[Christof]

I'm trying to decide between a couple different DAC's.  I am currently using an iMac G5 with Airport Express (inexpensive built-in DAC).  I am planning to dump the Airport Express and upgrade to a nice stand alone DAC.  I can go either Toslink or USB out of the Mac but I'm not sure which route would be better?  I know there are hundereds of DAC's and options to choose from but upon reading review after review, in hopes of solving this mystery myself,  I'm throwing my hands in the air and asking for help.  I think I have narrowed my choices down to Apogee's new Mini Dac and Benchmark DAC1 but I'd like to ask you folks before I drop $800+, sight unseen, on a piece of technology which I have not really a clue about.  Can anyone comment on the use of either of these DAC's in a PC based system?  I am open to other recommendations if you think I could do better while keeping in the same price range as the Apogee or Benchmark.

The rest of my system, within a short period of time will go like this:

G5 w/Front Row->???DAC???->Odyssey Candela->Odyssey Mono's->SP Tech Continuum's or Nuforce S-9

Thanks much for any advice
-c

[davehg]

Check out my blog http://musicserver.blogspot.com (start from the bottom and read up) for a thorough discussion of your options.

I think you first have to choose one of three roads to get the music out of your MAC and into a DAC:

1. USB Dac (cheap, like the Hagerman, mid price like the Emperical Audio offramp, or $$ like the Wavelength brick).
2. Ethernet Dac (like a Squeezebox, my favorite, or the new Transporter)
3. Other (USB to SPDIF converter) into a DAC

Then depending upon your choice, you might have to choose a DAC. For me, the choice was a Squeezebox into my existing DAC (a musical fidelity tri-vista). If you go the standalone DAC route, consider buying used on Audiogon. Nothing loses value faster than a new DAC.

[Christof]

davehg
Thank you for the input.  I will read the blog after posting this.  Of the options 1 thru 3 that you mentioned, are options 1. or 3. essentially the same?  Could the introduction of another element (USB to SPDIF converter) in option 3. cause signal degredation beyond that of going with a straignt USB connection as in option 1.?  Perhapse you mention this in your blog....

thanks
c.

[davehg]

Christof:

1 and 3 are different. In 1, you are buying a device which includes a built in DAC, but also likely has a digital output. The interface is the USB out, into a DAC, then analog outs to your hifi. The measured Jitter is low to none, due to  the USB interface.

I've heard the Emperical Audio at CES, and it sounded wonderful. Others swear by the Wavelength products, which I have not heard but which have been well-reviewed in SPhile.

In 3, there is no DAC, just an interface that converts from USB to SPDIF to use with your existing DAC. 3 was the solution when you wanted to keep an existing DAC, and yes, it has the potential to introduce additional Jitter. This is the el-cheapo solution.

My personal preference is to either go with a mid to high end USB DAC (skip the cheaper solutions) or, like me, buy a Squeezebox for $300 and have Wayne at Bolder modify it. If you do decide to use an external DAC like I did, skip the APOGEE and buy a used Benchmark or MF TriVista.  And spend some decent money on a SPDIF cable.  You'll have system for about $1000-1400 that kills!

[JohnR]

Hi, Hagerman have a not-cheap USB option too, which seems to be highly regarded. (The Chime DAC).

[Christof]

Thanks for the replys and PM's.  I have a much better grip on the topic.  Now it's a matter of choosing b/t going usb into a converter such that I can use a higher-end used DAC via s/pdif or finding a newer USB based DAC...at this point my budget will be the deciding factor.  Anyone want an Odyssey amp for a DAC?. 

Davehg has a very informative blog and great links!