2. digital
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DAC or CDP for computer music system?

I recently converted my 2-channel stereo rig into a computer based music server. I have a G4 laptop, two hard drives, a U24 waveterminal (which takes a USB signal out from the computer and converts it into analog) and an integrated amp. The U24 can serve as a D/A converter and it performs admirably. I have auditioned 3 different DAC's (Apogee, Benchmark, Dodson 217 Mk II D) though which have all had great strengths. I am still auditioning the Dodson and have not made a final decision yet.

I am wondering if I should go for something like a Audio Aero Prima DAC or a Levinson 390S? I now listen to all my music and radio via iTunes and my laptop. I LOVE the interface but am looking for a musically involving digital signal processor to tie it all together. Maybe I need a stand alone CDP with a digital input? Suggestions from experience? Thank you,
pardales

Showing 1 response by clio09

clio09
3,343 posts
 
I am using the battery powered USB Select by Red Wine Audio that has been modified by them to just provide the USB output from my computer to the digital input of my DAC (it can also act as a DAC, but I would not recommend it), an Audio Mirror D1 which I highly recommend. I also use the USB Select to transfer files from my computer to my Alesis ML9600 (TRL modded) and record direct to the HD, where I can then edit and use the ML9600 as a transport to output the digital signal to the D1, or burn new CDRs (with extremely low BLER due to the mods by TRL).

The Audio Mirror is a great DAC and great value. Not as good as a Dodson I suspect, but a non-upsampling filterless design that took me by surprise and compared favorably to the Audio Note 2.1x, which is no slouch.
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