newbie ? on streaming internet audio to DAC


my fave radio station (KTRU, 91.7FM Rice Radio) streams audio on the web, in Real Audio format along w/ AAC+. i gather AAC+ is the superior format and would require WinAmp, which i can certainly find / buy.

question is how can i export the audio stream in a digital format to an external DAC in my main stereo? wireless is preferable, but not necessary.

will WinAmp allow me to export it in a digital stream that a DAC can understand?

i'm really so clueless on this that i don't even know what questions to ask. any guidance would be most welcome
tia
rhyno
128x128rhyno

Showing 1 response by eastein

Rhyno - A direct connection from the headphone out on your pc to your stereo is the easiest and least expensive way to go

a usb dac is the next easiest option and will offer a huge improvement in quality. www.firestone-audio.com has one for $120, there are many others at various prices to choose from.

an airport express from apple will add wireless with a digital or analog out for $99 and can be relatively simple to set up

a squeezebox (SB3) is a bit more difficult than the airport express to set up but adds the ability to browse your music and select Internet radio stations via a remote control for $300. It can also connect to a wireless network and play Internet radio without a host computer, a great feature.

Good luck!