I have both setups running in my house and I don't feel that I lose any quality by streaming to the apple tv or AE. I don't do hi Rez so it's not an issue for me that can't stream hi Rez. I personally would much rather stream to a higher quality DAC than have to split the funds between a Mac mini and a DAC and run direct.
Airport Express/Apple TV into DAC vs Mac into DAC
Hi guys,
Due to budget constraints I might not be able to purchase a Mac Mini for my living room audio/video setup.
1st option -
Use either an Airport Express or Apple TV hooked up to an affordable DAC (yet to be selected)
- most probably Apple TV so I can stream my movies/tv shows directly into my TV as well.
- need to get an optical DAC (can't seem to find good optical DACs that are as cheap as say the HRT Streamer ii)
2nd option -
Use my Macbook Pro and plug in direct to DAC
- clunky option, cuz I would need to constantly plug and unplug my MBP when I need to do work on it
- can use cheaper USB DACs like the HRT Streamer II
Question -
Would I suffer reduced audio quality with the Airport Express/Apple TV route - as compared to plugging the DAC directly into my Macbook Pro?
Many thanks in advance!
Due to budget constraints I might not be able to purchase a Mac Mini for my living room audio/video setup.
1st option -
Use either an Airport Express or Apple TV hooked up to an affordable DAC (yet to be selected)
- most probably Apple TV so I can stream my movies/tv shows directly into my TV as well.
- need to get an optical DAC (can't seem to find good optical DACs that are as cheap as say the HRT Streamer ii)
2nd option -
Use my Macbook Pro and plug in direct to DAC
- clunky option, cuz I would need to constantly plug and unplug my MBP when I need to do work on it
- can use cheaper USB DACs like the HRT Streamer II
Question -
Would I suffer reduced audio quality with the Airport Express/Apple TV route - as compared to plugging the DAC directly into my Macbook Pro?
Many thanks in advance!