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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
324 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
324 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

n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
That's correct, I meant RCA into pre-amp. 

So why not iTunes? I'm not defending it and don't like it very much, I'm just curious. I've read articles where other audiophiles use it when it is set up properly (not to mess with the files) and apparently the USB bypasses the computer's sound card. Can anyone explain (in simple terms)?

This old iMac will also not run the latest OS and not sure the recommended apps will run on it.

Also, keep in mind, I'm not a audiophile yet and to be honest the regular iTunes files run through the RCA to 3.5mm jack sound decent to me. Alac files sound even better by the same route....so maybe I would notice? I don't know.
clio09
3,370 posts
 
When I first tested out computer audio I used an old MacBook computer and played files through iTunes using Audirvana as the front end. Hooked up a USB cable to my USB DAC and then connected the DAC to the preamp. It worked just fine. I have since found a better way to do this that has resulted in much better sound quality, but if you are just starting out this is probably one of the easiest and least expensive ways to get going. As time goes on and funds allow you can upgrade.
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