Apple lossless as a source

You can attach a PC or and iPad or iPhone to your amp. They all have low quality DAC contained within . Then depending which device you choose you may need an adapter of some sort. I would take whatever device you choose to the Apple store and let them help you. If you already own the PC or portable device this is the least expensive option.

Sound quality can be improved by upgrading the DAC in the source. The simplest way to do this is to buy a DAC that looks like a usb flash drive that will attach to the source and then attach to the RCA input on the amp.

If you have a component that accepts Bluetooth, AirPlay, or Google Chromecast, then you can send Apple Music wirelessly to that component. I listed the 3 wireless alternatives in ascending levels of sound quality. You will need a DAC, but most have these devices come with an included one. The most common term for these components are streamers, but the terminology for digital can be ambiguous.

I have tried to make this as simple as possible. It can get very complex. I always think that beginners should go slow. However $5K is a healthy budget that can buy a quality set up

if I remove the apple assumptuon, what’s a good way to get a full catalogs fed to a. Amp? Again, without spending 5000$ to do it?

Simplest would be to get a streamer with a decent built-in DAC like the Node X or the Eversolo DMP-A8. Moving up the performance scale you can get a separate streamer and DAC that can run from around $1000 up to big $$$, so it really depends on what level of sound quality you’re looking for and your budget. IMO if you’re willing to spent at least $1500 in this you’ll get much better performance with a separate streamer and DAC. If you share your budget you’ll get more specific recommendations here.  Incidentally, what are you using as a source and preamp now?

Apple just updated AirPod Pro to accept high bit rate audio, but I don’t think that most Apple devices will transmit high bit rate via Bluetooth. Someone here will know the answer and I believe this is one reason that the post above discusses DAC dongles.

I think that a reasonable question would be at what price level can I purchase a used DAC that clearly outperforms computer streaming? I suspect that the answer is well under $1K. The next threshold for me would be at what spending level will allow me to hear improvements as I upgrade my other components? Another question might be, if I spend $5000 on a DAC and other upgrades to my present system, what components should I buy on the used market. The best approach to all these questions is to post your system on your profile so that others can quickly see what you are using. I know that you listed components in your original post.

Here is a discussion regarding posting your equipment on your profile….

BTW.. I have a family plan with Quboz and everyone can stream on their phones and in the car.  The family plan is not much more than the single license and allows for streaming in high bitrate, or low bitrate similar to other streaming services.  No, I can’t stream just using my watch like I can with Apple.

Thanks for the help.

I contacted Bluesound about the Node X to see if it can stream from PC or iPhone in Hi Res.  Will update when I hear back.

"If you have a component that accepts Bluetooth, AirPlay, or Google Chromecast, then you can send Apple Music wirelessly to that component"

I don't think Airplay supports hi res.

Does anyone actually have a setup with PC -> DOC/Preamp -> amp with Apple Music?

@vonhelmholtz I looked for where to post my system details but can't find it.  Menu under profile says "virtual systems" but it throws an error: "Sorry, that user doesn't exist".