[IonMoon]

I want to go discless! But for now, I need the least expensive/easiest option available to me... (And I have VERY limited knowledge in this area). If I can avoid buying any equipment (for now) that would be ideal.

All of my music is (or will be) on an external hard drive. I have a Musical Fideltiy A5 amp- no USB or HDMI input. I have two computers available. One is my laptop and newer, I think I have USB, HDMI, &  headphone output; the other is my bf's older desktop and I have no idea off hand what kind of sound card or output he has (I might be able to confiscate the whole machine though  ) but it is in storage at the moment and I am impatient.

So right now, after reviewing some threads here, I am thinking of trying to connect the laptop using an HDMI to rca cable? Will they have this at Radioshack?

Am I completely confused?!? Is there a Discless for Dummies guide??

[srb]

So right now, after reviewing some threads here, I am thinking of trying to connect the laptop using an HDMI to rca cable?
Am I completely confused?!?

Yes!  An HDMI output is a digital signal and there is no simple 'cable' that will extract the digital audio and convert it to an analog audio signal.
 
The absolute cheapest way is to send the analog audio from the laptop's headphone jack to the MF amplifier's analog inputs with a 1/8" stereo mini plug to 2 - RCA male plug cable.  However, it's not the best method for great quality sound due to the cheap headphone circuit and already amplified signal from that headphone jack.  But it will work.
 
The next step would be to get a USB DAC (Digital to Analog converter) that would become a soundcard for the laptop.  This would plug into a USB port and it's analog output would connect to your amplifier with a standard pair of RCA cables.  This could range from something like the very inexpensive Behringer UCA202 ($35) to the HRT Music Streamer II ($150) and up in price from there.
 
Steve
 
 

[Vincent Kars]

Is there a Discless for Dummies guide??

Maybe my website is of use: http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/Connect/index_connect.htm

[srb]

Also a lot of good information at ComputerAudiophile.com
 
Steve

[IonMoon]

Thanks guys!!

I just picked up the headphone jack cable. Obviously this is a temporary solution.

Long term we are going to want to design a system that will give us the best quality possible. The websites are exactly what I needed to plan that out

[Russellc]

Yes!  An HDMI output is a digital signal and there is no simple 'cable' that will extract the digital audio and convert it to an analog audio signal.
 
The absolute cheapest way is to send the analog audio from the laptop's headphone jack to the MF amplifier's analog inputs with a 1/8" stereo mini plug to 2 - RCA male plug cable.  However, it's not the best method for great quality sound due to the cheap headphone circuit and already amplified signal from that headphone jack.  But it will work.
 
The next step would be to get a USB DAC (Digital to Analog converter) that would become a soundcard for the laptop.  This would plug into a USB port and it's analog output would connect to your amplifier with a standard pair of RCA cables.  This could range from something like the very inexpensive Behringer UCA202 ($35) to the HRT Music Streamer II ($150) and up in price from there.
 
Steve

What if one has a DAC, but it is not a USB type.  What's needed to convert and connect?  (older Audio Alchemy unit)

Russellc

[konut]

I have no personal experience with this product, but the Halide Design
Bridge looks promising.
http://www.halidedesign.com/bridge/

[Vincent Kars]

What if one has a DAC, but it is not a USB type.  What's needed to convert and connect?  (older Audio Alchemy unit)

Russellc

As most DAC's do have a SPDIF in and any PC a USB, a USB to SPDIF converter is the way to connect them. A couple can be found here: http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/USB_SPDIF.htm