2. digital
  3. 137152-115924

New to HiFi, need digital advice.

I am not an audiophile but I recently acquired a really nice high end system for free. (AR LS16 preamp, Madrigal Proceed HPA2 amp, Arcam CD92 CD player, Aerial Acoustics 7B tower speakers.  I have been learning as much as I can over the last week since I got it.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to put together a decent but not necessarily high end digital input system for as little money as possible.

So here is my plan. I know it is not high end and probably not commensurate with my system but hopefully will meet my needs:

Old iMac using iTunes to manage flac or alac files plugged into Schiit Modi 2 via USB cable and then into preamp via USB cable. I can us Apple's remote app on my iPhone to select/play music remotely (Works great).

Does this sound reasonable? If so it will only cost me about $100 for the Schiit DAC and $25 for a decent set of RCA cables (already purchased) and whatever I might need to spend on the USB cable. Anything I should know about the USB cable for this?

Thanks for the advice and apologies for my ignorance in all of this.

George
n80
docknow
307 posts
 
I really suggest you spring for the MultiBit version at $249.  To me the upgrade to MultiBit (on my Bifrost) was huge and was the first time I actually enjoyed listening to digital music.

Schiit also sells a USB cable for $20, or you could buy a used one here.
docknow
307 posts
 
Also, buy the BitPerfect app for your Mac from the app store for $9.99.  It works with iTunes and makes a very noticeable improvement in sound quality.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Old iMac using iTunes to manage flac or alac files plugged into Schiit Modi 2 via USB cable and then into preamp via USB cable.

I believe you meant to say into preamp via RCA cables.

I would never use iTunes for playback.  Use Foobar2K, Jplay, Jriver or Amarra instead.  Amarra will give you the best SQ IME.

The better the USB cable you buy, the better it will sound.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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