Dac recommendations for computer audio

Optical Interface is not that good on Mac's! Its an inferior interface to begin with! USB is the best solution unless you can spend $6000 on a Weiss DAC and use firewire. USB is the best solution for 99% of people trying to build a music Server. also check on http://www.computeraudiophile.com/ and they will validate my claim.

There are two options for using a Mac or any PC with the USB Interface!

I have a MacBook Pro and have used both the Streamer II+ and Streamer Pro and the PopPulse 1796 Mk II USB/SPDIF 16/44 on USB $289.00 Jaw dropping Good! a good Audiophile USB Cable will make a world of difference and everyone who's A/B a generic USB Cable compared to a Locus Design Polestar and Axis aggree its better to spend less on a DAC and budget for a Locus Design Cable Lots of great reviews on PFO Positive Feedback.

Most USB DAC's that support USB and SPDIF are not providing speeds greater that 16/44 on the USB interface until you spend more than $1500.00

1) USB to SPDIF converter. There are several units out there the best is the SonicWeld Diverter $1299. Can be seen at www.kaplanhtdesign.com

2) USB only DAC's like the Music Streamer II+ at $349.95 are the best value bar none with Asynchronous to reduce jitter on the USB buss. Speed supported 24/96 (16/24 bit word lengths) and (44.1/48/88.2/96Khz resolution). Great Reviews from www.avguide.com/review/hrt-streamer-ii-and-streamer-ii-hi-fi-72
www.kaplanhtdesign.com/HRT_Music_Streamer.html

3) USB/SPDIF DAC's not as good as a USB Only DAC's and there are many technical reasons why.

Streamer II+ assures that jitter performance exceeds that of conventionally connected (bi-phase) converters inherently have more Jitter! these are AES/EBU and S/PDIF in Coax and Optical formats.

Good Luck with your search

Naim sound? I can not describe the sound. Words are meaningless. It's like describing food and wine, the words can be said, but they don't replace listening for yourself. Sorry....

All I can say is that certain DACs have the analog (vinyl) sound. Warm and lush....rhythmic....see, I can't do it. Have a listen for yourself. ;)

The optical out on a Mac sounds better than people give it credit, and I do not feel the toslink interface is "inferior". While it has some weaknesses, it also has some benefit. I have setup many iTunes/Mac music systems and the optical consistently provides very good performance when executed properly.

It you want to dive in deeper, the FireWire interface using a Weiss INT202 can sound amazing. The INT202 converts (and reclocks) the FireWire out into SPDIF. The best thing to do is have a listen for yourself. A Mac (or any computer) can make a extremely top notch digital music source when setup correctly. Take it one step at a time and don't forget to have fun. ;)

Ballan,

Thanks for the follow up. Ideally, I would love to hear several of the contenders in my own system, but I know that is probably not going to happen. I'm looking for a a dac that delivers a liquid smooth midrange... I don't want any dac that would fall in the category of being considered analytical, cool, bright or harsh with certain music. I guess I have a fear that some of the SS dacs would fall into that camp. Please keep the feedback coming. Thanks.

@Houstonjazzfan: I look for the same thing in a DAC. I've enjoyed good analog playback, but want the convenience and flexibility of digital.

The NOS DACs give me that sense of presence and air. The Shigaraki DAC (which is simple enough that I can build my own) is one design I really like.

I also like the Altmann Attraction DAC, but it's battery powered, so not as convenient.

The Naim has the sound that I like, is very flexible, upgradable with Naim's power supplies and processes way past 24/192. It also sounds great with my Mac, which is what I prefer to use for digital playback.

Another option that I like is the Wavelength DACs. They sound very good, with an "analog and tubey" sound. (I don't think "tubey" is a word.) :D

I own the PS Audio combo that has been recommended, but I'm thinking about selling it. It's a great piece of kit, but I prefer the Naim. The PS Audio is very detailed and clear, but that leads to a more analytical sound. It's not a bad thing, just not my thing.