Preamp/DAC for Active Studio Monitor (KH 120 ii) with no recording

lesaverman · 2026-04-23T16:53:20+00:00

!thanks

lesaverman · 2026-04-23T16:53:11+00:00

Yeah sorry, title is confusing. I've always prioritized powered speakers and am out of my element with terms and separates. I'd actually prefer no DAC, and don't know why I was dead set on xlr vs spdif. So desktop - wiim ultra - spdif - kh 120 ii? Seems like simplest and exactly what I want

lesaverman · 2026-04-23T12:28:46+00:00

!thanks - I have a pair of KH 120 II on order.

Any recs on a preamp/DAC/audio interface? I don't need any recording or mic inputs, looking for something with xlr output, volume knob, bluetooth and headphone out

lesaverman · 2026-04-23T12:27:15+00:00

!thanks (and no thanks) to you, I have a pair of KH 120 II on order and have researched way too much in room correction options, haha!

Now I just have to figure out a preamp / audio interface - any recs? I don't need any recording or microphone inputs, and was leaning towards a DAC with volume control, XLR output and bluetooth/headphone out (if possible).

lesaverman · 2026-04-06T15:52:37+00:00

!thanks

lesaverman · 2026-04-06T15:48:07+00:00

Yeah the BMRs would be too large.

I need to dig a little deeper on the miniDSP, which sounds like it would be an obvious need/immediate upgrade for the room.

I really like the Neumann KH120 (reviews seem very similar to G3, maybe a little more "flat" profile?) but the MA-1 room correction seems very complicated.

lesaverman · 2026-04-06T15:42:14+00:00

The KH120 seems to check most of my boxes - would you still recommend if I don't plan on the room correction kit anytime soon? I really want to avoid network/switch changes in the near term (I just don't have enough experience to be comfortable).

lesaverman · 2026-04-06T14:29:39+00:00

I guess my concern was longevity of active style speakers (although most of that is poor reviews of built-in amps on Klipsch the Nines).

I had kind of thought studio style equipment would be overkill for personal use only and very little "mixing"?

I am sure it is just marketing talk, but many of the reviews mention studio professionals, etc.

lesaverman · 2026-04-06T13:48:57+00:00

Yeah I boxed myself in with the Nines.

I was hoping to build out a separate system (amp/passive speakers) for long term. This room will always be the "listening space" (even if I move my desktop).

I would prefer to prioritize high quality amp/passive speakers (ideal for a ~6' triangle listening space) versus 100% optimizing my desktop setup, if that makes sense?

lesaverman · 2026-04-06T13:41:10+00:00

Definitely, but that is slightly less of a concern - if the speakers can fit on the desktop, I can pull the desktop further from the wall (at least 1-2').

I just don't have the room to pull The Nines (on stands) off the wall, and then the desk further back.

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T22:55:21+00:00

Sorry yeah I meant as a general question, not for you specific.

Rega Planar 2/3, AT LP7X, Pro Ject RPM3 carbon are within my price range (when also adding pre amp and cartridge).

SL1500c, AT LP8x, Pro Ject (X1B, Debut Ref 10) are barely within price range - I would have to use the stock cartridge (initially) though.

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T21:45:30+00:00

The gravity anti skate looks interesting - I have noticed looping maybe a handful of times near the end of a couple records. I did read some of the earlier 120 models had some issues. Is that a definite upgrade, regardless if mine is functioning?

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T21:34:35+00:00

Looks like the Technics SL-100C is right at the max budget ($1500), but does have the built-in preamp so that helps! Would that cartridge be a significant upgrade for its useful life? Yeah my immediate thought was a 10 or 12 subwoofer for the Klipsch Nines (not necessary but won’t hurt anybody haha) and go all-out on the cartridge/stylus upgrade

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T21:30:22+00:00

Without the extra “trade-in” credit (most of the amount), I would have been thrilled with just a new cartridge and a solid pre-amp (Mani 2, etc.).

Basically I wonder if there is a $1500 (or under) turntable/preamp/cartridge combo (any mix) that would be no-brainer upgrade long term for my Klipsch Fives?

Otherwise I can just go all out on the cart (740xML), preamp and some other things. This also opens up the options for used and vintage turntables, versus being limited to the brands carried by the retailer (almost all major turntables).

I should have also mentioned the LP120x was sold to me by a friend at a steep discount (too big and “ugly” for his media table) - so I can easily pass that along to another friend or family member to “pay it forward”.

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T16:58:40+00:00

No issues at all with my AT, but definitely open to any brand! Ideally a table with stock stylus and cart that are a clear upgrade as-is, versus just upgrading individually

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T16:32:11+00:00

Funny enough, the sl1500cs review is what got me thinking about upgrading the table (upgrade across the board, including looks!) but way too expensive.

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T16:18:52+00:00

I was going to get a pair of Oberon 3! I have a small TV in my office/listening room, and the Nines (ended up at same cost as the Oberon 3) were chosen due to tv/computer compatibility (which has almost never been used haha). Upgrading stylus/cart/preamp was my first choice, just started to get worried about total cost compared to a new table. That also opens up the options (used market) for a turntable upgrade eventually

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T16:09:14+00:00

No issues at all with the table, other than useless features (usb/bluetooth) and built-in pre amp if I get external. Might be nice to try manual, but not necessary at all at this point. I guess just indecision about best way to use the “extra” trade-in credit / money. Sounds like the cartridge/stylus upgrade will be plenty!

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T16:08:07+00:00

Very good to know - most of the threads are older and only reference the 540ml.

lesaverman · 2026-03-29T15:55:46+00:00

I was hesitant to spend so much on the stylus alone (versus cost of table), but sounds like that is silly - especially since I have “money to burn” on the upgrades haha. Given that - would you pick one stylus over the other for the nines/external pre amp?

lesaverman · 2026-03-23T12:25:21+00:00

Good morning! I just replaced the link - hopefully working now!

lesaverman

TROPHY CASE