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Integrateds with DAC?

Contemplating a modest office system and looking for a "one box solution" integrated/DAC to run off a MAC. Speakers likely to be not-terribly-efficient monitors or mini-towers, but room pretty small (10x14x8h), and I won't be going loud, so power not at a premium.

I'm aware of the Bel Cantos (perhaps a little dear) and the Peachtrees (perhaps a little unreliable?), but curious as to what else is out there.

Thx,

John
jdoris

Showing 2 responses by sufentanil

sufentanil's avatar
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sufentanil
782 posts
 
This question comes up periodically, so you might check the archives for other answers.

I'll add the Music Hall Mambo to the list of integrateds with the DAC.

Michael
sufentanil's avatar
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sufentanil
782 posts
 
John, lack of a USB port generally isn't much of a problem. There are plenty of USB to S/PDIF converters out there. I use the Hagerman HagUsb (or something like that) in my office system, which uses the Mambo. I also have a Squeezebox in the office that connects via coax digital input, but the computer connects USB --> Hagerman adapter --> Toslink connection. That way I can listen to either the Squeezebox or directly from the computer, my choice.

The USB to S/PDIF adapters are inexpensive and, at least in my experience, work great. I can't tell the difference between hooking my Mac's mini-Toslink port to the Toslink input of the Mambo vs USB to Toslink. In fact, it makes a better connection as the connector is never falling out like it did with the mini-Toslink port.

Michael
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