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Help Me With Everything Needed: Computer Audio

I'm ready to set up a computer audio to stream music from my favorite websites. I'll do ripping and storage later on.

I want to try and stay around $2k for everything and connect it to my stereo rig.

My audio setup is:
Amplifier: Cary A-306(Class D)
Preamplifier: Classe CP 35
Speakers: Mirage OMD-28
Sources: Krell SACD Standard Mk3, Jolida JD 100 modified, Don Allen Marantz Changer

I've done a little research. I'm thinking to get a laptop or Mac Mini--whichever is less complex.

I'm thinking of the mhdt Havana DAC

Can you suggest a reasonably (think good but inexpensive) cable. Which is best, glass toslink, usb or other---I don't know all the jargon...

Please tell me everything I need to purchase to hook it up to my stereo rig.
foster_9
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,230 posts
 
If all you are going to do is stream radio, then just get one box internet radio?
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
I'm unsure of what computer to get, although I mentioned the mac mini and/or a laptop. Any suggestions? I'm only considering the Havana as the DAC, though. I haven't made a decision on a good (inexpensive)digital cable of some kind either.

I'm stil open to suggestions on all three:

1.Computer
2. DAC
3. Digital cable

is the right usb cable called "usb a-b"

Onhwy61, later I plan to get storage and rip cd's, so no interest in internet radio. I mentioned that in the original post.
larryken
537 posts
 
see my setup....real simple and sonically satisfying (how the computer end is structured)
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Any additional recommendations?

1. Laptop (I don't know)
2. DAC (I'm thinking mhdt Havana or maybe Valab- leaning toward NOS)
2. Digital Cable (I'm thinking Wireworld Starlight a-b usb)

I'll get storage and rip later. Right now just want to stream from websites. Come on you veterans! Help out someone who is new to computer audio!
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smortega
70 posts
 
You could take a look at my secondary system. Instead of the SBT, connect a mac mini or macbook and you're all set. The SBT is better for internet radio as you have access to the Linn stations (320 kbps) and it's less $ than a computer.
On the mac mini used for my main system, I just use a stock USB cable to connect to the DAC. The main system sounds better, but I'm happy listening to either setup
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