Affordable DAC with RS232?

[edorr]

I have an integrated 2 channel / multi channel system. For my multi channel (5.0), I am using a 2 channel Bel Canto DAC in conjunction with a 4 channel Trinnov ST2-Pro processor. The 2 channel processes my surround channel. I synch up volume control through iRule. Problem is the Bel Canto is IR and sometimes misses a command, and my volumes get out of synch. Ideally I would use an affordable 2 channel DAC with RS232 for my surronds. I know these exists in the very high end (EMM Labs, MSB).

Is anyone aware of a more affordable DAC (say $1000 used tops) with RS232 (and obviously volume control). It needs to have 1db volume increment steps to be able to synch up with the Trinnov. I have not found any myself. May be some pro / studio unit?

 

[opus111]

RS232 isn't an isolated physical layer - you stand the chance of compromising your audio by introducing ground loops. I reckon MIDI would be better for control as its opto-isolated.

 

[DonH50]

Why not an IR repeater placed appropriately?

 

[opus111]

Because IR sometimes gets interference and hence a code is missed, leading to loss of sync.

 

[edorr]

RS232 isn't an isolated physical layer - you stand the chance of compromising your audio by introducing ground loops. I reckon MIDI would be better for control as its opto-isolated.

I'll take my chances on the groundloops - not aware of DACs with MIDI interface for volume control. Someone pointed to the NAD M51. Little over budget, but it has all the goods. I might go down that path.

 

[Nyal Mellor]

Question for you: how come you just don't go with additional channels in your Trinnov?

 

[edorr]

Question for you: how come you just don't go with additional channels in your Trinnov?

Simple. The 8 channel is about $8k more than the 4 channel. Too much $$$. I am a 2 channel guy for 90% of my listening anyway.