Dac recommendations for computer audio

I've been using Macs and iTunes in music systems for several years. Here's what works for me....

1. Don't get caught up on USB. I do not think that USB is better than the optical output on all newer Macs. In fact, I have more consistent quality from optical than USB. Some USB DACs have better interfaces than others, so don't count USB out, just keep your mind open and keep it simple.

2. MAKE SURE you import to AIFF or Apple Lossless, and MAKE SURE you to turn off "sound check" and "sound enhancer". When people say they have bad experience with iTunes, it's usually because they do not have the "preferences" set correctly.

3. If you are using just CDs and 16/44 material, take a serious look at NOS (Non Over Sampling) DACs with no filters. They are affordable and can make music sound very good. Some have an "analog" character. The 47 Labs and Audio Note are some of the best I've heard. I've also built several based on the 47 Labs Shigaraki DAC design. Brilliant design!

4. If you want the best DACs for 16/44, 24/96, 24/192, etc....there are several, but the new Naim DAC gets my vote. It sounds SO GOOD, with the true signature Naim sound. Foot tapping, head bobbing....good stuff.

Let me know how your adventure goes. I'm always eager to hear about other people's experience and solutions. Hope this helps.

Danlib1 is correct. If you choose to use optical, get a good polished glass cable. The VanDenHul and WireWorld glass cables are excellent.

Naim sound? I can not describe the sound. Words are meaningless. It's like describing food and wine, the words can be said, but they don't replace listening for yourself. Sorry....

All I can say is that certain DACs have the analog (vinyl) sound. Warm and lush....rhythmic....see, I can't do it. Have a listen for yourself. ;)

The optical out on a Mac sounds better than people give it credit, and I do not feel the toslink interface is "inferior". While it has some weaknesses, it also has some benefit. I have setup many iTunes/Mac music systems and the optical consistently provides very good performance when executed properly.

It you want to dive in deeper, the FireWire interface using a Weiss INT202 can sound amazing. The INT202 converts (and reclocks) the FireWire out into SPDIF. The best thing to do is have a listen for yourself. A Mac (or any computer) can make a extremely top notch digital music source when setup correctly. Take it one step at a time and don't forget to have fun. ;)

@Houstonjazzfan: I look for the same thing in a DAC. I've enjoyed good analog playback, but want the convenience and flexibility of digital.

The NOS DACs give me that sense of presence and air. The Shigaraki DAC (which is simple enough that I can build my own) is one design I really like.

I also like the Altmann Attraction DAC, but it's battery powered, so not as convenient.

The Naim has the sound that I like, is very flexible, upgradable with Naim's power supplies and processes way past 24/192. It also sounds great with my Mac, which is what I prefer to use for digital playback.

Another option that I like is the Wavelength DACs. They sound very good, with an "analog and tubey" sound. (I don't think "tubey" is a word.) :D

I own the PS Audio combo that has been recommended, but I'm thinking about selling it. It's a great piece of kit, but I prefer the Naim. The PS Audio is very detailed and clear, but that leads to a more analytical sound. It's not a bad thing, just not my thing.

@Kaplandesign: The VanDeHul and WireWorld glass optical cables have custom polished mini terminations. They sound great and are very well built. The "mini toslink" connector is standardized and has been widely used by Apple and Sony for several years.

There are also some great glass mini toslink optical cables starting to be made by companies using them in medical applications. I might even argue that the mini toslink connector is better than the standard toslink. The mini can have a tighter fit.

Danlib1 is correct. Like I have stated above, the "mini optical" output is much better than some people give it credit for. With the correct cable and DAC, it's my preference for listening to music with the Mac.