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Apple Macintosh Music System

This post has been along time coming for me. I have been lurking around for years, and have learned a lot from the people here. So here it is....

I really like my Apple Mac and iPhone. I like the quality hardware and simple software. I like that it works. I like than I can automatically backup with Time Machine and Time Capsule. I like the AirPort Express. I like the Remote App. I have ripped all of my music to Apple Lossless. I have a main system that I connect directly to and other systems that I stream using the AirPort Express. I like the way Apple allows me to access my music and share it with other devices, and around the house. I am very, VERY happy with my Apple setup.

I want to squeeze every bit of "musical information" out of my Apple system. Here is what I have found works best, but please feel free to make recommendations. I haven't listened to and tried everything.

1. MacBook Pro with a nice SSD drive. It sounds silly, but the SSD makes a huge difference. Not to mention how quick boot time and app launches are.

2. Van Den Hul polished glass optical cable to DAC. I've tried "coax" and "USB", but the optical output seems to sound a little better and more consistent.

3. Altmann DAC with a Optima Red Top power supply. Geeky, but that DAC sounds wonderful when battery powered.

4. Altmann AMP or 47 Labs Shigaraki amp. Both are sweet and gentle.

5. 47 Labs Lens speaker. Amazing!

6. 47 Labs OTA cable for interconnect and speaker cable.

As you can see, I like a smaller (more intimate) sound. I have owned a lot of Linn and Naim gear in the past, but the Altmann and 47 Labs gear still amazes me with every listen.

I'm open to something new, if I can improve.

What other DACs with optical inputs should I consider?

What about "chip amps" and single driver designs?

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your time....
timbrepitch
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Timbrepitch, since I heard a Mac Powerbook Pro running Amarra and using Firewire to a Weiss Minerva, I have been on a quest to have that system. To put it succinctly, I now have it up and running and have never heard anything approaching this digital front end. I use only AIFF encoding as it was recommended by many I trust. I have compared Apple Lossless encodings and do much prefer the AIFF. I have used WAV, which I understand is largely the same as AIFF and heard no difference.

You are in good condition having the SSD, as I agree it sounds better, but I think you do need to use Firewire to connect with your dac. I must say that the Weiss Minerva is probably a central element in the sound I am getting. Also, you need to turnoff you Airport while playing music. It really makes a difference.
argyro
438 posts
 
By the way, Pure Vinyl is much much better than Amarra, give it a try.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Argyro, I plan to try it after I get back from skiing, but I have heard different conclusions about which is better. As I say above, Amarra is outstanding.

I am also curious about using Pure Vinyl and digital RIAA equalization of LPs. Could it be that this improves vinyl?
argyro
438 posts
 
Tbg I only use it as a digital player and the differences compared to itunes are much bigger than the ones I had with Amarra and keep in mind that I use Weiss equipment that at least don't do harm to Amarra. To say the least... IMHO

Give it a try, you may be surprised....;)
dspringham
53 posts
 
Hey TBG,

Regarding your quote from above -

"Also, you need to turnoff you Airport while playing music. It really makes a difference."

Care to elaborate? In what ways do you find that "it really makes a difference" and why?

Thanks in advance for your comment.

Regards
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