AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Apple Core => Topic started by: SwedeSound on 1 Dec 2009, 07:16 pm

Title: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 1 Dec 2009, 07:16 pm
Friends, I could use your help.

We have a gorgeous new iMac arriving later this week (*see stats below), and I'm finally ready to create the iTunes-based music server system I've always dreamed about. I am planning to rip my entire CD collection (nearly 1,000 now with perhaps 10 more each month) in a lossless codec - most likely AIFF or Apple Lossless. I'll store those on a 1 TB external hard drive connected to the iMac leaving the machine's 500 GB hard drive for other uses. I have tested Apple's "Remote" app on my iPhone and I love it. It's like magic. So that would be the main way for me to find albums, songs and playlists in iTunes during most listening sessions.

The problem, however, is one of proximity. The new iMac will be on a desk roughly 20 feet (as the crow flies) from my main stereo system (a Harman/Kardon HK3480 amp driving Monitor Audio Studio 6's) and there is little chance of them getting much closer. They're in the same room essentially -- a great room that combines living room and dining room which is served by my existing WiFi set up.

I am most seriously considering running it through a USB DAC like the $89 Music Streamer http://blog.stereophile.com/ces2009/screamin_streamers/ (http://blog.stereophile.com/ces2009/screamin_streamers/)and going along the baseboards with a 5-meter USB cable to meet up with a pair of long and high-quality RCA interconnects a friend is loaning me (thanks, Paul).

The other option is something using the Wi-Fi connection. Maybe with an AirportExpress or Extreme? I guess I don't know what I would use for a connection at the stereo end should I go with the WiFi option. This is terribly overwhelming. Any thoughts?

If it's any help, with this setup I am aiming for:

*Affordability -- I really can't spend much. A couple hundred total. Tops.
*Simplicity -- I don't want to have to get another degree to set it up or run it.
*Fidelity -- no loss of bits/data/music between computer and amp

Swede's new iMac specs:
PROCESSOR -- 3.06GHZ INTEL CORE 2 DUO
MEMORY -- 8GB 1066MHZ DDR3 SDRAM - 4X2GB
HARD DRIVE -- 500GB SERIAL ATA DRIVE
GRAPHICS -- NVIDIA GEFORCE 9400M
OPTICAL DRIVE -- 8X DOUBLE-LAYER SUPERDRIVE
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Will2 on 1 Dec 2009, 08:00 pm
Hi,

I'm certainly no expert, but here's my reaction.  I've but have been facing similar issues and I think I would go with a toslink cable from the iMac fed to a DAC located with your main stereo system.  I like the toslink option becasue (a) it seems to me that the premium you have to pay for a quality Toslink cable is much less than for a quality USB cable and (b) it's easier to get reasonable quality toslink DACs than USB DACs (I'm led to believe that an external DAC adds a lot over most stock DAC's out there).  Going the WiFi option would likely be more expensive because you would still need an external DAC given how mediocre the DACs in the AirportExpress etc are.

Cheers
Will
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Crimson on 1 Dec 2009, 09:27 pm
Hi,

Your choices are:

1. A USB hookup as you've described.
2. A toslink connection as described by the poster above (you'd need an external dac assuming your receiver doesn't have one).
3. Plugging an Airport Express into the receiver, either via analog or toslink.
4. Using an Apple TV the same way as an Airport Express.
5. Analog out from the iMac straight to the receiver.
6. Using a Squeezebox, Sonos, or other similar wifi device.

If you're running an 802.11n network at home, I wouldn't hesitate to go with options 3,4, or 6.
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 2 Dec 2009, 04:26 am
Well, it seems the wi-fi route would send me down a long upgrade path. I am on an 802.11b/g network, so I worry about whether it could handle streaming lossless without dropouts. It seems if I can get a longer interconnect and keep the USB cable to under 6 meters, then I could run the iTunes through the Music Streamer and then straight into the stereo. Point A to Point B, solid physical connection. Done.

Or if I can find a way to relocate the stereo closer to the source, maybe I don't even need a longer interconnect. I mainly wanted to make sure there wasn't an affordable, reliable and simple wireless solution that I hadn't considered. I knew you guys would have the bases covered. Thanks so much.

Jason
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: mikesmith11 on 2 Dec 2009, 05:07 am
I would use a cable. Buying a good quality cable should ensure that the sound quality of your stereo system is very good. These are the ones i buy Speaker Cables (http://www.monstercable.com/pro_audio/speaker_cables.asp) - They work really well. Why not try them out??
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: srb on 2 Dec 2009, 05:30 am
I am on an 802.11b/g network, so I worry about whether it could handle streaming lossless without dropouts. It seems if I can get a longer interconnect and keep the USB cable to under 6 meters, then I could run the iTunes through the Music Streamer and then straight into the stereo. Point A to Point B, solid physical connection. Done.

I run two Airport Express in remote locations (bedroom and patio) on an 802.11g wireless network without audible dropouts, but I would completely loose the wireless connections on a regular basis when using the preferred WPA-2 security, and had to revert to using less desireable WEP security to maintain a reliable connection.
 
It just may be my older router (D-Link DI-624 with WPA-2 capability added in a later firmware update), and I might not have had any connection problems with a different or newer router.
 
But my main listening area is served with a wired connection, and like you say, is rock solid.  So I would say if you can logistically pull off a wired connection that would be the way to go.
 
One thing to keep in mind, if you plan to acquire any high-resolution music files, the HRT Music Streamer is limited to 16bit/48KHz files, while most S/PDIF DACs can accept 24bit/96KHz files.
 
If high-res music is something you would like to have the capability for, and/or if you are worried about long USB and analog interconnects, another way to go would be with an optical cable from the Mac to a DAC with an optical S/PDIF input.  I use a 35 ft. optical cable to my office system with no problem, but I don't have a DAC recommendation in the Music Streamer's price range that I know for sure is as good.
 
But here is one $105 DAC possiblity: http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/50-7774 (http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/50-7774)
 
Steve
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: oneinthepipe on 2 Dec 2009, 05:55 am
If you use a toslink (digital optical) cable with a 3.5mm adapter from your iMac's digital optical output jack (i.e.; headphone jack), and the DAC doesn't have a toslink input, you can use a toslink to coax adapter that is available from monoprice for less than 12.00.  My iMac's digital optical runs to a DAC, then the DAC's analog outputs runs to a preamp.  Works great!
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Geardaddy on 2 Dec 2009, 05:57 am
WiFi all the way.  It is sweet.  I use a modified Airport Express (Zardoz) with a Time Capsule (a N-based router/wireless HD) and experience no dropouts and excellent sonics.  I actually have several unmodified AEs in the house to feed other non-audiophile rigs.  This pleases the wife immensely and allows us to stream music to multiple rooms, etc.  WiFi also has potential jitter advantages as discussed by Steve Nugent in his recent article in ETM: (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/Magazine/manufacture/0509/).  I do understand your apprehension as there are a myriad of options....and a lot of opinions floating around the internet highway.   
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: K Shep on 2 Dec 2009, 05:42 pm
I would suggest the wired approach, especially for you listening room.  I too run an Airport Express from my Mac to other parts of the house with fair results.  Please share the rest of your system.  If you have a DAC/preamp that will accept XLR interconnects then we will have a different conversation.

Below is a photo of my setup, I would run a long USB (brick colored cable in photo) or long interconnects (silver/black colored cable in photo).

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=24208)
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 2 Dec 2009, 05:45 pm
Oooh. That Ayre DAC. You're killing me.  :D  I bet it's glorious.

Well, my budget such as it is, I am leaning toward the hard-wired approach if I can swing it. I am going to look at other DACs as well considering some of the hi-rez limitations mentioned in re: the Music Streamer.

Is there a preference in having either long interconnects or a longer USB? Or does it matter?

Edit:*I have a Harman/Kardon HK3480 integrated amp driving my Monitor Audio Studio 6s. My source is a 400-disc Sony CDP M333ES, which actually has tremendous sound, but still doesn't hold half my discs. Currently no DAC. The new iMac is coming Friday.

Jason
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: K Shep on 2 Dec 2009, 06:01 pm
Is there a preference in having either long interconnects or a longer USB? Or does it matter?

I apologize, I missed the H/K receiver you own.  IMO you are better off running long interconnects. 
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Will2 on 2 Dec 2009, 06:13 pm
Not to beat a dead horse here but ....... I'm not sure what the DAC is like in the HK receiver but you might consider whether it would be a better investment to buy a longer toslink cable and run it from the iMac to an external DAC that fed the HK receiver than to buy longer interconnects.  I try to avoid interconnects if I can because I've been surprised by the difference they can make and how expensive quality interconnects are.   
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Mike Nomad on 2 Dec 2009, 07:47 pm
~
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: srb on 3 Dec 2009, 01:02 am
I'm not sure what the DAC is like in the HK receiver but you might consider whether it would be a better investment to buy a longer toslink cable and run it from the iMac to an external DAC that fed the HK receiver than to buy longer interconnects.

Jason's HK3480 is an 'AV Receiver' in that it switches composite video along with stereo audio.  It is an analog-only receiver, there is no internal DAC.
 
I would get one of Monoprice's Premium Toslink optical cables which are pretty decent quality and sell for ~ $10.00 for 25 - 35 ft. length
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229)
 
and a Toslink Female to Toslink Mini Male Adapter to connect it to the Mac.  (They also sell a cable that actually terminates in Mini Toslink at one end, but not in their premium series)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042301&p_id=2671&seq=1&format=2 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042301&p_id=2671&seq=1&format=2)
 
Then you can decide which DAC you want to get that has a Toslink optical input. Some DACs like the Audio by Van Alstine don't have an optical input and would require a coaxial to optical adapter, but most DACs in your budget price range will (except of course for the low-priced USB-only DACs like the Music Streamer).
 
If for some reason you later decide you want to use an Airport Express instead of the long optical cable, you are only out the $10 for the cable.  In either case, I don't think you would be satisified with the internal DAC in the Airport Express for critical listening and would prefer the external DAC anyway.
 
Steve
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 3 Dec 2009, 04:06 am
Steve,

Thanks so much. That's the kind of powerful research and advice AC'ers bring to the table. I have a modestly priced but very resolving and musically satisfying system, so I don't want to take a step backwards. Frankly, I'd be happy if it was a wash sonically. I'm already enjoying the iPhone Remote app on my computer speakers so much, I can't imagine how much fun it would be to have access to ALL of my music through my main listening rig.

That MCM DAC you posted earlier http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/50-7774 (http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/50-7774) looks like a leading contender. I'll keep you posted. New iMac arrives Friday.

Jason
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Will2 on 3 Dec 2009, 12:58 pm
Jason,

Here are a few more DACs for you to consider:
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=320  (many come up for about $350 shipped used - like this one http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f43/fs-cambridge-audio-dacmagic-350-shipped-457050/ )
http://www.pacificvalve.us/PVFathom.html
and sometimes the AudioSector NOS DAC comes up used for about $300 - it comes highly regarded, as in this thread http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=56975.0 .  Peter Daniels (the designer) might even have one lying around - here's his e-mail phdaniel@sympatico.ca

Cheers
Will
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: chrisby on 3 Dec 2009, 08:26 pm

 

Then you can decide which DAC you want to get that has a Toslink optical input. Some DACs like the Audio by Van Alstine don't have an optical input and would require a coaxial to optical adapter, but most DACs in your budget price range will (except of course for the low-priced USB-only DACs like the Music Streamer).
  by many accounts, this is not a piece to be passed over based on the price and sole input

Quote


If for some reason you later decide you want to use an Airport Express instead of the long optical cable, you are only out the $10 for the cable.  In either case, I don't think you would be satisified with the internal DAC in the Airport Express for critical listening and would prefer the external DAC anyway.
 
Steve


I couldn't agree with ya more on that one Steve,  the big questions still remain:

- how many inputs & types do you really need? - a lot of budget to midrange DACs are actually minimally featured pre- and or headphone amps;  and
- how much do you want to spend on interconnects and adaptors - it wouldn't hard at all to be tempted  by the allure of USB or SPDIF cables that cost more than the DAC itself

there's just too dammed many choices already


ultimately of course, who wouldn't want affordable  high resolution and bulletproof wi-fi that can handle all formats and be controlled by an intuitive and customizable app from your laptop or iPod/Phone

then of course, there'd be nothing to complain about, except the content?

"dreamer, you silly little dreamer"
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: srb on 3 Dec 2009, 08:57 pm
...this [the HRT Music Streamer USB DAC] is not a piece to be passed over based on the price and sole input

If it were passed over it wouldn't be for those reasons, but for the reason that Jason may want to add some high-res 24bit/96KHz files to his library, and the Music Streamer can only accept a 16bit/48KHz input.
 
Steve
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 3 Dec 2009, 09:37 pm
All good points... And yes, more affordable, bullet-proof (and future proof) wi-fi alternatives really shouldn't be that much to ask for, should it?

As for the hi-rez capability, it's certainly something I'm interested in, but perhaps not a requirement if an HRT Music Streamer would deliver performance reasonably close to what I'm experiencing in my existing setup. I'm happy to take a leap forward if the budget allows, but failing that, I'll be content if all I gain is convenient access to my entire CD library while preserving the the satisfying sound I currently enjoy.

I'm not too hard to please, but I also want to make sure I've at least considered all my options... which, seem to be growing by the hour. Thanks again for all the great input.

-Jason

Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: chrisby on 3 Dec 2009, 11:23 pm
...this [the HRT Music Streamer USB DAC] is not a piece to be passed over based on the price and sole input

If it were passed over it wouldn't be for those reasons, but for the reason that Jason may want to add some high-res 24bit/96KHz files to his library, and the Music Streamer can only accept a 16bit/48KHz input.
 
Steve


you probably said that twice now, sorry my goof
I think I read somewhere (6moons?) about the latest threshold (or is it?) -
Antelope  Zodiac Gold - 384kHz sample rate on proprietary USB for a mere 2800 Euro  :o


(http://www.antelopeaudio.com/en/images/zodiac_bk.jpg)


Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: oneinthepipe on 4 Dec 2009, 02:59 am
I wouldn't worry about future-proof because there are numerous variables with hi-rez files.  Regardless, not all DACs' sound quality is equal, and I think that you should consider the DAC that will produce the best results, with the other components in a your system, that is within your budget.  Since auditioning various DACs might not be possible, you might need to rely to some degree on the advice of others, even though beautiful sound is in the ear of the beholder (i.e., what sounds great to someone else might not sound great to you). 

There have been some bargains on used DACs on the Trading Post.  I have recently seen DACs with many positive comments in the 175.00 to 900.00 range on the Trading Post.  (There are also DACs with prices in the thousands.)

If you hardwire and don't use a USB DAC, you can: iMac optical output -> toslink mini jack-> toslink cable-> monoprice 12.00 toslink-to-coax adapter -> DAC.  If you decide on a wireless setup, you can: iMac -> airport express optical output-> toslink mini jack-> toslink cable-> monoprice 12.00 toslink-to-coax adapter -> DAC.
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 14 Dec 2009, 02:46 pm
Friends,

OK, so the new iMac is here and it's amazing. Seriously. I have never seen such a beautiful piece of machinery. It's sleek, fast, lovely and works great. Silent, too. Compared to our nearly 10-year-old Sony VAIO desktop (may she RIP), it's like going from a rusty old Ford Taurus to a Mercedes Benz... But enough about that...

I think I have hit upon a music server solution that addresses the distance between computer and stereo, handles the hi-rez format and also gives us the option of streaming web content to our TV (something we decided to pursue given a recent NY Times article http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/technology/personaltech/10basics.html?_r=1&em (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/technology/personaltech/10basics.html?_r=1&em) that put us on a path to getting rid of our cable service (which includes our landline phone service) and saving over $100 a month. Here's what I am planning:

*New (*refurbished) Apple Airport Express wifi router -- the 802.11 N tech. is a must (*we're seeing the limitations of our 802.11g right now).  I can find them online for about $65. That will be plugged into the wall just five feet from the stereo, so I can run Toslink out of the AE's mini/optical out jack and into ...
*a standalone DAC with Toslink input -- haven't decided which to use, but a friend has that MCM Electronics one I might be able to borrow (*you reading this Martin?!)  :D ... which will be connected straight to the back of my HK 3480 integrated amp.
*I have an iPhone that I can use to control iTunes with the Remote App, and any other number of cool apps that give me access to content on the computer.
*Apple Lossless files on external hardrive linked to iMac. Stereophile's J. Atkinson's numbers showed the digital optical out on the AE were bit perfect, so that was the clincher for me.

As for the Internet content on TV:
*Mini DVI to HDMI adapter on back of iMac, HDMI cable run of 20 feet to back of TV (*video only).
*3.5 mm audio jack to RCA jacks, 20 ft. run, to Memorex soundbar (which is amazing, by the way) beneath TV for audio from computer feeds.
*And I ordered a new antenna to grab OTA HDTV channels for FREE ... of which, there are about 30 or so in our Brooklyn 'hood. I can't wait to cut that cable.

Parts for all of the above are ordered or soon to be, so I'll check back in and let you know how it comes together. Thanks to all for the great suggestions and advice. I just hope it works as well as I have sketched it out.

Jason
 
 
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Crimson on 14 Dec 2009, 03:31 pm
Congratulations! Sounds like a plan.

Three comments, though:

1. Make sure the refurbed AEx comes with a full warranty (1 year). Unfortunately, I go through them like candy and wish they were sold in 5-packs.  :roll:
2. The DVI-HDMI adapter may still conform to DVI distance limitations (around 15'). An active converter may be more appropriate.
3. Don't forget to formulate a backup plan.

Good luck!
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: JohnR on 14 Dec 2009, 03:36 pm
OK, so the new iMac is here and it's amazing. Seriously. I have never seen such a beautiful piece of machinery.

I agree, but, not to put a damper on your enthusiasm, do check the screen carefully for any issues (google it) and make sure that you are satisfied in that area for your purposes. I've just completely replaced my home network and that included a 21 and a 27 - the 27 went back for a screen issue (vertical line of pixels was out) and I'm still waiting for the replacement.
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 14 Dec 2009, 04:50 pm
After two weeks, our 21.5 inch iMac screen hasn't had any problems, but I'll keep an eye on it.

As for the Mini DV distance concern raised, the adapter is just a few inches long and will plug straight into a 15' run of HDMI cable that goes to the TV ... so it wouldn't seem to require a signal amplifier, no?

Will check on warranties for refurb Aex's, too. Thanks!

I'm expecting those cables today... Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again,

Jason
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: mjosef on 14 Dec 2009, 06:01 pm
Hey Jason, just saw this thread this morning.
Paul did ask me about the MCM DAC last week, sure you can borrow it. I have a few TOSlink cables you can use also, but they are all 6ft. or less. One thing about the MCM DAC, you have to run it off batteries, the supplied wired supply is a POS. Not sure if naked batteries and little crawling or walking(?) babies might be something the wifey would allow.

8G of DDR3 RAM?! What NASA programs will you be running on that machine?  :lol:
That is a sweet machine, lotsa screen view.

I hope I can find the screws for the DAC cover. I had it open several months now for planned mods that never happened.
Later.

Martin
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 15 Dec 2009, 04:40 pm
Hey, Martin! Thanks for the note... I'd love to take that DAC for a test ride. As for the machine, I wanted to try to make it as future-proof as possible. I can upgrade it to 16 Gigs of RAM in the future if need be. I figure that will give us an extra few years.

I had a question about the AExpress router... Can I just hook that directly into my cable router via Ethernet and use that to broadcast a wi-fi signal throughout my house? My brother-in-law said I need both the Express and the Extreme base station to do that, but I can't see that on the Apple web site. Any help?

J
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Crimson on 15 Dec 2009, 05:54 pm
Yes, you can plug your cable modem right into the Ethernet port of the AEx and use it as a wireless router.
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: jtwrace on 15 Dec 2009, 05:58 pm
Yes, you can plug your cable modem right into the Ethernet port of the AEx and use it as a wireless router.

Interesting...my Linksys is about done.  Is the AEx better then a standard wireless router?  is it "N' compatible? 
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: Crimson on 15 Dec 2009, 06:02 pm
Depends. Early models were 802.11g with the newer models (about 2 years ago?) moving to -n. You can chxk if it's capable using the airport setup utility. 
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: jtwrace on 15 Dec 2009, 06:02 pm
Yes, you can plug your cable modem right into the Ethernet port of the AEx and use it as a wireless router.

Interesting...my Linksys is about done.  Is the AEx better then a standard wireless router?  is it "N' compatible?

WOW.  It is "N" compatible.  How is the range of this unit? 
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: srb on 15 Dec 2009, 06:04 pm
I had a question about the AExpress router... Can I just hook that directly into my cable router via Ethernet and use that to broadcast a wi-fi signal throughout my house? My brother-in-law said I need both the Express and the Extreme base station to do that, but I can't see that on the Apple web site. Any help?

Yes, you can use the Airport Express to create a wireless network and connect the Ethernet port to your cable modem.  The Airport Extreme offers some extra capabilities - 3 additional Ethernet LAN ports for wired connections, the USB port can be used to share a hard drive (AirDisk) and it can support 50 clients versus 10.  The Airport Extreme also has slightly better range and speed due to it's improved antenna design.
 
Steve
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 15 Dec 2009, 06:37 pm
Fantastic! I can't wait to get mine and hook it up. Is the N noticeably faster than the G?
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: srb on 15 Dec 2009, 06:44 pm
Fantastic! I can't wait to get mine and hook it up. Is the N noticeably faster than the G?

Noticeably faster for network data transfer and probably essential for HD video streaming.  As far as Internet access, most Internet connections are a lot slower than the G standard.
 
Steve
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: persisting1 on 22 Dec 2009, 08:20 am
Does anyone make a good terminated 3.5mm mini to toslink cable?  Or should I just use any adapter?
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: srb on 22 Dec 2009, 08:38 am
2. The DVI-HDMI adapter may still conform to DVI distance limitations (around 15'). An active converter may be more appropriate.

I have a DVI to HDMI adapter on my HTPC video card and am using a 24AWG 30 foot flat HDMI cable.  I compared picture quality between a 3 foot cable and the 30 foot cable, and I can't tell any difference.  Perhaps DVI output voltage varies with different video cards, but I would guess (and hope) that the 20 foot cable would be OK.
 
Steve
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: WGH on 22 Dec 2009, 02:49 pm
Does anyone make a good terminated 3.5mm mini to toslink cable?  Or should I just use any adapter?

Monoprice has good quality products. Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022902 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022902)

(http://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/15563.jpg)
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: persisting1 on 22 Dec 2009, 09:53 pm
Yeah something like that.  I know you don't have to spend much on an optical cable.  I'll try one of these.
Title: Re: New iMac but how to connect to home stereo - wifi or cable?
Post by: SwedeSound on 29 Dec 2009, 02:32 pm
Well, I have made the leap into the music server realm courtesy of a new iMac and some generous loans from some good friends (thanks Martin!), and I am happy to report it sounds as good as I had hoped.

Here's what I have done (and spent) to go fully iTunes thru the stereo:

*Airport Express wi-fi router ($99)
*30-foot Cat6 ethernet cable ($4.78 from Monoprice)
*6-foot mini-optical to Toslink cable ($2.56)
*MCM Electronics DAC (borrowed for now; $105)
*iPhone 3G with Apple Remote (a hand-me-down from my brother-in-law)

I plugged the AEx into the wall outlet nearest my stereo and ran the long Ethernet cable along the wall back to my cable router. I plugged the toslink cable into the optical out/mini jack on the AEx and into the back of the DAC and regular RCA interconnects into the back of the HK 3480 receiver. The AEx router installed in a snap, and there's a little toggle at the bottom of iTunes to switch between the computer speakers and "Jason's Airport Express." I can use the iPhone to navigate my library. It's a blast.

Total out of pocket -- about $107... for now. I will probably get a DAC around the same amount and then a 1TB external drive (*for ripping the whole library to Apple Lossless) for another $140 or so and I'll be set.

As for the sound, it's too early to tell. I haven't been able to do a lot of critical listening, but the brief A-B comparison I did between my CD player and the iTunes stream was encouraging. I can toggle back and forth between optical outs on the DAC. And on the same track, it's hard to discern much difference in quality. The volume level is a bit lower on the iTunes, even with the level all the way cranked on iTunes itself. Still, a small price to pay for the convenience.

All in all I'm pleased with the results and for a relatively little cash outlay. More details after more serious listening, but if you're considering going this route, I think it's a fine place to start.


-Jason