Connect Macs to analog amplifier?

The Trends audio unit would be a very good start if you already owned a Dac. An outboard Dac is the best way to go IMHO. Get as much of the conversion away from the Mac as you can. You will hear an improvement in sound. There are some inexpensive Dacs out there in your price range. I have no experience with them. Something like the Fubar II should do the trick.

Gmood1,

So the Trend Audio doesnt act as a DAC as well? I looked at the Fubar as a possibility as well, but it appears to act independently as well. What is the purpose of the two units?

Thanks, Im very green to all this stuff!

Does anybody have any experience with DAC707 Super Pro USB as an option in one box?

Yes the Trends can be used as a Dac. I wouldn't use it this way though. It is more geared for use as a USB converter.As far as I know the Fubar is just a USB Dac.

Hi Xistented,

To try and answer your question, the Fubar II for example is a USB Dac. So what this means is, you can take your digital music from your laptop/PC/Mac, etc and output it directly to your home stereo system. The one mentioned by Gmood1 is a great DAC.

I actually do own a Fubar III so I can comment a little bit on that. This Fubar III is also a USB Dac but in addition it has a headphone amplifier built in. So not only can it output to a stereo/home entertainment center it can also output to a headphone. I preferred to spend the extra bit of money to get the Fubar III due to this because I absolutely love the headphone amp. I hear my music like I never did before.

To give you an example, I'm a big Radiohead fan. I was listening to my headsets last night with my Fubar III and I heard "voices" coming up in my music. I happened to be on ESPN at the time so I went to the page and tried to find what clip was playing. I couldn't find anything so I paused my music and the voices stopped. The funny part is it was actually voices within the song that I just NEVER have heard before, even though I've heard "Paranoid Android" a million times. True story... ;) Honestly I can hear every piano key, every drum beat, etc. The amplifier is nothing short of amazing.

IMO, the added money is worth it... but I would highly recommend the firestone audio line. Great products and very affordable.

Hope that helps!

P.S I bought from MA (miniature audio) as well... they have a great return policy so if you aren't happy I'm sure its no problem to ship it back. Personally I've never had to do that because I enjoy my product very much but that may help ease the burden. Best of luck in whatever you decide!