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starting from scratch almost , need advice

I posted a thread here (lazy old audiophile) last month about how to get music from my computer to my speakers. I think I've learned something since - many helpful responses re DACs, etc. Now I have decided to go back to the beginning, almost, and try to determine what is the best way to go. My cost goals are flexible, though I do want good value. I will probably try to find components used here on audiophile. What is fixed is my new iMac and a pair of Kef 205/2 reference speakers. I also have a nice old Technics SL1400mkII turntable and a paragon E tube preamp from the 70's, and a pretty basic (poor) CD player. (1) I understand that some integrated amps are now available with digital inputs, so I could go from the iMac to the integrated amp. Most of these do not have phono stages. If I go that route, can I use the paragon preamp as a phono stage and how? (2) Or I could get an amplifier and use the paragon, but would still have to get a DAC. (3) Or I could get a good SACD that I could also use as the DAC for signal from the Imac (which ones permit this?), or I could get a multifunction SACD, DVD etc, player (I do have HDTV and cable in the same room). I do not think of myself as an audiophile - but I do find that poorly reproduced music bores me. So without being particularly knowledgeable, or knowledgeable at all, I am kind of spoiled when it comes to decent sound. What would you do?
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danmyers
135 posts
 
Take a look at this:

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/system1/digital-analog-converter/dac1-pre

which should work well as the hub of a basic modern stereo setup.
sammie
220 posts
 
1. As far as an integrated that also features a DAC, this is the only one I'm aware of: Peachtree Audio Decco. And, this little integrated is well regarded.

2. I think Dan is right, you'll have to get a new phono stage, which can be connected to the Decco.

3. Can a CDP be connected to an IMAC? Toslink? I'm not sure. One thing to keep in mind, SACD discs cannot be ripped, so if you have a SACD collection, you'll need a player.

There's lots of good multi-disc players out there, including the aforementioned Denon.
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twilightround OP
39 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I think I need at least 100 amps for these speakers, would probably prefer 150 to 250. That seems to leave out the Peachtree and maybe the Music Hall. I don't now have a SACD collection - but as my wife and friends complain that there is no gift they can get me when gifts are supposed to be given, I thought for their sake I might start one. I have been told the Cambridge 840c and 740c CD players can be used as a DAC from the iMac, and wondered if there are others. What about the paragon E preamp as a phono stage leading to the amp or integrated amp?
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twilightround OP
39 posts
 
Please ignore typo in last post (amps for watts) - should not post before awake. I do see that there is a Musical Fidelity A5.5 integrated amp with a USB input and 250 wpc. Could I not go directly from the iMac to that? Does anyone have experience with it?
danmyers
135 posts
 
Sure, the MF A5.5 would work as the DAC is built in with the pre, and the amp. Here is the manual which has extensive references to PC/MAC integration:

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/manuals/a55/a55int_eng.pdf

Never heard the A5.5, but I own a good deal of MF equipment and enjoy the heck out of it daily.

BTW, I also have a SACD collection and while I do love the sound, I would not recommend starting a new collection as the format is dying. IMO you should look to the new Blu-ray HD formats. Or, just buy a good redbook CD player for now and wait until more BR audio titles are available and there are more BR hi-res audiophile quality CDPs to choose from. On the other hand, you may be able to pick up SACDs & players very inexpensively...
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