need help building sound system around new iMac

[vjack]

I recently picked up a new 24" iMac and would like to use this as an excuse to improve audio playback quality. I spend way too much time in front of my computer with iTunes running in the background, and it is time I get into some halfway decent audio to make the experience more enjoyable.

After reading many rave reviews, I thought I'd pick up a pair of Audioengine A5s. This should be a big improvement over the crappy Harman/Kardons I'm using now that have virtually no midrange.

Since the A5s are active, it looks like I can skip a separate amp, but I was wondering about a DAC. I've never used one before, so I have yet to experience what they can do. For such a system, should I consider adding something like the HeadRoom Micro DAC? The Duet seems like overkill since this would be for playback only.

I'd greatly appreciate any input or suggestions.

[[L]es]

emu 0404 usb, echo audiofire 2, apogee mini-dac, benchmark dac 1 usb.

i have the 0404 usb, i'm getting the echo in a few weeks and somewhere down the line i'd like to own either of the last 2 .

the 0404 should last you a few months .

[majid]

I use a Benchmark DAC-1 connected to my Powermac G5 (via Toslink) as my primary listening rig, with headphones or speakers. You can start with the built-in line-out and save to get a really good DAC, which will matter more than the amplification.

[vjack]

Originally Posted by [L]es

emu 0404 usb, echo audiofire 2, apogee mini-dac, benchmark dac 1 usb.

i have the 0404 usb, i'm getting the echo in a few weeks and somewhere down the line i'd like to own either of the last 2 .

the 0404 should last you a few months .

It looks like the 0404 usb does way more than DAC. Then again, I guess I don't really need portability so maybe it would be an option.

[third_eye]

Apogee Duet, great DAC, good headphone amp......$495.

[vjack]

Originally Posted by third_eye

Apogee Duet, great DAC, good headphone amp......$495.

I looked at the Duet, but it seems to be oriented toward recording. I figured I might be able to save some money since I'm only interested in iTunes playback.

[[L]es]

vjack, apogee mini-dac )

[vjack]

Originally Posted by [L]es

vjack, apogee mini-dac )

Yeah, but isn't that even more expensive than the Duet?

[tinseljim]

If you're looking for something slightly more affordable the Zero DAC with upgraded opamp (OPA627) is a killer. Over on the Zero thread some people preffered it to the Apogee. We use it with our iMac with a VDH Optocoupler (mini to Toslink). No complaints! Compared to the DAC in our HT system it absolutely kills it.

Also iMac used with Apple Lossless or aiff through a good DAC will sound as good as CD players costing $$$$.

James

[[L]es]

tinseljim, how about without the mod ? how does it sound ?

vjack, oh yeah.. twice the price, half the function .