Newbie to Apple

JLM · « **on:** 26 Dec 2012, 02:43 pm »

Planning to jump back into music server with my 1st Mac (new 21.5 inch iMac) and need advice:

(This will directly feed my $8,000 MSRP system and remotely a $2,000 system)

1. 35 foot toslink cable
2. Minimum 31 band EQ (can't see how to access any signal processing in iTunes)
3. Simple/inexpensive music player options
4. Wireless receiver or ideally receiver/DAC (like NuForce airDAC)
5. Method/products to remotely control music

I'm a computer dummy, so take it slow and easy on me. TIA

Crimson · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Dec 2012, 10:21 pm »

I'll try and answer what I can, having just replaced my server with the same iMac:

1. Sorry, no experience with toslink over a few feet.
2. Some playback software supports third-party plugins (e.g. Pure Music), while others have built-in parametric eq ability.
3. There are quite a few options, all of which offer trial evaluations periods. Check here for a list.
4. Airport Express, Apple TV, etc.
5. iPhone, iPad, Screensharing, etc.

Start with your main system and then add on remote systems. It's a somewhat slow, but enjoyable, process. There are many different ways to approach what you're trying to do.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 12:11 am »

I have used a 25 foot toslink in the past, with no issues.

I tried Play, a free Mac music player, but found it no better than iTunes, and clunkier to use.

You might consider streaming to an iTouch and use a Pure i20 interface for the remote system.

Crimson · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 03:41 am »

Quote from: mcgsxr on 27 Dec 2012, 12:11 am

I tried Play, a free Mac music player, but found it no better than iTunes, and clunkier to use.

I agree, iTunes has a great interface and is probably the de facto media library management app for a Mac, but it somewhat lacks in the sonics department.

That's why some of the available playback apps offer the ability to use the iTunes' GUI while replacing the actual playback engine.

JLM · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 11:47 am »

Thanks again Mark, you're a pal. I'm looking to monoprice.com for the optical cable and a 6 foot USB extension for my wired keyboard so I can route it up through cable management desktop hole versus across the desktop.

Yes, set up the main in-room audio rig first (after I learn this iMac and load Office), then think about the secondary living room system (but won't have a 5.1 system in the mean time as the old receiver in the living room died and moved the A/V receiver to living room).

Crimson, please which apps use iTunes GUI and are the simplest to use (with minimum 31 band EQ)? TIA

Crimson · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 11:03 pm »

Amarra, Pure Music, and Audirvana can be configured to utilize iTunes. Amarra has a very (very!) good parametric eq built in, while Pure Music accepts VST plugins. Here's a 31-band graphic eq VST plugin. There are many more.

Slightly off-topic: Regardless with what you go with, why do you need a 31-band graphic eq? A 3-5 band parametric eq is much more powerful, has greater control (exact frequencies can be dialed in), does not add any appreciable gain, and is virtually transparent outside the affected bands (graphic eqs aren't).