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PC Audio FAQ/Primer

I'm trying to hook up my iMac & iPod to my stereo. Since iPod is Firewire it's probably a Firewire solution-unless there's a compelling reason to go USB ( other threads had suggested this, but things may have changed since then).

I'm interested in the best solution for +/- $200 and also some overview of what it is I'm doing. There's a lot of terminology around this that's not exactly clear to me. For example, what's the difference between a soundcard and a DAC?

Thank you!
mctuff
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
edesilva, all good advice, but you missed the easiest way to send digital... Apples Airport Express. It will output a digital feed via toslink, all you need is your house t have an 802.11G wireless network and your set! Run it into any receiver/processor/DAC and it's done.
mctuff OP
6 posts
 
Thank you Edesilva & Kennyt. That's very helpful. For my stereo, which is analog ( Adcom power amp, PS Audio pre), and for my budget ( $200 +/-) I think I'm looking at a solution like the Apogee. Then the only question is USB or Firewire & exactly what to get.

By the way, what does PCM stand for?
edesilva
768 posts
 
PCM=pulse code modulation.

I did forget the airport express. Whups. I'm newish to the mac world and actually havent' tried that one.

I think the apogee only comes with a USB interface--firewire may not be an option. The apogee may have a price tag out of your budget as well--I think its more in the $900 range.

At your price point you might just think about an inexpensive DAC (plenty of threads on this, maybe an ART DI/O, and see if you can use the digital out of the mac--I'm not familiar with all the Mac models, but it if has one, that might be the easiest way.
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