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what is a lazy old audiophile to do?

I am an old audiophile. Left behind by technology. I'm tired of replacing tubes, want convenience, if not simplicity (maybe simplicity). I decided to put my CD's on a computer hard drive and play from there. I have a new Pioneer SC-07 ( I know, not audiophile), new Imac with all the latest, Kef 205/2 speakers. The only connection from the Imac to the receiver is the headphones out from the Imac - (tiny). I have no idea why Apple is so uninterested in audio. I may send back the Imac and get a Dell with sound card and HDMI out, which I can connect to the Pioneer. My question: is this stupid? That is, am I trying to do something that will never satisfy my ear? I care a lot about the sound (have a thirty year old pair of Snell Type A's in the other room that I love). Can I get decent sound with the convenience of the computer? How? I don't really care about surround sound or movie crashes; I just want really good audio through my computer.
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xtwilightround
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Forget about AirPort Express unless you you willing to buy a reclocker for it. Very high jitter. Compared to even a mediocre CD player it is poor.

The only things I have found with decent jitter in stock form are:
Apple TV
Squeezebox or Duet

For ease-of use, you cannot beat the Sonos, but it really needs reclocking IMO.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
"Apple makes an airport device that apparently can act as a DAC, but I have no idea how good it is. My sense so far (after several attempts to find anyone at Apple who is knowledgeable) is that Apple doesn't care much about this stuff. Seems kind of short-sighted."

12-18-08: Twilightround

That is not true................ actually, Apple cares more about quality audio then others in the computer industry.

Back to your originally posted question.
USB DAC with upcoming Mac Mini and handy-dandy Apple remote control would satisfy even the most discriminating audiophile.

The question is:
which component(s) best suit your needs?

- DAC choice (to match your preferences, taste & budget)
- Source: PC, Mac (MacBook/Air/Mini/iPod-iWadia transporter), Sonos etc.

The easiest approach that represents the best value vs performance would be
Mac Mini (new Mini is about to hit the streets) and quality USB DAC.
Two ways to navigate your iTunes library:
1) via Apple remote control ($29)
2) via iPod Touch ($229 and up)

Both remotes work flawlessly. iPod touch gives you more control tho.

Good luck with your quest........whatever you end up choosing.

Mariusz
spiritualized
138 posts
 
Same as this lazy old audiophile:

MacBook > iTunes > Wavelength Brick USB DAC > Preamp

I have my library ripped Apple Lossless to 3 external Lacie 500 GB drives.

Very satisfactory solution.
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
I you are a rich man, the best solution would be to send a blank check to Steve @ Empirical and ask him to send you a custom set up. He may ask you to download a free media player like Foobar or JRiver Jukebox.

If you are poor like me: USB out to Behringer headphone amp/DAC(16/48)for $30 on-line @ Part Express or an Edirol (24/96 DAC)for $80@ Amazon.com. Analog RCAs out to your receiver. This will beat your current set up becuase it gets the D to A conversion out of the computer.
Mike19
puerto
372 posts
 
Twilightround: A couple of years ago I went through the same mental gymnastics that you are experiencing. In the end, after hours of reading (here and elsewhere) I bought an iMac, imported all the CDs into iTunes using an AIFF format, backed up into a Cavalry mirrored external hard drive and did the following:

iMac >>Optical Digital Cable (from headset output) to a simple Pop Pulse signal converter >>"out" of the Pop Pulse via coax cable to my Krell processor. Works great!! If you do not have a processor then, without question, the DAC would be the way to go. Use the DAC to replace the Pop Pulse and go directly to your pre-amp or amplifier.

There are several great solutions offered above by other members using DACs.

It's easy, simple and effective. I love my iTunes set-up.
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