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Hi-end sound from iTunes running on MacPro

Like many, I have found myself with an extensive iTunes library of music, most is now converted to "lossless" format. My desire for hi-end playback has become rekindled and I am wondering what my options are. My "good stuff" is 20 years old. I have a Theta DS Pro Basic Dac along with a Theta Jade transport for CD play. The Dac has one RCA digital input (and perhaps a balanced jack as well). My power amp is a Boulder 500 and a pair of B&W 801 Matrix speakers. I like my Theta DS Pro Basic but it is a dinosaur, perhaps ready to retire.
I am hoping that my MacPro digital output (USB or Toslink) can be used by a DAC for "hi-end" playback. Using the micro plug analog from the Mac to my preamp yields modest results.
I am hoping someone can give me direction on what would be a reasonable DAC vs what is a reasonable expectation on quality of play back.
I have found many options from $14 to $20K and I am finding it difficult to find good definitive advise. Please help.
georgedunham

Showing 1 response by bhobba

bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
I have tried many players on the Mac and Pure Music is good but the best I find is actually one of the cheapest - BitPerfect:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bitperfect/id455545700?mt=12

As to the DAC Steve's suggestion of a WFS is true - fed with I2S it is indeed very good and world class but for my taste slightly analytical - but this is a personal preference thing. As to what to feed it, Steve cant mention this because he is the maker, but his Off-Ramp is the best.

The Metrum and NAD M51 are also very good and both benefit from Steve's Off-Ramp - especially the Metrum.

Another excellent option is Steve's Overdrive DAC:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/

Still another option is the PDX which is my favorite USB DAC:
http://www.lenehanaudio.com.au/index.php/products/pdx-usb-dac.html

Disclosure:
I live close to the maker of the PDX and go down there all the time to check out their stuff as well as owning a lot of their gear which probably makes me biased.

Thanks
Bill
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