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
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