2. pc-audio
  3. 1330026263

Which way to go with my PC Audio setup?

My current setup is an OLD Audio Research SP-4 pre-amp, Classe CA-200 amp, Arcam CD72. I was planning on purchasing an Audiolab mdac to run PC audio and my CD player through. I plan on running lossless iTunes and Spotify. What are your opinions on streaming through and Airport Express and what is my best wiring option from the CD player and the Airport Express to the DAC. Does anybody have experience running a modern DAC through such a vintage pre-amp. Sorry, I'm brand new to this, thought I would always just buy CD's, but since Spotify started steaming CD quality bit rates, I can't quite resist the thought of a 15,000,000 song juke box for $120 per year... Am I barking up the wrong tree all together. Looking for a combination of great sound and convenience.
128x128patrickrealtor76
patrickrealtor76's avatar
patrickrealtor76 OP
24 posts
 
Steve, Thank you for your response. So you are saying hook the Audiolab mDAC directly to the Classe CA-200 and ditch the pre-amp? I do play vinyl occasionally, maybe just hook my pre-amp up when I want to play vinyl?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Patrick - no, dont connect line-out from any DAC to a preamp. You may accidently damage your speakers.

If you must use your current DAC, then get a transformer-based linestage to replace your preamp. Here are some choices at different pricepoints:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=89744.0

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
patrickrealtor76's avatar
patrickrealtor76 OP
24 posts
 
Also Steve, do you have a specific source device in mind with a low jitter master clock?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Depends on your budget. you get what you pay for in this area. The more expensive, the more likely to beat your best CD transport, or even your vinyl.

Examples:
HiFace-$200
Halide Bridge-$395
Audiophilleo2-$600-900
Off-Ramp 5-$1299-1549
Diverter HR-$2880

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
lindisfarne
507 posts
 
To Steve N.-You say set Mac to 64 bit. How is this done? Thanx.
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