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what is a lazy old audiophile to do?

I am an old audiophile. Left behind by technology. I'm tired of replacing tubes, want convenience, if not simplicity (maybe simplicity). I decided to put my CD's on a computer hard drive and play from there. I have a new Pioneer SC-07 ( I know, not audiophile), new Imac with all the latest, Kef 205/2 speakers. The only connection from the Imac to the receiver is the headphones out from the Imac - (tiny). I have no idea why Apple is so uninterested in audio. I may send back the Imac and get a Dell with sound card and HDMI out, which I can connect to the Pioneer. My question: is this stupid? That is, am I trying to do something that will never satisfy my ear? I care a lot about the sound (have a thirty year old pair of Snell Type A's in the other room that I love). Can I get decent sound with the convenience of the computer? How? I don't really care about surround sound or movie crashes; I just want really good audio through my computer.
twilightround

Showing 1 response by mrjstark

mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
"Apple makes an airport device that apparently can act as a DAC, but I have no idea how good it is. My sense so far (after several attempts to find anyone at Apple who is knowledgeable) is that Apple doesn't care much about this stuff. Seems kind of short-sighted."

12-18-08: Twilightround

That is not true................ actually, Apple cares more about quality audio then others in the computer industry.

Back to your originally posted question.
USB DAC with upcoming Mac Mini and handy-dandy Apple remote control would satisfy even the most discriminating audiophile.

The question is:
which component(s) best suit your needs?

- DAC choice (to match your preferences, taste & budget)
- Source: PC, Mac (MacBook/Air/Mini/iPod-iWadia transporter), Sonos etc.

The easiest approach that represents the best value vs performance would be
Mac Mini (new Mini is about to hit the streets) and quality USB DAC.
Two ways to navigate your iTunes library:
1) via Apple remote control ($29)
2) via iPod Touch ($229 and up)

Both remotes work flawlessly. iPod touch gives you more control tho.

Good luck with your quest........whatever you end up choosing.

Mariusz
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