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From PC / Mac to DAC into Monoblocks, Direct?


Hello Everyone

For a newly reconfigured system (although keeping my Tympani IVa's) I want to use PC/Mac only as a front end, with monster monoblocks to ensure ample power to the Magneplanars.

With one source, I have no real need for a preamp, so I have been intrigued by other threads on Audiogon praising the performance of direct from DAC to amplifiers. (?)

Having always admired the looks of the Pass amps, I am thinking about a pair of X600's or 1000's.

From there, however, I would appreciate any advice on

1) PC vs Mac?
2) PC / Mac Interface?
3) DAC? (which can work with only an amp, obviously)
4) Cables?

to try and get as good as it gets with PC audio.

Extra credit for anything as impressive looking as the Pass monoblocks.

Happy New Year,
cwlondon
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
CW- How are you going to attenuate volume?
lustformusic
68 posts
 
If you use a PC Foobar has a volume control.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 

Was hoping by now there might be a wider range of choices for the DAC to handle volume as well?

Or as lustformusic points out, that the software might handle the volument control?

If hardware, how about the Antelope Zodiac? Benchmark?

Dont mind buying a dedicated PC or Mac (mini?) for this set up, and happy to spend a fair bit on the DAC and amps....from there however, mainly looking for music server type ease, convenience, and simple clutter free set up for a new library room.

Would be great if the front end might extend all the way to an iPad, if anyone has had any success with that?

If software addresses the volume, perhaps there are also controller devices? Or "control surface" devices that would synch with Apple?

I want to add back vinyl and reel to reel at some point just for fun, but it's now 2013 and this is the future.

Happy New Year,
br3098
997 posts
 
Swampwalker is correct, you will need a DAC with volume (or gain) attenuation. There are several models that will do this, and a few that feature a remote control in case that's important to you.

I use an Antelope Zodiac Gold for this purpose for my digital only system in my living room; the DAC becomes the preamp. I am going from a mac mini to the Zodiac Gold via USB, then out via XLR to a pair of active speakers. My wife likes it because it is easy to hide the small components - it is almost invisible. All she sees are the speakers, for which she is still trying to find a way to do without.
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