PC Based Audio - How?


I am hearing a lot of good things about PC audio as a replacement for conventional CD players. My question is threefold; first, what are the basic components I need to run a Mac laptop based PC audio system? Secondly, is it possible to simply feed the digital output from a Mac laptop (or MS Windows laptop) into my Krell HTS 7.1 processor for D/A conversion? Finally, any advantage/disadvantage using a laptop over a desktop for CD storage/playback? Any comments on equipment choice (say for a $2k budget), software and file ripping/storage formats would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your advise.

Regards,

Marcus
mgattmch
I use Windows Media Player to rip discs to lossless .wav format and as a music server on a Toshiba Vista PC. I use a Roku Soundbridge (~$200) with an outboard tube DAC (mhdt Paradisea)connected via standard RCA phono ICs to my audio system that also connects via a wireless WiFi connection to the remote laptop music server.

Use the similar music server program (not sure what that is though) to Windows Media Player that is provided on the MAc in a similar configuration and you will have a flexible and great sounding music server setup with sound that can play in the big leagues.
Marcus,

Using a MAC laptop is probably the easiest way to do PC based audio. Yep, you can take the digital output from your MAC directly into your processor. You just need to rip your music to iTunes using Apple lossless or AIFF. Don't forget to turn on error correction too when you set the ripping format.

I'm not sure how good the DACs are in the Krell. If you like it and want to try to squeeze out a little more sonic purity, try a quality external DAC next.

Enjoy,

TIC
Yes, it's possible assuming your computer has audio outputs compatible with your Krell processor. Most modern computers have digital output via COAX and/or Toslink (optical). If not you can add a soundcard or external converter. The direct connection from your stock computer to the Krell would not be the ideal solution though.

dBpoweramp for ripping in FLAC format in windows. Apple lossless for the MAC. Windows Vista is better than XP for audio.

What I do is connect my Vista desktop, or XP laptop to a Saffire LE via firewire then out to the DAC (also a Paradisea) via COAX then stereo RCA to the NuForce processor...amp...speakers. I bypass the DAC running the COAX direct to the processor for 5.1. I've also used the desktop's onboard audio COAX output direct to the processor, but had periodic noise/interference issues this way. The DAC is currently connected with my CD changer (transport) and not the computer.

There are literally hundreds of product options, and several connection options including wireless, ethernet, firewire, USB, I2S (electrical serial bus interface), S/PDIF - COAX (RCA or BNC connector), or FO5 optical (Toslink), or AES/EBU...
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