Sound through Macbook vs DAC

Do yourself a favor and get an Airport Express for under $100 and a decent optical cable for $50-100 (I did, but I never noticed much of a difference with cables so the $30 apple/Belkin set will do) and stream your music from your laptop wirelessly. It's so convenient and sounds great if you think straight from your laptop is good.

The AEx has a DAC in it, it sounds way better than just plugging it straight into your stereo with a 3mm RCA Y cable... IMHO (I thought it sounded good too).

I"m listening to radio paradise (online radio station) off iTunes right now and it sounds great...

I bought a Monarch M24 DAC/linestage (it's tubed) and use it as a preamp in addition to the DAC.. from Monarchy for $725. I have the AEx, an Oppo Universal DVD player and a turntable attached to it. Hell of a deal for that kind of money.

I also used an Entech 205 Numbercruncher DAC that I picked up for $150 and it sounded great.... the Paradisea DAC always gets mentioned and it's around $250.... but if you have money to burn...

Try the Airport Express though, think you'll like it. And if not, return it. You can also attach a printer to it and wirelessly print stuff off your laptop.

An alternative to the Benchmark for the same or less money is the Apogee Mini-DAC. Although the Benchmark is extraordinary, if you are one of those folks who find it too analytical, the Apogee will probably please you.

I want to thank you guys for your responses so early. I agree with all of you guys that i have to listen to them first and see. I have been messing around with the idea of adding an airport express. I have an airport extreme router, so it should work without any problems. I still would prefer I think running a usb dac becuase I am planning on buying a mac just for my music management. I will take all of your guys opinions on the matter and apply them the best I can. Thanks again -Darren

Paradisea for $250?? That would be a heck of a deal, new is about $600, with older models used for maybe $350. It is a good NOS DAC, but if you're looking at ones like the Benchmark or Bel Canto DAC3 (two would be cheaper) then the Apogee is a better suggestion. The Monarch is also a good choice.

You could try the Airport Express if you're happy with your soundcard(?), though it's certainly nothing to get excited about.

if the ONLY aspect you'll use a DAC for is pc/mac audio out, quite a few DACs will be at a premium... as the balance of the DACs versatility will be truncated severely by that approach... unless you're considering a budget approach.

The apogee mention is a good one. I own the Bel Canto DAC 3. Initially, I felt pc music through it was great! actually I still do, but I've not stopped looking for another option or path.

The BC DAC 3 does afford one more than just usb audio. It is limited too by it's 16/44.1K input via USB.

With other imputs, it can handle up to 24/96 PCM data. What I've heard recently by way of upsampled music from the 16/44 to 24/96, and 24/192 is showing itself as becoming more rounded, smoother, and with more dimensionality, as the rates go up. IMO.

AS I do take advantage of the flexibility of the DAC3's inputs, it's a good enough value for me, for now. A very fine performer all around.... but used just for PC/Mac audio? I wouldn't say it is.

So do think about current AND future needs too while you ponder which way to go, or what to get, and of course, your systems needs too. Good luck.