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Hi-end sound from iTunes running on MacPro

Like many, I have found myself with an extensive iTunes library of music, most is now converted to "lossless" format. My desire for hi-end playback has become rekindled and I am wondering what my options are. My "good stuff" is 20 years old. I have a Theta DS Pro Basic Dac along with a Theta Jade transport for CD play. The Dac has one RCA digital input (and perhaps a balanced jack as well). My power amp is a Boulder 500 and a pair of B&W 801 Matrix speakers. I like my Theta DS Pro Basic but it is a dinosaur, perhaps ready to retire.
I am hoping that my MacPro digital output (USB or Toslink) can be used by a DAC for "hi-end" playback. Using the micro plug analog from the Mac to my preamp yields modest results.
I am hoping someone can give me direction on what would be a reasonable DAC vs what is a reasonable expectation on quality of play back.
I have found many options from $14 to $20K and I am finding it difficult to find good definitive advise. Please help.
georgedunham
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
I have tried many players on the Mac and Pure Music is good but the best I find is actually one of the cheapest - BitPerfect:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bitperfect/id455545700?mt=12

As to the DAC Steve's suggestion of a WFS is true - fed with I2S it is indeed very good and world class but for my taste slightly analytical - but this is a personal preference thing. As to what to feed it, Steve cant mention this because he is the maker, but his Off-Ramp is the best.

The Metrum and NAD M51 are also very good and both benefit from Steve's Off-Ramp - especially the Metrum.

Another excellent option is Steve's Overdrive DAC:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/

Still another option is the PDX which is my favorite USB DAC:
http://www.lenehanaudio.com.au/index.php/products/pdx-usb-dac.html

Disclosure:
I live close to the maker of the PDX and go down there all the time to check out their stuff as well as owning a lot of their gear which probably makes me biased.

Thanks
Bill
sunandmusic
27 posts
 
Hi George
I would seriously consider an Audio Note tubed DAC. And to suit any budget from the 2.1 kit (you build it yourself) at 1.2k or the ultimate suoer DAC 5 from Audio Note UK.
I have the 3.1 DAC kit Signature, and it is awesome, blows away DACs at 5 times the price and has NO digital sound to it. It is so analogue you will think you are listening to a top Vinyl rig!

The Audio Note DACs have USB inoput, or you can use a Musical Fidelity V-Link to connect your digital usb out to your Coax RCA or BNC in.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"what can be done with my current library of iTunes music? and... is there a similar music database like iTunes store where I can find an extensive library of WAV or FLAC?"

If you use Mac, then download your file in any lossless format and then you can convert it to .wav using XLD.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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