" I used to aspire to a dCS based CD player"
Me too. I'm glad I did some experimentation first to change my mind....
Me too. I'm glad I did some experimentation first to change my mind....
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
Thanks in advance for your advise.
Regards,
Marcus
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- 12 posts total
Do some reading - find a DAC that is reknown for jitter rejection and that accepts all the standard digital inputs (AES/EBU, S/PDIF, TOSLINK and now USB) and off you go - start auditioning for the sound style you like (all D to A converters will have subtle differences). Unlike what Eric says - as long as your DAC is robust at jitter rejection then you can even consider an Airport Express or just about anything else which has less than stellar jitter performance. Think about it - your source may likely change over the years - so apart from finding a DAC that you like the sound of - your biggest consideration should be to find one with as many inputs as possible and reputable jitter immunity...then just plug and play. |
Right now I'm looking for my best options using the USB output from a Mac into a DAC via I2s, bypassing S/PDIF altogether. Dean - you may want to check out Empirical Audio's gear. It may be just what you are looking for. Marco |
- 12 posts total