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  3. 1259872448

Newbie G4 laptop to NAD 320 BEE setup

I am trying to figure out my options for the optimum laptop setup. I have a G4 17" 1.3 Ghz running Itunes with Apple Lossless audio files. I am going to connect the laptop to an NAD320 BEE integraded amp driving a pair of Klipsch Forte speakers. I am currently trying to figure out the connection to the amp. Do I really need a DAC with 24/192khz sampling, or can I use something simpler like a Behringer UCA202 U-Control Audio Interface, or Behringer FCA202 - FireWire Audio Interface. I evetually want to add a tube pre-amp to the setup. I have looked through the forum and there seems to be issues of jitter etc with the laptop setup, but technically with lossless files, shouldn't I be able to get CD quality audio? Any suggestions on the setup will be greatly appreciated.
skateronthemountain
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
If your ;aptop has a Toslink output, go to MonoPrice.com and check out their "fancy" Toslink cable. This is a *seriously* nice cable and the price is incredibly cheap, a 6 ft. cable is only $5.49 + shipping. That is NOT a typo, I have one of these and it is a great cable, very well-constructed - looks like a $100 cable, no kidding...

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2764&seq=1&format=2
username
1 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. So, I actually got this to work with ITunes Home Sharing. I have the laptop connected to the amp with an RCA Y cable, and the music is streamed from another Mac (intel quad with 24 bit output capability). It sounds pretty good, but I do wonder if there is any loss with the streaming. I guess another option is running the optical cable over to the amp from the Tower as suggested. Maybe I will give that a shot as the laptop fan has begun to annoy me already. Or, I will try the airport express. Still tinkering.
bwp
114 posts
 
An airport express is definitely the best investment you will have, you can also control your itunes from an iphone if you have one. I go from the express to my DAC using a mini toslink cable, the express has an 1/8 jack that is also a optical out. I have been using the airtunes for years and can say there is no loss of quality, Stereophile did a whole write up on it if you want to reivew their archives online.
skateronthemountain OP
1 posts
 
I guess if it was just for me, I'd connect the AE and forget about it. But, I also have other people in the house who can not quite go to the computer in another room, turn itunes on and then head to the amp in the living room and play. Due to that issue I invested in a Azur 640H Music Server. It is kind of an old hat, but I'll try it out. I guess an appletv with a screen could have done the same thing.
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