HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

The direct input bypasses the input selector but not the volume control.

Fretless post, above, is the way to do it.

The only way to bypass the volume control is direct input and tape out - but you can only use one source, for obvious reasons.

Thanks all.
I know where I stand with this now.

Something else you might want to consider, is trying a minimalist CD with a decent DAC. One with a fixed output and a minimum of components in the analogue section.

If you're ever up for it, and depending on geography I could pop round with such a CD player for an evening's listening session vs your Meridian 808.

Or we could meet up at some hi-fi event, eg Kegworth, during which we could have a CD player bake-off.

I have, in the past and by accident, hooked up my P50sa with a device on Direct input and one on Aux.

Sounded fine on Direct until I switched the Aux input on. Then the sound went all muddy. I think it is due to there then being 2 active connections which will affect the capacitance/ inductance / grounding of the input to the power amps.

I'll give it another go tonight with a CD player I know well on the one input.

Yes.
It was the connection to the direct that was spoiling it.
Tried it with the Merdian 808 connected to the CD input and no other devices connected.

Worked fine via fixed output into the NVA.
And I tried it with variable output with the NVA turned to max.

Neither as good as the Meridian direct into the power amplifier.
Sadly.

Just be careful plugging a DAC directly into a power amp - if the volume setting goes to 'max' due to an electronic glitch then you could end up frying the amp or blowing the speakers (or both).

A passive volume control inbetween does provide a bit of protection for your precious equipmentt.

Your 2A3 may prefer a 100k pot, depending on how it is designed. The NVA is 10k.

Also, remember to level match when making comparisons. Even subtle changes in levels can be deceiving.

Fretless wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 9:46 pm Just be careful plugging a DAC directly into a power amp - if the volume setting goes to 'max' due to an electronic glitch then you could end up frying the amp or blowing the speakers (or both).

A passive volume control inbetween does provide a bit of protection for your precious equipmentt.

Although my recently acquired Topping E30 DAC has a built in pre amp, I would not consider using it as such. When in pre amp mode it still connects to the P20. As it is the only input I suppose I could use the Direct input on the P20. What benefit would I get?

Try it and see !

(One switch less anyway).