I'd completely agree with Sfar regarding making an improvement in the digital conversion (the DAC in the AE leaves a whole lot to be desired). But if you are hearing "distortions" I wonder if it isn't the amp(s) in those active speakers? Why are you using a preamp? Have you tried removing the preamp and going straight to the speakers (I'm assuming they have a volume control)? Usually active speakers do not require a preamp in between to boost the signal. Regardless, an external DAC will likely improve things, though I'm not certain it will get rid of the "distortions" you are hearing - can you expand on that description?
My office setup
I recently put together a small office system and I'm trying to get the best quality of sound when I play music from my iMac Intel Core 2 Duo computer.
I am currently playing my music wirelessly through my AirTunes and then running a monster cable to my Parasound Halo 3 preamp. From the preamp, I'm using a couple of Mogami balanced cables to go to my two Quad 12L active speakers.
The sound is ok, but I have been noticing some distortion, even when I'm playing Apple Lossless files. I was wondering if anyone knew how to maximize my sound quality with this setup. I am not looking to buy a lot of extra components, but I just wanted to know if there was an easy fix to this problem?
I am currently playing my music wirelessly through my AirTunes and then running a monster cable to my Parasound Halo 3 preamp. From the preamp, I'm using a couple of Mogami balanced cables to go to my two Quad 12L active speakers.
The sound is ok, but I have been noticing some distortion, even when I'm playing Apple Lossless files. I was wondering if anyone knew how to maximize my sound quality with this setup. I am not looking to buy a lot of extra components, but I just wanted to know if there was an easy fix to this problem?