You haven't mentioned if your digital files are stored in a lossless format or the more common lossy MP3 format. If they are MP3s, the first thing to do (if you own the original discs) is to re-rip using something like JR River jukebox or Media Monkey in a lossless format like FLAC. Then I would recommend the HRT II+ USB DAC which costs $350 new and is powered off the USB bus so you can easily take it. I'd add a pair of decent RCA interconnects that you can buy used here for $100 and you would be good to go. The USB cable, to my ears, is not that important. If have some $ left over you might want to upgrade the interconnect btwn the pre and the power amp if its a basic freebie type.
someone help me please i am a newb
I am new to high(er)-end stereo, i was recently given a stereo system that I would like to start adding to. I have a Mcintosh C33 preamp into B&K ST140 stereo amp and dual 1218 turntable and i want to either 1)get a DAC to play my digital music catalogue stored on my dell inspiron 530 or
2)screw it and upgrade to a better turntable
I have a budget of ~$500-$750
that said, i would like to understand computer to DAC playback/setup...like, should i be concerned about the quality of my computer/usb output?...or does the DAC pretty much negate that?...and maybe some of you could suggest other things i need to think about, thanks
2)screw it and upgrade to a better turntable
I have a budget of ~$500-$750
that said, i would like to understand computer to DAC playback/setup...like, should i be concerned about the quality of my computer/usb output?...or does the DAC pretty much negate that?...and maybe some of you could suggest other things i need to think about, thanks