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Mac to DAC thats comparable to Linn CDP?

I have tried a few and they sound like crap compared to my old Linn Genki.

My wife has asked to set up a music server to get all the CDs out of the dining room.

I have a Dell Mini running OSX and itunes, USB out and also an external USB to SPDIF converter.

This is connected to a Linn Kolector and Aktiv bi-amped Ninkas with a 10" Sizmik subwoofer.

Compared to a CD in the Genki using lossless Apple format, the (inexpensive) USB DACs I have tried have a tiny sound stage, the bass is all fuzzy and the treble sounds like glass breaking inside my ear.

I searched up all these posts where people say this or that DAC sounds good with the computer, but do they mean 'good for a computer'?

My question is, can I get acceptable sound out of the computer or is this a lost cause? If I can get decent sound this way, what is my wallet looking at, and how can I figure out how to pick a DAC from the hundreds that are available.

Thanks!
ophitoxaemia
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
I had better results with a VDH Optocoupler mini to toslink cable than a USB to SPDIF convertor with my Mac Mini ... if your DAC has toslink inputs this may work for you as well. My DAC's are internal to a Bryston B100 and a Tact M2150x
mb9061
137 posts
 
I've had a Musiland MD-10 that sounds about like you're describing (poor).

Then I went to a Benchmark DAC1 USB (Incredibly detailed and much better, although bright).

Then a Bel Canto DAC3 (similiar to the DAC1 as far as being incredibly resolving, still a bit bright)

Then an Empirical Audio Turbo-3 paired with an MHDT Havana NOS tube DAC (much smoother and much more musical).

Now I'm trying a Redwine Audio Isabellina.

So yes, it can be done. Just buy better gear since you get what you pay for (up to a point anyways).
sammie
220 posts
 
For this to work, you'll have to spend some $ on a decent DAC, whether it be a USB or Firewire version, although I doubt you have a F/W connection on your Dell. Are you running Windows as well? Or, just OSX? If running windows, you can try Mediamonkey as well as other free players, which might give you better sound than Itunes, although the user interfaces will be lacking.

I also recommend taking a look @ the MHDT DAC's. I see there's at least 1 for sale on the Gon presently.

Also, Wavelength Audio just released a <1K DAC, the Proton, which has rec'd some praise.

Good luck.
ophitoxaemia OP
8 posts
 
Thanks for all the replies.

I am running OSX on my Dell Mini 9, which is connected to my Linn system. No Firewire or optical. The music is served off a Mac Mini in another room.

I see now that Linn made a DAC called the Numerik.

Off to do some more research! Thanks,
mb9061
137 posts
 
if you look into the MHDT DACs, you also might want to look into a USB converter of at least some sort. The MHDT DACs sound great, but they sound much better with a clean digital signal that is reclocked by a capable USB converter.

Examples are -
Bel Canto's 24/96 USB converter (usually go used for $300-400)
Empirical Audio's Turbo-2 or Turbo-3 (they can go anywhere from $400 - $800 used)
Sonicweld's new converter. This one just came out recently, not sure of the reviews on it and it's as pricey as empirical audio's stuff.

Full disclosure - I may end up listing my Turbo-3 and MHDT Havana in the upcoming weeks if I stick with the Isabellina. So please don't take my suggestions as a sales pitch.
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