Setup Help: PC + DAC + Amp + Phono + Speakers

I am trying to reconfigure my system and could use some advice on thinking through the setup. I am essentially trying to run audio out of my computer and phono out of the turntable and have it all go to the powered speakers. But I'm stuck on what is the easiest way to add the phono into the system.

Would it be better to run the TT through the DAC or try and insert an RCA switch between the Magni and the speakers? Or perhaps another idea???

Here is a list of my components:

• Windows 10 PC
• Modi 2 Uber DAC (USB, Coax & Optical inputs)
• Magni 2 Uber (RCA inputs/RCA preamp out)
• 2 JBL LSR-305 powered monitors (One balanced XLR and ¼” TRS input each, but TRS has adapter for RCA)
• Technics SL-1200

Here is a link to a diagram (png) for visual reference: http://bit.ly/2ntwOmi

 

Do you need to be able to switch between headphones and speakers at the push of a button? The easiest thing to do would be to insert a Schiit SYS as a switch and passive pre-amp inbetween your DAC/phono and monitors. Then just change cables on the SYS to output to the Magni when you want to use headphones. This would avoid using the Magni as an active pre which IME negatively affects the sound.

There are more expensive pre-amps/monitor controllers that likely have the I/O you're looking for but I don't think they would be a worthwhile investment in this case.

 

Good point! I should add that it is not necessary to send the TT output to the headphones. I just need the phono to go to the monitors...

 

Unless I'm reading your gear list incorrectly or one of your items is heavily modified, you're missing any sort of phono preamp. You'll need a phono stage of some sort to apply the RIAA curve. If you're trying to stay with Schiit products, that would mean you'd need to add a Mani preamp (phono stage) and then rca splitter or some sort of control preamp like the Sys, Saga, or Freya. The other option in their product line would be to replace the Magni with a Jot with the phono stage upgrade.

Alternatively, you could go after any number of non-schiit options that would depend heavily on your budget and size requirements. The cheapest solution to the problem would be a TC-750 phono stage and a cheap splitter to go to the Magni's input.

 

great advice! Thank you!