[JLM]

This is for a very non-techno-geek on a budget:

Plan on ripping my 40 year collection using ALAC (Apple Lossless) on my 2013 iMac with backup on an external drive.  Want to be able to share collection/internet streaming to a 2nd system in living room (casual use, WAF a consideration) via existing home wireless network.  Router is 15 feet away in the loft above where the 2nd system will be located.  Hoping the system will be used a little more after the last kid (they use the loft) moves out this fall, currently it gets used roughly 1 hour per week (mostly holiday music and local NPR), hence the budget.

To give you an idea of where I'm at, the current system is leftovers from previous audio and A/V system (5 year old Sony DVD carousel, 16 year old 2-way floor standers that I scored for $300, 12 year old receiver that recently died and went curbside, 10 year old good quality 40 watt amp available -in storage).  I'd like to reduce the size/clutter, by moving to active monitors (those largish speakers won't last forever and the black simulated oak grain doesn't hold up to the solid cherry of the rest of furniture in the room) and storing the DVD carousel.

I don't own an smartphone and know almost nothing about them, hence the non-techno-geek.  Have heard good and bad about Apple Express (cheap, quality is poor, but has improved?, would a separate Schitt DAC help?).  I've read good things about the NuForce AirDAC.  Of course there is the Sonus, but I had a very rough experience with an early Squeezebox so am leery.  All of these would require an iOS/smartphone to control.  Have also looked at Pioneer N-50 and Denon DNP 720-AE but they are bigger, less WAF friendly.

Any ideas/advice?  TIA

[avta]

I'm not exactly sure what you want to set up but for a " second " system an Apple Airport Express would work. It has some limitations as far as playing higher ( higher than cd ) resolution music files but you may not be concerned about that. If you rip cd's as described there should be no problem. You would want to connect the Airport Express to a stand alone dac via an optical cable as the output of the AE will be digital. You would then connect the analog output of the dac to your receiver or whatever amplification you choose. You would not have to have a smartphone as you would be able control the system via your computer using iTunes. You should use Mountain Lion Operating System as a number of features you would want to use are only present in that version of the Operating System.  I prefer separate components i.e. a preamp an amp a dac and speakers. I like it because this enables you to upgrade portions of the system as you wish while keeping other parts of it.  As far as the dac is concerned its a matter of your budget and quality of the components you want to get. I've read good things about Schiit but have not heard one. I recently bought a Micromega Mydac which was $370 and am very satisfied with it. Look around on this site and on Computer Audiophile site and you will find lots of good info and help. Good luck.

[srb]

You would want to connect the Airport Express to a stand alone dac via an optical cable as the output of the AE will be digital.

Maybe, maybe not.  The Airport Express has both an analog output via internal DAC as well as a digital output; the Apple TV only has a digital output.  I have three AEs in "secondary" locations using the analog output and internal DAC.  You can generally improve the sound with an external DAC, but I have seen (heard) it used with some inexpensive DACs that made a negligible difference.

I would first hook it up via analog (1/8" stereo phone plug to RCA cable) and live with it a bit while becoming familiar with its sound.  If you want to add an external DAC (Mini Toslink to Toslink cable), you will have a good baseline for comparison.  You of course would need a DAC with an optical input, so USB-only DACs like the Schiit Modi would not be a possibility.

However, if the sound with internal DAC is satisfactory for your casual use (as mine are), you may find the money spent on an inexpensive external DAC would be better spent on an iPod Touch for remote control.

Steve

[neekomax]

Last time I checked (which was a long time ago, admittedly), the Apple TV was less expensive at $99 than the $129 Airport Express. Plus, video!

[srb]

Last time I checked (which was a long time ago, admittedly), the Apple TV was less expensive at $99 than the $129 Airport Express. Plus, video!

The Airport Express and Apple TV are both $99.

The Airport Express has the advantage of being bit perfect without resampling (up to 48KHz limitation) and has the versatility of choosing between analog output with internal DAC or digital output.  It can also be used as a wireless router, wireless extender or print server.

The Apple TV resamples everything to 48KHz, but has the advantage of having video and can be controlled with a TV.

Steve

[JLM]

Thanks so far...

Apple tries so hard to make their stuff look simple that they don't spell out the basic functions of Airport Express vs. ATV.  Leading you to sort through reviews (that assume you know half of the story already) or hundreds of FAQ's.  I'm so dumb with this stuff that I couldn't ask the right questions the last time I was at an Apple store (the nearest to me is 60 miles). 

From what I've read, the NuForce AirDAC is supposed to sound noticeably better than Airport Express.  For $80, I'd go for it (to support little audio firm if nothing else).

I really prefer a flip phone vs. smart phone anyway, so an iTouch is attractive, both as a micro-Pad and an audio system controller.  It would also allow bluetooth connection to the NuForce S3-BT ($300/pair powered monitor) speakers that so far are well reviewed and would check a couple more boxes.  If fact with the S3-BT speakers I could run the living room system with only an iTouch, right?  Or add Airport Express (with option for powered sub) to gain better signal quality and deep bass/higher output (open living room has roughly 10,000 cu. ft. of space).

Allow me to clarify: 

My "main rig" and iMac are both in the basement man cave, so can't easily control the 2nd system upstairs in the living room from the computer.

My iMac is running OS X, is that "Mountain Lion"?  Again why doesn't Apple just stick with one nomenclature?

[JohnR]

FWIW I'd found that buying a used but pristine iPod Touch 4G locally was about half the price of new 5G.

Honestly, have you considered buying a cheap CD player for this second system?

[JohnR]

My iMac is running OS X, is that "Mountain Lion"?  Again why doesn't Apple just stick with one nomenclature?

Missed this... ML is OSX 10.8.something.  That is the current major version. The previous was 10.7.x Lion, the one before that 10.6.x Snow Leopard, the one before 10.5.x Leopard, the one before 10.4.x Tiger.

They have to call it something.

[MaxCast]

Jim, does your imac have a disk drive?
I second the used touch or ipad for control.  New touchs are $300, $30 less than a new mini pad.

[WC]

Jim, does your imac have a disk drive?
I second the used touch or ipad for control.  New touchs are $300, $30 less than a new mini pad.

8 GB older version still sells for $199.

[avta]

I think the Nuforce Airdac plus transmitter would be more expensive than an Airport Express. You can probably find a used AE on Ebay possibly a First Generation AE which is what I use. You would have the advantage of using iTunes and if you wished, additional software such as Audirvana Plus which in some peoples mind improves sound quality. I use it and tend to agree. If you look some into using Airplay ( part of Mountain Lion OS ) you will see that it offers some nice options in terms of playing files through a number of devices. It seems complex at first but I'm sure you would get the hang of it. I'm also sure that you will get plenty of help here.

[srb]

8 GB older version still sells for $199.

Here's a 16GB 4th Gen iPod Touch for $159.99 shipped
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/apple-ipod-touch-16gb-4th-generation-black/q/sellerid/25969172/242300406.html

Steve

[JLM]

Bought the 21.5 inch iMac December 2012, so it's the latest (had to add an external super drive).

Where/how do I check which version of OS I have?

Thanks for the tips on iTouch (micro-Pad).

Yes NuForce AirDAC is $80 more than Airport Express (and takes up a USB port) but reportedly sounds better.

With CDP I'd be missing radio/streaming and with most powered speakers a single volume control.

Lots of wireless/powered speaker options running through my head (all would require a smartphone):

1. NuForce S3-BT ($300) - 55-20k Hz, very simple, very small, decent sound/spls, use smartphone to relay the computer as source via bluetooth
2. Audioengine A2 ($200), AirPort Express or AirDAC ($100-180), Parts Express 10 inch sub ($130) - 25-20k Hz, most bass/more spls but biggest
3. Event BAS 20/20 ($900), AirPort Express or AirDAC ($100-180) - 35-20k Hz, small, more bass, most accuracy/spls, a truly active design

Tons of truly active (one channel of amplification per driver) professional studio monitor designs available but the 20/20 is well respected, reasonably priced, and goes remarkably deep.  With the NuForce AirDAC and Event 20/20 this system should be well over qualified for casual use.  I've heard a A/B comparison between passive and active, no contest.  "Truly actives" are so dynamic, ruler flat response, and controlled with unbelievably tight bass filled sound so as to be truly an epiphany and head scratching to passersby.

A home friendly, truy active, compact solution would be the $2142/pair (at current exchange) British AVi.com ADM-9RS (2-way stand mounts).  I heard the generation 2 ADM-9T last summer, fresh out of the box running via Airport Express (fortunately the US distributor is 70 miles away).  Not as good as my $7000 system with large floor standers and 5 additional pieces, but much more residentially friendly and I'm one to come home from audiofests always a proud/satisfied papa.  Comes with built-in DAC for 2 digital inputs, 1 analog input, subwoofer output, and small/limited remote control.  For good or bad, this really takes the hunting out of being an audiophile (no pre-amp, processor, power amp needed) while saving money/space.  I see the computer audio revolution not stopping until we all use active designs. 

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."
— Albert Einstein.

[JohnR]

Where/how do I check which version of OS I have?

Apple menu, About This Mac. Should say 10.8.2.

[JLM]

Apple menu, About This Mac. Should say 10.8.2.

Thanks John (Apple makes it so easy they forgot the instructions).  Version 10.8.3, Mountain Lion, right?

[JohnR]

Yes, 10.8.anything is Mountain Lion.