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Best DAC for 27" iMac

Hello everyone! I have a question I'm sure somebody can answer for me.
I have a 27"iMac with my entire music collection on there. I have my speakers hooked up through my Sony DA4ES Receiver via interconnects and a Y-Splitter
I want to get the most out of my audio for music listening purposes. I know the next thing that will improve my audio the most is getting a DAC. I would like to know which DAC you guys would recommend me to use. I have a budget in mind of $800 or below. I would like the feedback of those who also have an iMac as well to see what their experiences are with a DAC. I'd like to thank everybody who reads this in advance and for their input.

Cheers,
Robin
128x128mrrobinchen
ballan
184 posts
 
A DAC can make a huge difference, but for your gadget, I recommend you just use your Sony ES receiver and save up for a DAC that will give you a noticeable improvement. All you need to do this is a "mini toslink to standard toslink cable". Stay away from "mini toslink" adaptors.

That Sony ES receiver has a fairly good DAC section that will sound good in "direct stereo" mode. There is a "mini optical" output on the iMac. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact me.
mrrobinchen's avatar
mrrobinchen OP
6 posts
 
Thank you for your feedback Ballan. In the back of my iMac is the minitoslink connector the one that looks like the headphone jack? if so would this cable do the work?
http://www.amazon.com/6ft-Toslink-Mini-Cable/dp/B000FMXKC8
ballan
184 posts
 
Yes, you've got it! That will allow you to send a direct digital signal to your receiver, and should improve the sound quality. From there, I recommend saving for a DAC and amp that will have better stereo (two channel) performance. Don't forget to have fun and keep the music flowing. ;)
kevinzoe
167 posts
 
You may wish to surf over to www.computeraudiophile.com which will be very helpful, no doubt.
classicjazz
153 posts
 
Robin,

Out of curiosity, at what resolution did you save your music? If you were to use uncompressed (WAV or AIFF) or at least Apple lossless, you will have peace of mind knowing that at least the source material is at full bit depth. It wouldn't make sense to use MP3 or AAC if your pursuit is sound quality.
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