Hello is there anyone who uses the x 16 as a preamp and then just an end amp? I can't find out anywhere if the x16 is volume SW or HW. In the case of SW is it then 64 bits or only 32 bits? My idea is to control the volume with moode audio (RPI).
I have tried it both ways (preamp and no preamp) and can't tell the difference. If I use RCA outputs I use a preamp. Currently I have XLR out to a 200 Watt/Ch A/B amp and will soon replace it with a Class D Buckeye amp - also with XLR.
I have my sub wired in parallel high level (speaker wires) but I am considering running the sub from the unbalanced + preamp and the amp from the balanced at the same time.....I'm not sure if that is a good idea, but I'll try it.
Yesterday, I moved my entire setup a few feet to make room for furniture and my amp did an auto shut down at higher volumes after the move. I rechecked all cables and it seems OK now.... the only problem I found was I had accidentally turned the sub volume knob to zero.
I'll recheck the setup today.
For the case with preamp, I have tried two ways. One was with a Marantz AVR and with Audyssey room correction. The other was with unbalanced Sabaj A10h preamp and no room correction. Without a preamp, I simply use the 4V XLR output of the Gustard to the amp.
Someday, I may correct for the room and do the correction in Roon but I haven't done that yet. When I don't use a preamp, I use the Gustard for volume control and it works great. I assumed it is digital volume control.
I have not tried the unbalanced RCA output directly to the amp.