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Help me set up new stereo system

Just bought Revel Studio2 speakers and a Hegel h300 integrated amp (has DAC).

I have a pretty big iTunes library and have no CD's at all. Not sure of the format of the music files when I put my CD's into iTunes. I'd really like to get great sound out of my system and would like NOT to re-buy hundreds of CD's.

I'm OK with buying a Mac Mini but not sure how to hook up everything. I'll transfer over my library to the Mac Mini but then I'm a bit lost. Best to hook the Mini up to the Hegel via USB? And then use something like jRiver to manage the music? What about wanting to buy new music that may not be available on a high resolution site, do I buy the CD and just import it to the iTunes library?

Thanks for the help..
seanile

Showing 3 responses by richardfinegold

richardfinegold
196 posts
 
What do you currently store your I tunes library on? Is it cloud based or on a hard drive?
What kind of digital inputs does the DAC have? USB only or are there coax and/or Optical inputs?
If your current iTunes is in mp3 or lower resolution, I wouldn't worry to much about any of this, because you won't be able to hear a difference regardless.
richardfinegold
196 posts
 
You may want to check for ways not to use USB, which in general is of lesser quality than other digital transfer mediums. Some Mac Minis have offered Optical outputs in the past but I'm not sure about the current offerings.
I hate to sound like an arrogant snob--actually I am an arrogant snob, but Ihate sounding like one--but since you have done low bit rate transfers, it probably doesn't matter what decisions you make because there won't be much of a difference. In a way, that is comforting.
I would just use the USB output of your present Computer and learn how to manage files in higher bit rates. When you have more confidence and experience and a larger library of higher res files, then start investigating replay options and technology.
richardfinegold
196 posts
 
Your plan sounds excellent. Does your DAC hanle DSD? If not you can still get great sound without the DSD
I actually use I tunes with a Mac Air which has a thunderbolt output. I have a FireWire DAC, and use a thunderbolt to FW adapter. Redbook CD
Sounds great and downloads (24/192) as well. My Oppo 105 is used for my SACDs, DVD-A and Blu Ray and the grand total of my 2 DSD downloads. I tunes works for me but I don't use it for High res downloads, which I keep on a separe USB drive and use Decibel for playback . It all works, sounds great, and I still play vinyl and CDs.
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