Audio Gear Plan

4 min readSep 21, 2022

September 2022

Audio source: INR 100/mo

Apple music android app on PC, Apple Music subscription as lossless audio source
Turn off onboard audio in bios. When DAC is connected, 1 audio device is enough.

DROP + GRACE DESIGN STANDARD DAC BALANCED
https://drop.com/buy/drop-grace-design-standard-dac-balanced/

Use its USB input to connect to the PC. Ideally it should be the only audio output device on the PC. Windows is crap, it sends audio from diff apps through diff devices as it pleases. I will control audio output myself via the hardware switches. 😎
Use its unbalanced 3.5mm line out as input to the Drop THX amp, need a 3.5mm to RCA left and right splitter cable for this.
Use its balanced right and left channel 3pin XLR outs (4.3vrms) as inputs to Yamaha hs8 right and left speakers. Need 2 balanced XLR cables for this.

DROP + THX AAA™M ONE LINEAR AMPLIFIER http://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one-linear-amplifier

Unbalanced input from DAC, unbalanced output via 6.35mm out, to headphones
There is an RCA left and right pre amp out, that can be used as unbalanced input to other devices. Prolly use as input to existing Altec Lansing ATP3 2.1
Output impedance up to 600ohm supports hd6xx’s 300ohm well

3.5mm TRS connector, comes with 6.35 TRS adapter, can be replaced with balanced cables with TRRS connector
The Headphones will be on an unbalanced system for now. If headphones need to be balanced, upgrade the amp to one with balanced output, upgrade cable of the headphone to one TRRS connector ($50 on drop.com)
Nominal impedance — 300ohm

Yamaha HS8 pair
https://www.amazon.in/Yamaha-H58-Pair-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00CKXCGCU/

HS5 is enough to fill my room, but HS8 seems to be worth it when spending that kinda money. Especially since these things live on even after you die.
Connect its 3 pin XLR inputs via balanced cable to the DAC