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Looking at simple set-up for iMac to preamp

Hello all - Without a total degrade of soundI am looking for the simpliest format to listen to internet radio through my main system. System is simple - CD to integrated or to preamp w/tube monos to speakers. All connections are standard RCA. I am certainly willing to spend the bucks if needed but if it is only a particular cable, adapter, splitter or the like I hate to re-invent the wheel. As above I want to connect the iMac into the preamp. Can someone spell this out slowly for me?
Assistance much apprectaied.
Rich
kckrs
onemug
784 posts
 
I see Ths364 posted while I was typing mine. Ya got me :-)
magfan
1,583 posts
 
The MAC optical outputs are great. You'd have to add a DAC, however.
IF the confuser is located away from the stereo, you could use an Apple TV or an Airport Express, either of which can be run in 'client' mode...that is, without a wireless network. I do that with my iMac and run the AE as a 'dead end'.
Minimum additional expense would be maybe 500$ for the AE and a DacMagic.
tan43
128 posts
 
Get one of the HRT Streamer dacs. Simply hook the Imac via USB to dac and rcas from dac to pre.
I did the same just to listen to internet.
meiwan
399 posts
 
If your cd player has a digital in (optical), you can just run a toslink cable from the headphone out on your iMac to the cd optical in. This uses the dac in your cd player.

If not, you can get great sound running toslink to any outboard dac, then rca to your pre.

I also like Tan43's suggestion.
afranta
180 posts
 
Try a Behringer UCA202 (usb out from the iMac, connect via analog RCA interconnects to the integrated). I'm using one in my office, and it's shockingly good for the money (less than 30 bucks).
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