Cart Before the Horse: Signal Path Help Please


Hello all -

Short version:
What is the best way to get FLAC files from an external HD --> DAC --> integrated -->Speakers?

Long Version:

I have been digitizing my CDs, building on my extensive Pink Floyd Bootleg collection and purchasing some HD Audio. Currently all of this is housed on an external FireWire HD - with me swapping files to my Laptop as I feel like it. I also listen to a lot of Spotify to discover new music (much of which I then purchase on CD, LP w/ Download or HD).

I'm trying to figure how best to tie all of this together in the cleanest AND user friendly way. For instance - I'd love to be able to rip CD's or Download HD to my laptop and then wirelessly transfer to an external HD and then be able to control that via my iphone. Or be able to do spotify direct from a magic box, etc ...

I hope this isn't too wide ranging a question and there is an obvious way that I am missing.

So I'm building my new system in somewhat of a convoluted order. At this point i have:
- Primare i30 Integrated Amp
- Primare CD31 CD Player
- Music Fidelity m1DAC A
- Pair 1 Meter XLR interconnects
- .5m Fairly nice TosLink Cable
- 1st Generation 40 gb appleTV

On the Way:
Orbit Turntable from KickStarter (Just for fun!)

Left over - to probably be upgraded (but that is a whole other thread!)
- 1 Pair B&W 685s
- 1 Pair Kimber In Wall Bi-Wired Speaker Cables (25') Decent at $2.75/ Foot

thank you!
Septemous
128x128septemous

Showing 7 responses by septemous

OH- and for what it's worth -
Running off a Macbook Pro with Audirvana Plus. I currently have never hooked up the MBP to the DAC. I'll be starting "the build" in the next weeks.

Thank you all in advance!
So is the Apple Airport Express taking in whatever signal is being sent, or is it downsampling to 16/44.1 via AirPlay ?? And then go out via optical to the DAC.

I also see that you can connect a HD via USB to the Extreme - but you cannot airplay or optical :(

thanks
I think the m1DAC has reclocking built in:

"In addition, our smart data-reclocking system ensures there is virtually no audio-damaging jitter imparted to the signal."

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/m1dac/
Thank you ..

I have been getting some 192kHz Flac files and I would like to get them to the DAC at 24/192.

Can someone suggest the best way to get the content form an external HD to the DAC?
Stevecham -> Yeah I guess that is what I'm trying to avoid -> Having to keep the Hard Drive connected to the Macbook and then having it all wired together.

I take the CPU back and forth to work a lot - so I'd love to have a system that is sort of independent of hooking up the laptop with wires.