11

Hello,

RS250 > IN/OUT Settings > Select the output that you want.

#12

The RS250 is already an excellent dac itself. I cannot understand why do you connect another dac on the chain. But still you can do so.

2 Likes
#13

There are many DACs in the world - and beside, that Rose 250 as a DAC is already very good, there are still some that are better. The DAC in the RS150 as an example.
But there are much higher rated DACs from Companies like DCS, PS Audio, Denafrips, Chord etc - and I like the possibility to upgrade to a better DAC, without buying a new streamer.
Of course, you need to have a very good Setup, to clearly hear the difference.
It’s up to the listeners budget, with what you want to hear, and how much you want to invest.
I bought the RS150 and I’m satisfied with the DAC, even I know, that I may later upgrade as well.

2 Likes
#14

Sure there is always room for improvement or better sounding source. No one denies it. Author’s questions were answered without any judgment whatsoever. However if you want to connect another/better DAC why purchase player with DAC build in already? There are zillions of another players to choose. If you buy Rose with DAC you pay for this function. Not really cost effective choice. Yet again - it’s your money and you can do whatever your heart desires.

#15

Hello Michael

Its not about cost effective at a price point of 2K. Cost effective is something that cost £500 or less.
DACs are a personal choice and perspective.
There are 2 main different types of DACS Sigma Delta and R2R ladder DACs.
Most DAC design are Sigma Delta DAC Type which is what is in the RS250 and RS150.
I personally prefer the sound from an R2R Ladder DAC which is what I have and have also connected it to my RS250 streamer bypassing its internal DAC.
Also there are various different DAC implementation of Sigma Delta.
Chord Hugo 2 to me, sounds better then the DAC in the RS250 which both are Sigma Delta Types.

I brought the RS250 knowing that I would bypass the internal DAC, because I like the other things it has to offer, Big Screen, Internal Storage, HDMI out, Solid construction, Linear PSU and the option to bypass DAC using USB.

Again its always personal perspective on sound and image.

2 Likes
#16

An Upgrade which brings me to a next level soundwise are never cost effective - at least not for me.
The main reason for me is to do it step by step.
The RS150 was not cheap and will for sure be used for a longer period of time. And with the ability to use a different sounding DAC later on, I can use it until I have the money left for the next step.
It was a important feature for me - not more - not less.

#17

So to expand further, what can’t the Rose do if connected to an external DAC? Do some of the display features (meters, video, Roon, etc) not function if you bypass the internal DAC?

I use an R2R DAC, but love some of the functionality of this streamer. I would be connecting the Rose to my DAC via USB.

Thanks!

#18

My understanding is that an external DAC can do the same as the internal, as long as its within the same specs. some features are software wise limited with the internal DAC.
Use the Rose as a DAC via USB = No track Information, No VU Meters
When streaming via Network to the Rose from Roon = Track Information but for some reasons no VU Meter. Must be the same if an external DAC is used.
VU Meter is limited to playback from a local Storage only - no clue why this is. Not sure if this would work out when you use and external USB DAC (or I2S which would be better).
For streaming, I prefer the track info from VU Meters - these are gadgets which look cool on demo, but after a while I got bored about them. From somepoint in the chain, the VU Meter must get the Volume Infos. maybe @ROSELOA you can give a better answer.

1 Like
#19

Hi Support,

May I check if the RS250 will fixed the volume at max level when I connect to an external DAC via coxial?

As I would like to control the volume from my pre-amp which is the ideal case.

#20

Hello,

May I check if the RS250 will fixed the volume at max level when I connect to an external DAC via coxial?
→ Yes, it will be max volume.
If you turn on ‘Software Volume Control’ which is for controlling volume from ROSE in digital output, volume will be changed depends on your volume knob.