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  3. 1420472019

Computer Audio for Dummies


I would like to get my feet wet in computer audio, but will admit my knowledge is very limited about it.
I have a MacBook Pro laptop. The rest of my system can be seen in my system page.
Here’s what I know I want to do right off the bat;

Build a library that I can pick and choose what to play- mostly for convenience & backround music. But if it is good enough, might become a source for serious listening.

Record music from some/ all of my other sources.

Download music.

I haven’t done anything yet other than purchase a stereo cable that allows me to hook one end to an unused input in my pre amp and the other to my headphone jack on my Mac.

Should I look into a DAC or somethingthing between the two for better sound quality?

Thanks in advance and please, easy on me as I know not too munch in the digital/ computer world.
markpao

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
You will need a DAC for decent sound quality. Start with something less expensive like a Concero or metrum octave. Drive it with a good USB cable like an audioquest diamond or coffee. USB cable should be 1.5-9 feet long, no shorter or longer.

Start with a good playback software on the Mac, like Audirvana or Fidelio. Some are free. Rip your CDs to wav or ALAC format using free software tool XLD:
http://tmkk.pv.land.to/xld/index_e.html

Other tips:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/recommended-systems

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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