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Sound through Macbook vs DAC

I have been pondering how much to spend on a DAC. But unlike normal circumstances, its not becuase I cannot decide on a model, its becuase my Macbook sounds really good even with out one! I hooked up my Dads marantz CD player for comparison. The CD player was much brighter than my Macbook, even though I had it connected with a radioshack cable. Does every computer sound really good or do Apples sound a bit better straight from the card. I relized that a DAC will increase sound stage, dynamics, and transparency, but is it worth the 2000 dollars for a bel canto? My set up includes Totem Model 1's and a Classe 151 amp. Thanks
macd

Showing 2 responses by kijanki

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,452 posts
 
"I relized that a DAC will increase sound stage, dynamics, and transparency, but is it worth the 2000 dollars"

Nobody can answer this question but you. Benchmark DAC runs around $1000 and is good. Bel Canto DAC2 is, according to Stereophile, better - fuller, more organic but is it worth extra $1000? - again you have to answer. There are some decent DACs around $500 that might be good enough for you. Computer sound card cannot be as good as good DAC, in my opinion, but again might be good enough for you. You have to try. Benchamark has free lease (direct) for 30 days and I'm pretty sure similar can be arranged with Bel Canto or dealer. Try different cables as well.

Brighter sound is not bad (compare to dull sound) as long as it's not too bright.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,452 posts
 
Mimberman - I think you're right it was DAC3 and it was more than $2000 (maybe $2500).
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