My vintage amp has the typical RCA inputs, Aux, Phono and Tape. I would like the option of adding the ability to use a digital storage device, bluetooth and perhaps a Sirius receiver.

I know it's pretty easy to just add a device with the extra RCA inputs and run it to the Aux input. There are tons of options on Amazon but I'd like to make sure I buy a decent device both for audio quality and durability (I'm a buy one, cry once kind of guy)

So what options are out there for a quality device?

You would need to use the AUX or Tape IN and not the Phono.
I guess it depends on what source and what you need to amplify.

Possibilities are:
* connecting to computer - hard wired (usually a 3.5mm stereo cable to dual RCA)
* MP3 Player - hard wired
* Stream from phone (Bluetooth to RCA converter required).

A simple Bluetooth converter can be as cheap as $25 or $30.
There was a thread on this in the past
It would require a source ~ typically a phone or laptop.

Could answer further with more info.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
You would need to use the AUX or Tape IN and not the Phono.

This ^^^^^

Since you've multiple digital sources, what you're looking for is a digital-to-analog converter that has multiple digital inputs and a single set of analog (RCA) outputs.

As for identifying a "quality device": You pays your nickel and you takes your chances. You're probably going to end up with C³ (Cheap Chinese Crap) no matter what. One imagines there really isn't a very big market for such things. So it's mainly going to be people that make and sell such things very cheaply. I'd look for a device as I describe above that has a number of ratings and rates well.

I looked around on Amazon a bit last night. Found two or three of them. One of them even had Bluetooth, IIRC.

I ran out of digital inputs on our vintage Yamaha receiver. Bought an inexpensive optical digital switch. It's been in place for a year or so and, so far, continues to work well.

If nothing else: Amazon usually has a pretty good return policy.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:


Since you've multiple digital sources, what you're looking for is a digital-to-analog converter that has multiple digital inputs and a single set of analog (RCA) outputs.

You need to do more than just convert D to A.
You need to process the data first.
Example: just plugging in a flash drive to a D/A - nothing will happen.

In my garage I have an AIO computer that a customer didn't want.
I refurbished and then connect an USB D/A (Dragonfly Red) then connect (3.5mm stereo ~ RCA) to my old garage receiver.
The USB D/A isn't necessary but I had one laying around so I used it and the sound is better than built into the computer.
From there I can stream from my Local NAS, Internet Music Sources (Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music but mostly Qobuz as it is Hi Res Audio) or amplify streaming TV.

Depending on the quality of digital sound required, your middleman could very well be just a small footprint PC. Their DACs are decent.

I have a NUC. It has wired NIC and Wifi built in. Also has BT. You could probably wire it to the AUX inputs and network attach a NAS. I did.

Just upgraded my vintage Yamaha to a new one with HDMI.

Not familiar with Sirius.

Tuner and CD are also valid inputs.

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Come to think of it, my old Yamaha is wired to my old desktop PC as the CD player and to one of my laptops as Tuner. It is wifi connected to the NAS too. DUH!


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You'll need your source - some kind of hard drive device, and then a DAC (digital audio convertor) to change the digital signal from the storage device into an analog signal for your pre-amp and amp. There are dozens or hundreds of DACs out there of varying prices and quality.

I have an older FiiO DAC (that also is a little headphone amp) to use with my phone and better headphones. It now feeds powered speakers on my desk with my PC has the storage device. FiiO makes many DACs, just as one example.

This Yamaha WXC-50 seems to meet your requirements.

^^^ That Yamaha unit looks pretty versatile.
You still need to power speakers and a source but certainly an interesting device.
Kind of an expensive route but nice, nevertheless.

quote:

Originally posted by Wayniac:
This seems to meet your requirements.

That would do all I want and more


Too bad I lost my wholesale source for Yamaha. Have to see what kind of price I can find on one