2. digital
  3. 119691-545

Do i need a CD player, or can I use Mc Book?

Hello Fellows Audiophiles.

I have decided to go digital and follow the path of progress! I think that the music quality has improved sufficiently to make that move . 

So here is my question: do I need a cd player in the chain to use as transport, or can I use my mac book pro?

Or should I burn all my cd to the laptop and start downloading music from HD sources on the web? Will i need a preamp as well, in the chain, or would a direct DAC/amp connection be better ?

All comments, observations are welcome. Thank you.



rockanroller
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
While you technically do not "need" one, you probably "want" a dedicated CD player. I'd have to believe there is a quality improvement using a dedicated player. Honestly I'm not a fan of Apple products at all. For a CD player I went the route of an Emotiva ERC-3 and am very happy with the purchase. More than happy if I consider the value (i.e. there are better stand-alone players, however, the cost would be many times greater). Just my .02. 
freediver
1,237 posts
 
gdhal I must disagree.The level of quality in todays inexpensive DACS far surpasses most inexpensive cd players & most include Analogue Out so it will act as PreAmp..For all out assault I recommend the SMSL "M8" DSD/DXD DAC,about $250.00 DELIVERED!For simple 24/96 the HiFiMeDIY "SABRE DAC2"can't be beat for UNDER $100.00 Delivered!!!
rockanroller,Archive all cd’s on Macbook,download new HiRes music & use a Streaming Service.Start out with the Free services like Pandora...MacBook>DAC>Amp...Have a look at my headphone system for ideas...
mesch
3,527 posts
 
I do both, spin disks and rip onto Mac. Search the forums, several threads concerning all your questions. Many benefits to having CDs ripped to computer. One is that your music can be taken with you.


More to discover