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Macbook to USB to which one?

I'm taking my first venture into computer based music. My main system is described in the system link. I have not had much computer experience and I want it to be easy and painless. I plan on using iTunes AIFF, and also HD Tracks.

Which is the best way to go? USB to HRT + II music streamer, or USB to Musical Fidelity V-Dac, or, USB to Cambridge Audio DAC magic. The output of the selected DAC will get fed into a McIntosh C2300 auxilliary input via rca/rca audio cables.

Thank you for any and all assistance,
Bennett (hififile)
hififile
hotmailjbc
571 posts
 
with the music fidelity and i think the cambridge you get more flexibility with inputs but must be plugged into the wall. the hrt is usb input only. i have the hrt and the music fidelity and they work well and i have read great reviews about the cambridge. these products have lots of press. for the price i like them.
dynfan
2 posts
 
Which model MacBook do you have? If it Is a pro or the 2009 aluminum chassis MacBook it has a digital audio out on the headphone port. I have been using mine via the digital audio out. Via toslink directly to my pre-pro with great success.

Not to say a good external DAC would not improve the sound however if your MacBook has a digital audio out the right cable would let you dabble before you dropped the coin on the DAC.

Regards,
Wes
hififile OP
236 posts
 
Thank you Dynfan and Hotmailjbc. I appreciate the guidance. My main concern is an easy to use item with great sound.

I have an original MacBook (white casing). I have no other output than USB.
thesoundhouse
250 posts
 
Buy a 2010 Mac Mini instead, they sound much better than the MacBook. I have tried both. The Mac Mini is much quieter and has much lower noise floor. The power supply in the Mac Book has to power the screen which makes the MacBook noisy by comparison to the 2010 Mac Mini. Check out www.mach2music.com these guys know their stuff. I have one of their modified Mac Minis and I have not been able to find any CD player at any price that even compares to the Mach2Music Mac Mini.
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
Thesoundhouse ... I respect that your a dealer and that your experience is vast , but I find it hard to believe you can't find a CD player at any price that compares to a music server used at the same bit rate . I have the new IMac , ( no fan noise at all ) run from its digital output to a Levinson Dac ( #360s ) I've tried others , and the sound is considerable thiner than my mid fi CD player ( Marantz SA11 ) . The IMac has its own power conditioner and i'm using an audio grade power cord and digital link . If I'm doing something wrong please let me know .
Have just ordered the Ayre C5 .
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