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Looking at simple set-up for iMac to preamp

Hello all - Without a total degrade of soundI am looking for the simpliest format to listen to internet radio through my main system. System is simple - CD to integrated or to preamp w/tube monos to speakers. All connections are standard RCA. I am certainly willing to spend the bucks if needed but if it is only a particular cable, adapter, splitter or the like I hate to re-invent the wheel. As above I want to connect the iMac into the preamp. Can someone spell this out slowly for me?
Assistance much apprectaied.
Rich
kckrs
tan43
128 posts
 
Get one of the HRT Streamer dacs. Simply hook the Imac via USB to dac and rcas from dac to pre.
I did the same just to listen to internet.
meiwan
399 posts
 
If your cd player has a digital in (optical), you can just run a toslink cable from the headphone out on your iMac to the cd optical in. This uses the dac in your cd player.

If not, you can get great sound running toslink to any outboard dac, then rca to your pre.

I also like Tan43's suggestion.
afranta
180 posts
 
Try a Behringer UCA202 (usb out from the iMac, connect via analog RCA interconnects to the integrated). I'm using one in my office, and it's shockingly good for the money (less than 30 bucks).
kckrs OP
38 posts
 
Thanks all - initially I will go with the low down, dirty and cheap solution as layed out by ths364 and onemug. Nest I will try the Behringer by afranta. Other solutuins may come but with no Dac new equipment needs to be purchased. How about some of the Class D and T integrated's like Bel Canto with internal Dac's and what appears to be direct hook up to what I want to accomplish? I also read on the Cambridge NP3, looks interesting. It will nice listening to Jazz 24.org as I do at the office and just let it flow. I'll have it set up this weeked on the simple and go from there, thanks again.
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