[PTC]

Hi I have a DUMB question.Can I hook an imac or a mini to a dac with usb input (say a promitheus) and be done?Is there anything else that I would need to use this as a server?If so would this be of high quality soundwise?As good as cd player to same dac?I would appreciate any help.Thanks guys,Paul

[Figo]

I use a powerbook g4 -> Monica 2 usb DAC

not a single issue... just plugged it in and it worked.  Instantly recognized, no software.  Sounds fantastic.

-Jimi

[Christof]

I hook my iMac to a little Fubar2 USB DAC.  It works without any troubles whatsoever.  I had to tell my iMac to play audio through the DAC when I first hooked it up by going through the preferences menu...no big deal. 

[Crimson]

Couldn't be easier. I use an iMac to a Wavelength Brick. Just make sure you set the output to your dac in Preferences -> Sound. The quality of the sound will depend on how you've ripped your cd's. Stick with ALAC or AIFF, and you'll have cd quality.

[low.pfile]

USB output to a DAC is common on the Mac.

No drivers should be needed. The only additional step you need to do is to go into the Mac OS's Audio Midi Setup application (in the Utilities folder), then under Audio Devices tab set the Default Output: to  your USB DAC (the default is Built-in output/headphones). This is a one time setting change unless you want to hear audio from your headphone jack or built-in speakers.


OK, I agree Crimson's way is simpler. Both do the same thing. I've been dealing with Audio Midi Setup recently for other reasons.

[Crimson]

USB output to a DAC is common on the Mac.

No drivers should be needed. The only additional step you need to do is to go into the Mac OS's Audio Midi Setup application (in the Utilities folder), then under Audio Devices tab set the Default Output: to  your USB DAC (the default is Built-in output/headphones). This is a one time setting change unless you want to hear audio from your headphone jack or built-in speakers.


OK, I agree Crimson's way is simpler. Both do the same thing. I've been dealing with Audio Midi Setup recently for other reasons.

Actually, it's not really the simplicity but the fact that I do not want to hear the machines burps and hiccups through my speakers. I leave 'Sound Effects' set to internal speakers. Using AudioMidi defaults all audio to the selected output.

[low.pfile]

more later....

[PTC]

Thanks guys great info,Paul

[pardales]

Yeah, its that easy, MAC's USB out to DAC.

[chrisby]

This makes it even easier, and sounds quite decent (like most small T-amps, much better with an upgraded  AC PSU or battery) -  it even has a second RCA line level input

http://www.audio-magus.com/product_p/krt20u.htm


and if you want a little "glow in your stereoh", (but it'll cost ya a bit more than twice the price) - should also be available soon from AudioMagus -

http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

[Crimson]

This makes it even easier, and sounds quite decent (like most small T-amps, much better with an upgraded  AC PSU or battery) -  it even has a second RCA line level input

http://www.audio-magus.com/product_p/krt20u.htm


and if you want a little "glow in your stereoh", (but it'll cost ya a bit more than twice the price) - should also be available soon from AudioMagus -

http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

That Glow-Audio unit looks nice. I've been looking for a desktop unit for my office system. Any idea as to how it sounds?

[low.pfile]

Actually, it's not really the simplicity but the fact that I do not want to hear the machines burps and hiccups through my speakers. I leave 'Sound Effects' set to internal speakers. Using AudioMidi defaults all audio to the selected output.

My follow-up to the USB output topic to which both Crimson commented.

As Crimson stated: The default Sound preference is the Master switch though.... so, if left on the original setting Selected Sound output device it will only output to what is set to default Output.

From there you can use either the System Preferences > Sound or Applications > Utilities > Audio Midi Setup > Audio Devices to select where your iTunes sound is output.

Sound Pref screen image

Audio Midi Setup screen image


I just reconnected my office setup to use my macbook pro with my USB Brick DAC (gotta work on work this weekend). sounds sweet!

[Crimson]

I just reconnected my office setup to use my macbook pro with my USB Brick DAC (gotta work on work this weekend). sounds sweet!

If you're a believer of break-in, just wait till it gets to the 50-60 hour mark.

[chrisby]

This makes it even easier, and sounds quite decent (like most small T-amps, much better with an upgraded  AC PSU or battery) -  it even has a second RCA line level input

http://www.audio-magus.com/product_p/krt20u.htm


and if you want a little "glow in your stereoh", (but it'll cost ya a bit more than twice the price) - should also be available soon from AudioMagus -

http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

That Glow-Audio unit looks nice. I've been looking for a desktop unit for my office system. Any idea as to how it sounds?

Not yet -  but of all the EL84 amps I've heard to date, there wasn't one I couldn't live with.  Of course with "only" 5 watts, there are certain limitations, however with a speaker of reasonable sensitivity (say 92+dB), and particularly a single driver full-range in near field, you could expect speed, dynamics, warm spacious midrange  and tuneful if not bone-crunching bass.  There's an intimacy that comes so naturally to low power SE (triode or pentode such as the GLOW) that can allude high powered P/P (tubes or SS) with 10's of times the power, and costing several times the price.

Of course, living with tubes already, you understand what magic can arise from the right combination.

[Crimson]

This makes it even easier, and sounds quite decent (like most small T-amps, much better with an upgraded  AC PSU or battery) -  it even has a second RCA line level input

http://www.audio-magus.com/product_p/krt20u.htm


and if you want a little "glow in your stereoh", (but it'll cost ya a bit more than twice the price) - should also be available soon from AudioMagus -

http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

That Glow-Audio unit looks nice. I've been looking for a desktop unit for my office system. Any idea as to how it sounds?

Not yet -  but of all the EL84 amps I've heard to date, there wasn't one I couldn't live with.  Of course with "only" 5 watts, there are certain limitations, however with a speaker of reasonable sensitivity (say 92+dB), and particularly a single driver full-range in near field, you could expect speed, dynamics, warm spacious midrange  and tuneful if not bone-crunching bass.  There's an intimacy that comes so naturally to low power SE (triode or pentode such as the GLOW) that can allude high powered P/P (tubes or SS) with 10's of times the power, and costing several times the price.

Of course, living with tubes already, you understand what magic can arise from the right combination.

Hey, thanks. I have no experience with single driver/high efficiency speakers. Anything you could suggest? I don't want to pay an arm and a leg, and as mentioned it's for my office so more likely than not the speakers will be near-field (on my desk) so the smaller the better.

[chrisby]

Crimson - a disclaimer required here - I am a partner in a small upstart audio business that manufactures exactly this type of loudspeaker.

http://www.planet10-hifi.com/custom.html

The gallery on this page needs updating with photos of some of the newer compact builds.

We've played with both the CSS series of XBL motored drivers WR & FR125, Extremis and the new SDX7, as well at least half a dozen models of Fostex. 

When it comes to efficient FR drivers for OEM builders, no doubt there are many sources, but for DIYers and bespoke manufacturers not able to afford minimum factory runs of custom drivers, the Fostex have a lot to offer. When well implemented there several models that deliver single driver performance well beyond their selling price, and are widely used by DIYers and small manufacturers alike.

My personal favorite for nearfield computer monitor is the FF85K in the 2 liter box called the microFonken.  At 3", it will of course have limitations of max SPL and bass extension when run full range; but for the intended application (listening distance generally less than 1 meter) it's quite delightful. Take the same speaker and hi-pass it around 250-300HZ and add a powered woofer (such as the CSS SDX-7) and you've got a package that plays much bigger than it looks.     

[Crimson]

Crimson - a disclaimer required here - I am a partner in a small upstart audio business that manufactures exactly this type of loudspeaker.

http://www.planet10-hifi.com/custom.html

The gallery on this page needs updating with photos of some of the newer compact builds.

We've played with both the CSS series of XBL motored drivers WR & FR125, Extremis and the new SDX7, as well at least half a dozen models of Fostex. 

When it comes to efficient FR drivers for OEM builders, no doubt there are many sources, but for DIYers and bespoke manufacturers not able to afford minimum factory runs of custom drivers, the Fostex have a lot to offer. When well implemented there several models that deliver single driver performance well beyond their selling price, and are widely used by DIYers and small manufacturers alike.

My personal favorite for nearfield computer monitor is the FF85K in the 2 liter box called the microFonken.  At 3", it will of course have limitations of max SPL and bass extension when run full range; but for the intended application (listening distance generally less than 1 meter) it's quite delightful. Take the same speaker and hi-pass it around 250-300HZ and add a powered woofer (such as the CSS SDX-7) and you've got a package that plays much bigger than it looks.     

Thanks for the info. I'll look in to it further.

BTW, is that upstart or startup? 

[planet10]

BTW, is that upstart or startup? 

Sorta both... been in business for ~7 yrs, mostly recycling vintage but in the last 2 years have been working in more new stuff. We even have our own versions of the FE126/FE127/FF85.



The µFonken is on the right. If you can afford a bit more space, the middle one mFonken (milliFonken) is a good all rounder.

Plans for all these are freely available for the diyer too....

http://www.planet10-hifi.com/fonken.html

dave

[chrisby]

Ever the more technically competent member of the team, thanks for posting the picture Dave.

Joe, the little enclosure furthest to the right would be my first suggestion for a computer /very nearfield monitor. 

As I noted earlier, with the addition of powered stereo woofers, this little guy is quite stellar. BTW, the raw drivers on cabinet behind the family portrait are the new CSS SDX7 - a very decent driver indeed. 

[planet10]

Ever the more technically competent member of the team

the above is certainly not true when it comes to operating power tools

dave