[oneinthepipe]

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.

[SwedeSound]

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 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?!)  ... 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
 
 

[Crimson]

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. 
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!

[JohnR]

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.

[SwedeSound]

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

[mjosef]

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? 
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

[SwedeSound]

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

[Crimson]

Yes, you can plug your cable modem right into the Ethernet port of the AEx and use it as a wireless router.

[jtwrace]

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? 

[Crimson]

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. 

[jtwrace]

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? 

[srb]

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

[SwedeSound]

Fantastic! I can't wait to get mine and hook it up. Is the N noticeably faster than the G?

[srb]

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

[persisting1]

Does anyone make a good terminated 3.5mm mini to toslink cable?  Or should I just use any adapter?

[srb]

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

[WGH]

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

[persisting1]

Yeah something like that.  I know you don't have to spend much on an optical cable.  I'll try one of these.

[SwedeSound]

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