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Computer Audio for Dummies


I would like to get my feet wet in computer audio, but will admit my knowledge is very limited about it.
I have a MacBook Pro laptop. The rest of my system can be seen in my system page.
Here’s what I know I want to do right off the bat;

Build a library that I can pick and choose what to play- mostly for convenience & backround music. But if it is good enough, might become a source for serious listening.

Record music from some/ all of my other sources.

Download music.

I haven’t done anything yet other than purchase a stereo cable that allows me to hook one end to an unused input in my pre amp and the other to my headphone jack on my Mac.

Should I look into a DAC or somethingthing between the two for better sound quality?

Thanks in advance and please, easy on me as I know not too munch in the digital/ computer world.
markpao
eastein
99 posts
 
A very simple solution would be to pick up a USB DAC and try tidalhifi.com lossless music streaming service. It will give you unlimited access to 25m tracks free with a 7 day trial then $20/month.
jperry
2,474 posts
 
You may want to consider a different path. Do you really want to get into computer audio or do you want to:

"Build a library that I can pick and choose what to play- mostly for convenience & background music. Record music from some/all of my other sources. Download music."

You can do almost all of that by connecting a Sonos to your existing system (which is very nice) with a set of RCA cables and accessing your iTunes library.

Just a thought. I have considered computer audio, but never thought it was worth the time or trouble. I do like being able to play music I have on iTunes through my stereo, including CD's I have added to my iTunes library.
markpao OP
524 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I have a lot of reading to do.

Jperry, not sure where this is going. As I mentioned, those are things I know I want to start with. Then we'll see if this goes anywhere.
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