Cambridge 840C as a DAC

I'm in the process of building a computer based system with a Mac Mini as my source. I'm using the Toslink out of the Mini to the 840C and I'm very, VERY pleased with the results.

I had every intention of investing in a USB or Firewire DAC, but I honestly can not imagine how the potential difference in SQ will justify the investment.

My system is a headless Mac Mini (2.53GHz/4GB memory) with an 80GB SSD. Music files are stored on a DROBO encoded in Aiff. I'm using Amarra Mini software (highly recommended!) and my iPod Touch with VNC, and the Remote app from iTunes to control eveything.

The Mac Mini is connected to the CA840C via a Van den Hul Optocoupler.

If anyone has experienced significant improvement moving from the 840C (DAC) to a dedicated USB or Firewire DAC, I'd love to hear your story... but my current setup beats the 840C's CD player as a source, and that's no easy feat!

Oh, one more thing... the Wadia 170i was my gateway drug. What an amazing little transport the iPod is! The Wadia is a great piece of gear!

Looks like you already have the 840C. If you are happy with it for CDs, you should be equally happy using it with a PC. I tried it in my system, and the sound from a CD and the PC was pretty much the same. I found it a little too detailed and "digital" for my liking but I know a lot of people like it. I ended up with a Musical Fidelity A3-24 DAC, which might be a good fit with your system.

For a USB to S/PDIF converter, I am currently using a M2Tech HiFace ($150) which is remarkable for the price, although it is a new unit and the drivers may not work with all players yet. I am used it with Wind 7 with J River Media Center, which is a great player. The 840C supports up to 24 bit 192 KHz input, so your USB converted should also if you expect to use high res tracts. A lot of the USB converers do not go above 48KHz, so that is something to watch for. The HiFace goes to 24/192.

Once you settle on a player and an interface you should be able to get sound comparable or better than what you get from CDs.

Pretty much all my listening these days is FLAC files played over a wireless connection to a Squeezebox Duet reciever with a coaxial connection to my 840C. I'm very happy with the sound. The Squeezebox Touch is supposed to have a better digital output according to some Touch beta testers, but I'm not sure I want to spend the extra money on a touch interface I don't need. The Touch will do 24/96, though; the Duet is only 24/48 max.