Interfacing Computer Music to D/A Converter ?

A laptop (hard drive) can make for an excellent front-end if it is done right. Definitely stick to the lossless file formats to start. You'll need a USB to S/PDIF interface. The best one I've tried, and still own, is no longer made, but you may be able to find a used one on eBay: Waveterminal U24. Similar products are made by HAG and Edirol among others. You can also sell your Benchmark DAC and get a USB compatible DAC like the Apogee Mini-DAC (USB version). Alternatively, you can purchase a device like the Airport Express which allows the digital output from your computer to be streamed wirelessly to your DAC via a Toslink connection (in the case of the AE). I think the Squeezebox does similar duty, but I have no experience with it so can't say for sure. Will it be better than a transport? That'll be for your ears to tell. For me I can't tell the difference.

Marco

As pointed out, you do not need to spend a ton of cash on a good (USB) DAC, especially if cosmetic issues are not that important. Along with the usual suspects, offering some choices in the $1000+ categories (Wavelength, Empirical, Apogee, Hagerman, and others), there's also a large contingent of both DIY and Low-Tech designs coming out of China, based on excellent NOS chips, and sound design. Tvad recently pointed me to one he's been trying with great results, made by MHTDLab, and reviewed here on Enjoy the Music. These sell on eBay regularly, the USB version of the Constantine, using the TDA1545A chip, as does the Paradisea tube-buffered version Tvad has. The USB Constantine is $399. There is also another USB DAC he sells based on the TDA1543 chip called the Dialogue II that is $299. This is the same chip used in the NOS AudioMirror DAC that has garnered some outstanding real-world comments both here and on other sites. The board for that DAC is also outsourced from China, and is available as a full on reproduction of the AudioMirror design as the DAC-AH which can be purchased for under $200 direct from China (not a USB DAC though). On the MHTDLabs units, Grant told me he got his in three days from Taiwan, superbly packed and without a hitch. The guy's abundant 100% positive eBay feedback suggests this is the norm. Grant seems to like his alot - perhaps you can contact him if it interests you to pursue further, or he can chime in here. If you are a DIY guy you can get kits to build a dimilar DAC for much cheaper. I won't go there as I doubt that's what the poster is looking for.

Marco

I am Curious about adding the USB interface to a Audiomirror / Dac-ah ? is there a way to get it modded to add the usb direct, even if you have to eliminate the toslink or coax digital board ?

You may want to contact Vlad at Audio Mirror about that[email protected]. You can certainly use an external conversion like a Waveterminal U24, Emprical USB Freeway, HagUSB or similar USB-S/PDIF convertor.