I’m looking to upgrade the Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 100 that we use in the Sunroom system.
A DAC V1 seems the obvious choice - USB input for a computer + plenty of extra digital inputs (TV, Blu-ray player etc.). The DAC V1 has two sets of pre-outs - once RCA, one DIN. However, in the manual for the V1 Naim state that, though no damage will occur, both sets should not be connected at the same time. This is not a problem at the moment as it will feed the Arcam A28 that powers part of the open baffle speaker system. The pre-outs of the A28 feed another amplifier for the bass element of the OB system.
However, I also have a pair of Tannoy Revolution R2s in the same room that I sometimes use instead. At the moment they run off speaker set 2 (B) from the Arcam but I want to try them with Naim amplification without disturbing the carefully optimised Arcam/OB system.
My plan therefore is to send the RCA output to the A28 (either fixed or pre: the Arcam also has processor mode/AV bypass) and the DIN to a Naim power amp such as a Nap 100 (possibly two of them - the Tannoys are biampable and like power) or a single NAP 200. Obviously neither system will be on at the same time but I am concerned about a negative impact of having both pre-outs of the V1 connected simultaneously. Will this be a problem?
If so, this is where the (seemingly rarer) NAC 172 comes in - according to the manual the 172 has both RCA and DIN preouts that can be used simultaneously and it also has a line out that could go straight to the A28 using the latter’s pre-amp - more flexible. The downsides to the 172 appear to be a potentially lower performing DAC section and no computer USB input though there is a USB input at the front. For those in the know, can the front USB accept an I-pad (running Tidal Max - FLAC) using the camera adapter and is so, will it do up to 192Khz? I tried this exact set-up into the Cambridge last night and it played a 192 KHZ file no problem from the I-pad. The other option would be to use a USB to SPDIF bridge/adapter such as the Topping D10s - I have one that works well in the office system.
A thoughts on the would be greatly appreciated.