[django11]

I'm trying to help someone who wants to set up a system in his home using Apple computers, of which I know very little.  He will base the system on either an iMac g4 or the more recent model which is all in the screen (name?).
He would like good sound quality (they have just been using the computer speakers for music) and also the ability to use the same source in multiple locations ( that would point to Squeezebox I assume?  Does that require a Dac?).

In my own case I use Win7 with usb dac but I have no idea what to do with a Mac and the wireless requirement...

Thanks in advance

[skunark]

I would push your friend to purchase an Intel based iMac over the G4 for the only reason to stay current with the security patches on Mac OS.  If you were going to run Linux then that is also fine.   Also with an Intel based Mac, you can run Windows via bootcamp.

There's really no difference between a Mac and PC in terms of usb dacs and wireless.   You can use Benchmark's wiki for generic tips, but most usb dac manufactures have a webpage with tips. And for wireless settings just go to Apple's website for instructions.

There's a pretty good chance that the headphone jack also doubles as a mini-toslink port, so that's a fun option as well. 

[low.pfile]

There's a pretty good chance that the headphone jack also doubles as a mini-toslink port, so that's a fun option as well.

the headphone jack on the new imacs do have a mini toslink integrated. I use it with my Monarchy DAC. Also G4 iMacs likely have limitations on the installing newer OSs which would limit which version of iTunes that can can be installed.

[Redefy Audio]

hi,

imo should consider usb to spdif. they are reasonably priced. anywhere from TERALINK X2 to M2HIFACE.
DAC is a must, and since you are using computer as source, as might as well get the DAC at least with 24/96 capable for high res recordings.

i heard many good things about PUREMUSIC also as a player or even active xo.

cheers
henry

[django11]

Thanks for the replies!  I'm trying to get him to buy some audiophile grade speakers and set them up properly.  This is not a given.  Having said that is it worthwhile to go beyond the relative simplicity of a usb dac? 
(  If the answer to that is yes then what is the advantage of Toslink over USB?  What advantage is there to using the USB to S/PDIF Interface?)  And is the setup :  iMac-> dac-> Squeezebox?  I don't know much about going wireless...

How about getting bit perfect on Apple machines?  It was a bit complicated on my Windows machine...

[low.pfile]

Well, IMO, if he isn't going to invest in good speakers, there's little point in dialing in the front end (DAC) including the USB/>SPDIF converter and bit perfectness. these are all refinements. Start with the big rocks first (computer, amp, and speakers) Again...iMHO.

[planet10]

iMac g4 or the more recent model which is all in the screen (name?).

The newest G4 iMacs were discontinued in July 2004. Reasonably configured they sell for free-$200 around here, more if they have an Airport card. One would be considered just adequate for a dedicated music server.

Next was the G5 iMac (white slab with computer piggybacked onto 17 & 20" screens). There were 3 major revs, and then they were converted to Intel. Since then there have been lots of speedbumps and 2 major design upgrades.

I use a maxed out iMac G5 for my music server.

dave

[skunark]

the headphone jack on the new imacs do have a mini toslink integrated.

They do, perhaps yours is broken...

[skunark]

How about getting bit perfect on Apple machines?  It was a bit complicated on my Windows machine...

The benchmark link that I posted above will explain how to do that with just iTunes.   If you want to play hi-res, still follow the settings, but might consider other players or look into some of the iTunes plugins (i will let others recommend).

If he's not fully into spending the bucks then I would consider the dollar amount when selecting a minitoslink vs usb dac.  Either is probably better than the line-out, but even that is probably acceptable to most folks and it's all still upgradable down the road with minimal waste in cables. 

On a similar and perhaps even funny note.  I worked with a buddy to upgrade his speakers a while back, snagged reasonable cables, helped him set up hi-rez playback with his new oppo-digital.  Week later he went out and picked up three sonos systems for his house and he loves it... and considering a fourth for the bathroom.    I shake my head every time I think about it.. 

[low.pfile]

They do, perhaps yours is broken...

Sorry for the confusion. What I wrote was not written very well. I was trying to say that the late model iMacs have a combined headphone jack and MiniToslink port. I think nearly all macs have this set up--it's just that many don't know it because it's not labeled as Toslink and no one reads the manual which does identify this function. I only use TOSlink for background music when I in the home office. I also have a USB DAC connected to the same iMac in the other room for my main system.

I am very happy with my iMac as music server these days. My iMac is used for home and work use too. I think as far as a plug and play system getting an intel based iMac will make life much easier for django11's friends.

[JohnR]

I think nearly all macs have this set up

Just to be clear - since there is also some talk in another thread about using Macbooks as music servers - the Air does not actually have a Toslink output. Sadly I read somewhere that you can digital audio from the display port but have no idea how.

On the G4 question - I used a G4 mini as my first server. It worked but personally I think that's a "try it out to see if you like computer-based music playback" rather than a permanent solution.

[django11]

Well, IMO, if he isn't going to invest in good speakers, there's little point in dialing in the front end (DAC) including the USB/>SPDIF converter and bit perfectness. these are all refinements.

It's not that he won't invest but that he has this idea to put numerous small speakers up on the walls of his rather large room.  This way he hopes to have the music present everywhere without being loud.  And I have to admit this isn't bad for background music but for any type of serious listening that type of setup is a waste.  His wife is actually open to some largish speakers...  There is a Magnepan dealer nearby and I'm kind of trying to get them to audition some panels...

[skunark]

Perhaps an iMac with sonos or some solution like that would be best for your friend...  You can pick your android or ios smartphone to control it too.

[planet10]

Toslink became standard with the G5 iMacs. G4 iMacs don't have it.

USB is typically better than the optical, and Firewire better yet.

dave

[django11]

Perhaps an iMac with sonos or some solution like that would be best for your friend...  You can pick your android or ios smartphone to control it too.

I had never heard of those speakers before, are they as bad as I think?

[skunark]

If one wanted speakers in every room it's the perfect solution according to my friend.   It did a nice job of filling the room with music as I gazed at his new, but idle speakers in the same room.  I would consider one for a deck or garage duty if i didn't already have a solution.   You aren't going after audiophile sound when you select the sonos play:5 and my friend did understand that, but in the end, convenience won over sound quality with him.  I even pointed out he could select the sonos zone player:90 and used his existing gear vs the play:5 with the build-in speakers and have all the same conveniences and actually use his other new gear.   

If your friend already has speakers in these multiple locations then I would probably also consider the squeezebox touch, Apple TV, and Sonos.   If he's building from scratch, I'm guessing sonos would be the cheapest option and could even have a reasonable high-end setup in one of the room.   

It should be very easy to demo this stuff at various audio stores if you still have one close by. 

[Yoder54]

USB is typically better than the optical, and Firewire better yet.

The only "advantage" of USB over TOSLINK would be its capacity to send 24/192 vs 24/96. Both have jitter problems, so I plug my TOSLINK into a DIP Combo (wordclock). Since Amarra only plays at the native rate then 24/96 is more than adequate for playback. I do prefer FW over both, but even Apogee is abandoning FW.