Dipping "toe" into murky DAC waters

Posted by: Willie B on 15 October 2009

Hi - I want to introduce some form of high quality computer-based source into my system eventually (Naim DAC/Mac Mini perhaps) but will start modestly and get to know what it all means. So I have bought a Cambridge DacMagic which I want to hook up to my iMac and feed into a second system comprising Nait 5i and n-sats. However, despite trawling through past posts I am still a bit confused about cabling so can I ask for advice on:

1. What is the best cable to connect the iMac to the DAC - Toslink Optical, S/PD or USB - and is it worth paying more for better cables (especially as I may want to trade up to Mac mini and naim DAC eventually)?

2. Do longer cables degrade the sound? The computer and hifi are in separate rooms and ideally I would put the DAC near the hifi so I could also feed TV and maybe other sources through it. I have seen 5m cables advertised but do they maintain the quality?

3. What is the best way to connect the DAC to the amp - 2 RCA to 2 RCA or 2 RCA to Din or is there an alternative such as Balanced Audio Outputs?

3. I also have bought a secondhand Squeezebox and wondered about feeding that through the DAC to get internet radio etc - what is the best type of cable to link the Squeezebox to the DAC?

Thanks for all your help

Willie

Posted on: 05 November 2009 by Willie B

James, Keith
Thank you both for your advice - collectively you have helped me improve the sound. Firstly turning off the sound enhancer and setting volume to 100% made a noticeable difference. I then dug out a spare Cobra interconnect and used it on the CDX2 in place of the existing Chord Anthem and this brought the sound of the CDX2 much closer to the Squeezebox DacMagic. I think that the Anthem is a more revealing and perhaps brighter cable than the Cobra and this was affecting my judgement.

I am also using i-peng on an iPod Touch and it is a lot more user friendly than the Squeezebox remote.

I now look forward to hearing reviews of the Naim DAC as that would be my goal with iTunes on a NAS or direct from a MacMini - any comments on which version to go for - basic model at £500 or the server version at £800 - a lot more money but perhaps better in the long term as a media hub?

Willie

Posted on: 05 November 2009 by Eloise

quote:
Originally posted by Willie B:
I now look forward to hearing reviews of the Naim DAC as that would be my goal with iTunes on a NAS or direct from a MacMini - any comments on which version to go for - basic model at £500 or the server version at £800 - a lot more money but perhaps better in the long term as a media hub?

Willie

If you mean which version of the MacMini, I would stick with the standard version rather than the server. Add an external HDD if you need additional space. With the server version you're going to be paying a lot for the benefits of the Snow Leopard Server software which is unnecessary. Also you'll need to add an external CD drive if you wish to rip direct to it.

Eloise

Posted on: 05 November 2009 by Willie B

Eloise

Thanks for the advice - £500 is a lot more affordable

Willie

Posted on: 05 November 2009 by james n

...and get as much Ram as possible (4gb). I've got the mini and it makes an excellent little music server.

James