Same if connecting a dongle to the USB C port. The audio exit will be bypassed by the dongle on A&K
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Whenever you have a device, unless there is a specific bypass mode, the final dac should be the processing unit. So whatever has a dac and is connected to your headphones is the dac that will be processing your digital signal.
Personally, as someone who is new to audio, I do not understand A&K and how they just provide vrms. I don’t know what that equals to when it comes power output in comparison to headphone amps that use watts at specific load/headphone impedance.
So I do not know which headphones you use or if you need an amp.
It would be better if you could tell us what you are wanting to accomplish.
It’s hard to tell what you are actually asking.
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I have a Monolith Amp/DAC, listen thru A&K SR15, and headphones are HD 800S, Stellia, Arya, and Eikon. I want to upgrade the Amp. So I am trying to determine if I need separate components for the DAC and Amp. Obviously I could spend a little more on just an amp and I dont want to waste money buying a dac if I don’t need one. I also do not want to be penny wise and pound foolish
I route one DAC through 4 amps using a passive switch for instant comparisons. As long as you have a fixed volume line-out function I’d upgrade the amp before changing the DAC.
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If you want to upgrade from Monolith and you need to connect to the A&K SR15 I believe a Chord Mojo will be a perfect match. You have a good DAC and a powerful amp. The A&K sound tone will be balanced by the Mojo. You’ll find the connecting cable in the box with the Mojo.
I like the sound that I get from the Mojo with the A&K25.
I slightly prefer to pair it with a Dragonfly Cobalt because I don’t have to worry about a second battery. But given the headphones you use and their need for power I believe the Mojo will be a good upgrade.
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Ok, how is the A&K connected to the Monolith?
If I’m looking at the right model the SR15 has only headphone outputs (no usb, optical etc.).
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SR15 has micro USB out.
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Ah, thanks. The spec sheet lists only headphone outs.
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You’re welcome. A&K consider the micro USB just for charging but we can use it for better purposes 
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It is connected by RCA connections. Single end to the A&K
Headphones are 800s, Arya, Stellia, and Eikon. Want desktop unit(s), as I will not be traveling with them. I just use bluetooth and IEMs through the iphone when traveling. What i need is a good setup for the four headphones where I can sit back in a recliner to listen.
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I’m sorry, I thought you needed a mobile upgrade. For a desktop solution according to your possibilities you can go for a Schiit Modi 3 with a Magni 3+/Heresy or a Asgard 3 with Bifrost. The second solution IMO will suite your headphones better but it is just my point of view.
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You provided good info. I didnt specify. You feel those Schitt combos will provide a sound upgrade on the phones I have? I really appreciate your help
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I’m using right now an Asgard 3 with my Aeon Noire and it upgraded my Lehmann Audio Linear $900 head amp. Warmer sound, wider head stage, no hiss or problems when I turn it on/off. I don’t know how they can sell this thing for 200 bucks but it is really impressive. Given the headphones that you have I suggested the Asgard because will be in line with their characteristics and will add a little warmth that with HD800s and Arya will be just perfect IMO.
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Ok, so that means you are using the dac in the SR15 and using the Monolith just as an amp.
You are still using the headphone amp portion of the SR15, just with an additional amp.
What is it about the Monolith amp that you feel is not sufficient for desktop use?
Sorry to ask all these questions but we’re wanting to make sure we’re giving you information that will be useful to you.
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The SR15 has a single end rca that connects into the duuble end RCA input of the Monolith DAC/Amp. The sound is good, but I feel it can be better. The sound seems a little electronic and not as warm as I would like. The Lyr 1 I had formerly sounded better as I recall. I also had a bifrost 1 DAC, but wasnt sure how to connect it to the DAP, there were no rca or usb inputs into the DAC (I bought an early version of the bifrost). I recall really liking the LYR. Bottom line, I have a budget of up to $1,500, have some excellent headphones and want to get the best sound I can afford. Earlier an Asgard/ bifrost combo was suggested. Obviously, I am a novice with much to learn, even connecting the components properly.
Make a step by step upgrade. The SR15 DAC is good enough and the major changement/improvement in sound comes always from an amp first. Connect the SR15 to the Asgard as you did previously with the Monolith (3.5mm to double RCA cable) and check if the upgrade is good enough for you. You have time to add an external DAC (micro USB to USB A cable and then double RCA from Bifrost 2 to double RCA to Asgard 3). Nothing difficult to manage. The key point to me is the “amp first” way. Remember that this way you’re still using both DAC and amp from SR15. But you send an analogue signal to an other amp. USB is the only way to bypass SR15 system. Don’t rush and take your time and especially enjoy what you listen to.
Thanks, would you suggest the Asgard over the Lyr 2?
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I meant Lyr 3 amp in the previous post. Thank you