Do some on-line homework. Get your feet wet with a DAC that's somewhat proportional to your setup's quality- don't experiment with something too "cheap" or extravagant. There's an element of risk to your initial entry into computer audio but risk can be managed by limiting your outlay, perhaps buying used (remember Moore's Law is in effect though- buying a used DAC is buying older technology). But you will have access to a huge amount of sources via the net and a new way to use CD's. I've experienced frustration but also a lot of fun.
Too many DAC decisions
Yes, I know, you just have to hold your nose and jump in the water, sooner or later. But in this case, we’re talking not chump change when investing in a venture in computer audio. I will commit to the Mac Mini, a Raid or Drobos backup, various cabling….but the dac! I’m not especially ‘digital’ literate, and cannot fathom the different sampling rates, connections (USB 2, and future 3, fire wire, I2s, thunderbolt, etc.). But my main expense will be a decent dac. I’m 200 miles away from a major metropolitan area. Even if I could get someone to send samples of dacs, setting up individual software/cabling/drivers would be beyond my means. What to consider?
Young, Weiss, Berkley, Zodiac, Invicta, Meitner, and on, and on, until next week, when a bevy of high-end dacs will appear to muddy the picture (and decision making process).
I am sure I’m am not the only one to be in this quandary; I read on this forum and others (Asylum, Computer Audio, several manufacturers web sites) similar rants but I can’t seem to see the best solution to making an informed decision. Listening to dacs in dealer’s showrooms is an artificial evaluation, compared to your home environment. Sorry for the verbosity, but I am ready to make to leap but don’t know which way to jump.
Young, Weiss, Berkley, Zodiac, Invicta, Meitner, and on, and on, until next week, when a bevy of high-end dacs will appear to muddy the picture (and decision making process).
I am sure I’m am not the only one to be in this quandary; I read on this forum and others (Asylum, Computer Audio, several manufacturers web sites) similar rants but I can’t seem to see the best solution to making an informed decision. Listening to dacs in dealer’s showrooms is an artificial evaluation, compared to your home environment. Sorry for the verbosity, but I am ready to make to leap but don’t know which way to jump.