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Macbook to USB to which one?

I'm taking my first venture into computer based music. My main system is described in the system link. I have not had much computer experience and I want it to be easy and painless. I plan on using iTunes AIFF, and also HD Tracks.

Which is the best way to go? USB to HRT + II music streamer, or USB to Musical Fidelity V-Dac, or, USB to Cambridge Audio DAC magic. The output of the selected DAC will get fed into a McIntosh C2300 auxilliary input via rca/rca audio cables.

Thank you for any and all assistance,
Bennett (hififile)
hififile
hotmailjbc
571 posts
 
with the music fidelity and i think the cambridge you get more flexibility with inputs but must be plugged into the wall. the hrt is usb input only. i have the hrt and the music fidelity and they work well and i have read great reviews about the cambridge. these products have lots of press. for the price i like them.
dynfan
2 posts
 
Which model MacBook do you have? If it Is a pro or the 2009 aluminum chassis MacBook it has a digital audio out on the headphone port. I have been using mine via the digital audio out. Via toslink directly to my pre-pro with great success.

Not to say a good external DAC would not improve the sound however if your MacBook has a digital audio out the right cable would let you dabble before you dropped the coin on the DAC.

Regards,
Wes
hififile OP
236 posts
 
Thank you Dynfan and Hotmailjbc. I appreciate the guidance. My main concern is an easy to use item with great sound.

I have an original MacBook (white casing). I have no other output than USB.
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