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starting from scratch almost , need advice

I posted a thread here (lazy old audiophile) last month about how to get music from my computer to my speakers. I think I've learned something since - many helpful responses re DACs, etc. Now I have decided to go back to the beginning, almost, and try to determine what is the best way to go. My cost goals are flexible, though I do want good value. I will probably try to find components used here on audiophile. What is fixed is my new iMac and a pair of Kef 205/2 reference speakers. I also have a nice old Technics SL1400mkII turntable and a paragon E tube preamp from the 70's, and a pretty basic (poor) CD player. (1) I understand that some integrated amps are now available with digital inputs, so I could go from the iMac to the integrated amp. Most of these do not have phono stages. If I go that route, can I use the paragon preamp as a phono stage and how? (2) Or I could get an amplifier and use the paragon, but would still have to get a DAC. (3) Or I could get a good SACD that I could also use as the DAC for signal from the Imac (which ones permit this?), or I could get a multifunction SACD, DVD etc, player (I do have HDTV and cable in the same room). I do not think of myself as an audiophile - but I do find that poorly reproduced music bores me. So without being particularly knowledgeable, or knowledgeable at all, I am kind of spoiled when it comes to decent sound. What would you do?
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10 responses Add your response
mb9061
137 posts
 
Best bet is to find a good integrated (I have an MF A5 integrated, but will be selling that once i get my hands on a tube integrated) and a good DAC that reclocks the computer usb signal before sending analog to the amp (i.e. a benchmark dac which I had for about 10 months and just sold). Be wary...too much solid state with digital (particularly computer digital via USB) may come accross as bright depending on your setup.

One cheap approach would be a Trends 10.1 USB to Coaxial interface device that you plug your IMac into (I've an IMac as well), feeding any reasonably priced DAC of your choice (many great ones for $300-$500) and then connect that into an integrated of your choice (or your current amp/preamp). Key thing is to either get a USB DAC that has a good digital clock on board, or get a good usb interface device that reclocks for you (anything from the trends up to an Emperical Audio device like the Turbo-3, which is pricey). If you don't handle the reclocking, you'll end up with pretty bad sound.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Several integrateds have a slot that allow you (or the manufacturer) to install an optional DAC board. Bryston and Accuphase are two that come to mind...
danmyers
135 posts
 
I see no one has replied so I'll add that if you buy from a reputable on-line merchant, they will let you try it in your house for 30 days. You do have to buy it, pay for shipping both ways, and wait for a refund, but if it's your only option, it's workable. IMO, Audio Adviser, is one such company:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/testimonials.asp

Before I had my Gallo Ref 3.1s, I owned a pair of Kef 104/2s and drove them with Musical Fidelity electronics. Match made in heaven, really, a great combo. All British kit, you know!
twilightround's avatar
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twilightround OP
39 posts
 
Danmyers - thank you for the link. It looks like it would work well, and I appreciate the advice on SACD. I am in a place (central Florida) where it is impossible to audition equipment. Can anyone comment on the sound of the A5.5?
danmyers
135 posts
 
Sure, the MF A5.5 would work as the DAC is built in with the pre, and the amp. Here is the manual which has extensive references to PC/MAC integration:

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/manuals/a55/a55int_eng.pdf

Never heard the A5.5, but I own a good deal of MF equipment and enjoy the heck out of it daily.

BTW, I also have a SACD collection and while I do love the sound, I would not recommend starting a new collection as the format is dying. IMO you should look to the new Blu-ray HD formats. Or, just buy a good redbook CD player for now and wait until more BR audio titles are available and there are more BR hi-res audiophile quality CDPs to choose from. On the other hand, you may be able to pick up SACDs & players very inexpensively...
twilightround's avatar
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twilightround OP
39 posts
 
Please ignore typo in last post (amps for watts) - should not post before awake. I do see that there is a Musical Fidelity A5.5 integrated amp with a USB input and 250 wpc. Could I not go directly from the iMac to that? Does anyone have experience with it?
twilightround's avatar
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twilightround OP
39 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I think I need at least 100 amps for these speakers, would probably prefer 150 to 250. That seems to leave out the Peachtree and maybe the Music Hall. I don't now have a SACD collection - but as my wife and friends complain that there is no gift they can get me when gifts are supposed to be given, I thought for their sake I might start one. I have been told the Cambridge 840c and 740c CD players can be used as a DAC from the iMac, and wondered if there are others. What about the paragon E preamp as a phono stage leading to the amp or integrated amp?
sammie
220 posts
 
1. As far as an integrated that also features a DAC, this is the only one I'm aware of: Peachtree Audio Decco. And, this little integrated is well regarded.

2. I think Dan is right, you'll have to get a new phono stage, which can be connected to the Decco.

3. Can a CDP be connected to an IMAC? Toslink? I'm not sure. One thing to keep in mind, SACD discs cannot be ripped, so if you have a SACD collection, you'll need a player.

There's lots of good multi-disc players out there, including the aforementioned Denon.
danmyers
135 posts
 
Take a look at this:

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/system1/digital-analog-converter/dac1-pre

which should work well as the hub of a basic modern stereo setup.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
A good place to start might be the Music Hall receiver/dac (forget the name) but I've heard it and its a pretty decent piece. You would need to add a stand alone phono stage. The rcvr is about $700 used, I think. A decent phono stage would cost you a few hundred (Lehman Black cube maybe). Add a Denon 3910 universla player for maybe $400. Or you could rip all of your CDs to the iMac and skip the universal player; sink those $ into a better phono stage.
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