That's correct, I meant RCA into pre-amp.
So why not iTunes? I'm not defending it and don't like it very much, I'm just curious. I've read articles where other audiophiles use it when it is set up properly (not to mess with the files) and apparently the USB bypasses the computer's sound card. Can anyone explain (in simple terms)?
This old iMac will also not run the latest OS and not sure the recommended apps will run on it.
Also, keep in mind, I'm not a audiophile yet and to be honest the regular iTunes files run through the RCA to 3.5mm jack sound decent to me. Alac files sound even better by the same route....so maybe I would notice? I don't know. |
I see. Unfortunately neither Amarra or Audirvana will run on this old iMac so it seems either it or they are out of the picture and I guess I'm back to square one. I'll check with some of the other apps mentioned here. Or maybe I'll just try it the way I said just to see what it sounds like. If I don't like the SQ I will not have lost more than $100 in the low end DAC.
Thanks for the help and the info. |
Another dumb question: How do I get streaming from my computer into the pre-amp? Would this also require a DAC? |
Thanks guys. I think I'l check on Bitperfect. I'll also see how far I can upgrade the OS on the old iMac. I was really hoping to find a use for it.
Given the recommendations above I'd be into this for close $500 (which is not bad all things considered) but I'm still not sure how deep I want to dive into this hobby. I think in the meantime I will work on my CD collection. I know that is 'old tech' these days but I already have a good CD player and CDs sound awesome on this system already without me spending a penny.
Just ordered Dark Side of the Moon and Aja CDs to replace my iTunes versions.
If I decide to put together a digital system I can always rip these CDs later.
Will look into streaming as well.
Thanks again. |
Okay, so I'm testing the waters. Trying to tell what's going to be real and important to me and what isn't.
So, I brought the old iMac down and ripped Synchronicity by the Police into it using the computer's CD drive. AIFF file. Then played it back through the headphone jack with a 'y' cable (a good one) and it just did not sound good. Put the actual CD into the CD player and compared them back and forth. The difference is huge. Of course.
I know I'm comparing worst case vs best case but it does tell me.....I think... that there is no sense spending time and money running stuff through iTunes and a headphone jack.
I might try to upgrade the OS on the iMac to where it will run Bitperfect through the Schiit DAC. I realize that is still low end....but it will have to be better than what I just heard.
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mahler, don't worry about being pedantic. I do know that CD's are digital (and that apparently my old Arcam player has a 'good' DAC) but otherwise all of this gets very confusing for someone new to it all.
And you may be right about not going down this rabbit hole. But there is an appeal to libraries of music, playlists, etc, right at your fingertips. But I agree, pursuing that appeal at a high level is probably beyond the limited budget I have for this hobby. I will probably spend the rest of it on CDs.
I think one audiophile trait that I have is that I do like to dabble and fiddle with stuff. I've got to put a lid on that. ;-) |
Thanks. I will consider that as well but the question (because I'm new to this) remains, how does one of these interface with the pre-amp and how can I control it remotely? (Of course I can and will research this myself.) |
lowrider, I don't know if you're making a wrong assumption about how ignorant I am about all this or a correct assumption about how gullible I am because I cannot find a setting for Optical Digital Out Port on my MacBook Pro (10 years old) or the old iMac (12 years old). But you did make me look. ;-)
I have not check the new iMac yet. |
Thanks David. I'll check that out. |
Ah, that link helps. I'll need some time to study it. |
lowrider, thanks for the clarification. I'll check it out when I get home.
I do not have any sort of USB setup or DAC at this point. I'm just exploring options and seeing what I can get away with on the cheap.
I've probably got 20 CDs 'ripped' but just at the basic iTunes settings so in essence I'll be starting from scratch if I decide to go this route. |
lowrider said:
"n80, if your Mac is running OS 10.4 to about 10.6 you will see the Optical Digital Out Port setting in System Preferences/Sound as soon as the Y-cord is inserted into the headphone jack. Otherwise, Preferences/Sound will display Internal Speakers."
I think you must be yanking my chain now. It does change from internal speakers to headphone but nothing there but balance and volume. that's with 10.6 and 10.8. |
Okay, I get it all the way up to the point that I plug the Toslink cable into the pre-amp. My pre-amp is an AR LS16 tube model. The only input is XLR or RCA. Does a DAC need to go in between?
Don't feel like you have to coach me through this. I know I'm hopelessly ignorant in all this. I can continue to do the necessary leg work.
And thanks for all the help so far. |
So does the Toslink via the headphone jack to DAC provide any benefit over USB to DAC? |
