2. pc-audio
  3. 1287762377

PC audio with S/pdif input only

Ok, I am really in the dark when it comes to computer audio....

What I want to do is have the ability to run Itunes, pandora, internet radio etc. through my Simaudio Andromeda. The Andromeda only has the S/PDIF digital input. My goal is to run a digital signal only into this connection and let the DAC's inside the player do the thinking. Not too difficult I don't think but I just don't know where to start.

It sure would be nice to do this wireless....... don't know if that is an option.

I have an imac with the airport extreme running wifi throughout the house but I was thinking of getting a laptop to do the computer audio in my listening room. From what I understand I could get an airport express and plug into this room extending the wireless.

Other option is just a short cable from a laptop but most new laptops seem to be usb?? Do they make a converter for usb to S/PDIF.

Is the S/PDIF connection capable of extracting the bit rates to make it worth my while i.e. close to cd quality??

Thanks.
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Showing 3 responses by ballan

ballan
184 posts
 
Does your DAC have a toslink optical input?

It seems like all you need is an Apple AirPort Express (APE). The APE has an optical digital output, which means that you'll need a "mini toslink" cable. Since you use an iMac, iTunes and AirPort Extreme, it should be a simple setup. By adding the APE you will be able to stream iTunes and other AirPlay applications.

There are 3 cable manufactures that make high quality "mini optical" cables:
1. Lifatec Silflex
2. WireWorld SuperNova 6
3. VanDenHul Opticoupler

Let me know if you have any questions or need help.
ballan
184 posts
 
It looks like your player/DAC only has coaxial. The APE doesn't have a coaxial output, so you would need a coaxial-to-optical adaptor, which I don't care too much for. I recommend staying away from adaptors if you can.

You might want to have a look at the Sonos system. It allows iTunes integration and has a coaxial output. The controller options are flexible and relaible.

If you do it correctly, you'll discover that streaming high quality music files into a DAC can rival the performance of expensive CD transports.
ballan
184 posts
 
The Hagerman HagUSB is a great converter and one that I recommend.

Note: You'll need to connect the HagUSB directly to your Mac. The AirPort Express has an USB port, but it does not transmit audio. It's used as a print server for USB printers.
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