2. pc-audio
  3. 1288032067

MHDT Havana vs Apogee Mini DAC ?

Has anyone done a side-by-side shoot out with these 2 DACs?

I am going to buy a Mac Mini to use as a music server and it seems that firewire provides better sound due to lack of jitter. The problem is that there are very few firewire DACs to choose from at the $1,000 or less price point. Has anyone compared the Havana via USB or SPDIF against the Apogee Dac Mini using firewire?

Thanks
Tom
tom92602
ballan
184 posts
 
@Timrhu: Don't let it become a chore. Just feed them as you want to listen, and take it one day at a time. Hope your adventure goes well.
arni
313 posts
 
Timrhu: I'm curious about your post, didn't you sell your PS Audio DL III and upgrade not so long ago?
mingles
800 posts
 
Here's my semi-automated method to rip large numbers of cds into itunes on a Mac Mini.

- Place the Mini as close to you as possible and get comfortable.
- Log in as you normally do.
- Make sure the computer is connected to the internet.
- Launch iTunes and go into Preferences.
- Under the General tab, where it says "When you insert a CD," select "Import CD and Eject."
- Close Preferences, but keep iTunes running.
- Disconnect the monitor and keyboard if they're in the way.
- Pop in cds and wait for them to eject.

Sometimes a cd will prompt you to choose a version from the on-line database. In these cases, you obviously need the monitor and mouse.

I've ripped hundreds of cds this way while sitting on the couch watching tv.

I hope this helps!
ballan
184 posts
 
Mingles has it down, but there is an issue. If you want to have more control over metadata and tags, it's easier to do it before you "import".
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Timrhu: I'm curious about your post, didn't you sell your PS Audio DL III and upgrade not so long ago?
Arni

Yes I did sell my DL III quite a while ago. Long story short; it was when I was still in search of besting my cdp. A few dacs and many cdps later I gave up so now my only source is the cd player.
I need a dac for the newly acquired MAC Mini and the PS Audio was the best of the lot I tried. It doesn't approach the Resolution Audio cdp but it's the best I have experience with.
Oh yeah, and the damned thing did not arrive today. Purchased from a seller with lots of perfect feedback but two weeks to ship on this one, WTF?...sorry for venting.
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