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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
lustformusic
68 posts
 
My personal setup is a PC server built into an Antec Case, So it looks like a piece audio gear, this is run wireless with a laptop at my listening position using windows remote desktop. This means the remote laptop is the monitor and keyboard to the server. I connect USB to an Audio Research Dac 8 then direct to a VAC PHI 300.1, The VAC is one of the few power amps that has attenuators so I use those although I used the volume conrol in foobar before I purchased the VAC without issue. I have found a difference in the sound between attenuators and digital volume controls,they both have their strengths and weaknesses. I don't know your budget but the Weiss Dac 202 could be ideal in your situation as it has a built in digital attenuator and remote or the Weiss Dac 2 is cheaper and both of these can be had here on Audiogon secondhand. MSB make a dac that doubles as a Pre but I don't know much about them. Either way to drive directly to a power amp you'll need a Dac with a strong output stage , capable of driving 5 or 6 volts into a low impedences no more than about 500 ohms and preferably lower, The weiss will drive 50 ohms. I'm sure others on this forum will know more of other Dacs and other relevent options, I hope this helps.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
All very helpful - thank you everyone so far.

Lustformusic, nice idea to use a good case for the PC which I have also considered.

Br3098, how do you like your Antelope gear? And further to wives, mine has been very supportive of wires and clutters for years, but this seems to be changing as we approach our 10th anniversary.

Hence, this approach!
br3098
994 posts
 
Cwlondon,

I haven't found a DAC that sounds better, is built as well or has all the features of the Antelope Zodiac Gold for anywhere near the price.
antigrunge
74 posts
 
I fully second BR3098 on the Zodiac and suggest to get the Voltikus power supply while you are at it
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Re attenuator

This weekend, I managed to experiment with my trusty Audio Research DAC5 in the following configuration:

1) Mini Mac - USB out to Hagtech interface box
2) Hagtech interface box out to SPDIF input on ARC DAC5
3) DAC 5 direct to Levinson 23.5 power amp

To my surprise, (and as per Lustformusic's Foobar suggestion) I was able to easily adjust volume using the software when surfing around iTunes and Pandora, suggesting no preamp required?

Having said that, it did not sound great - just pretty good, so would appreciate any clarity on how attenuating the digital signal (?) might be compromising sound quality and how to improve upon that.

A friend from Audiogon has told me he has come close to perfected bit perfect rips to iTunes, which can be controlled using an iPad.

That too is of interest if anyone is using an iPad to browse their collection?
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