The Trends audio unit would be a very good start if you already owned a Dac. An outboard Dac is the best way to go IMHO. Get as much of the conversion away from the Mac as you can. You will hear an improvement in sound. There are some inexpensive Dacs out there in your price range. I have no experience with them. Something like the Fubar II should do the trick.
Connect Macs to analog amplifier?
I have 2 systems I need to maximize the sound quality from Itunes to stereo.
My main system is a Musical Fidelity A300 that connects to a G4 laptop. (Mission 735 speakers soon to be upgraded)
My secondary system is a Nakamichi receiver with Triangle Stella ES speakers
which connects to a new MacPro Tower.
Both the MF and the Nak have only RCA jacks and I need to find an affordable way to get the most out of my digital music. I was looking in the $100-$150
range and consider Blue Circle USB Thingee, Trends Audio UD-10.2, or M-Audio Audiophile USB. Im overwhelmed as there are so many ways to do this.
Suggestions much appreciated!
My main system is a Musical Fidelity A300 that connects to a G4 laptop. (Mission 735 speakers soon to be upgraded)
My secondary system is a Nakamichi receiver with Triangle Stella ES speakers
which connects to a new MacPro Tower.
Both the MF and the Nak have only RCA jacks and I need to find an affordable way to get the most out of my digital music. I was looking in the $100-$150
range and consider Blue Circle USB Thingee, Trends Audio UD-10.2, or M-Audio Audiophile USB. Im overwhelmed as there are so many ways to do this.
Suggestions much appreciated!