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To DAC or not to DAC - that is my question

post #1 of 6
11/30/11 at 8:59pm
Thread Starter 

Apologies, but I'm a bit new at this.

 

Currently I have a Mac Mini (one of the new ones) and I'm using the HDMI output connected to my TV and then I have a digital optical out connected to my Marantz Receiver (it's an old Marantz so it doesn't have HDMI inputs which is why I did it through the TV)

 

What I'd like is to get the best possible sound coming out of my Mac Mini.

 

My source is largely computer based music - some of my iTunes library I have ripped at Lossless (ALAC) but the majority of my music is MP3 with bitrates between 128-192kbps

 

Another source I'm using is Spotify, but from what I've read (the free version of Spotify) should be MP3 at 128kbps.  I cannot upgrade to Spotify Premium as I'm not in one of the licensed Spotify countries.  I'm thinking of using MOG as their bitrates are apparently higher 320kbps although I have to check this out.

 

Right now, it feels like my system is very clear and defined - Vocals are great, Classical is awesome, but it seems to lack the punch or bass when I listen to more Rock or Hip Hop.  I have a Marantz SR4300 receiver (80w x 6) and an old pair of Mission 753 speakers.

 

I'd like to know how to go about improving it.  Should I?

 

- Install a DAC - so either USB or TOSlink out from my Mac Mini to the DAC

- Buy a stereo amplifier (like the Marantz PM6004) and hook that up to my Mission 753

- Buy a subwoofer to add the bass to my system

- Buy a new pair of stereo speakers?

 

Any advise anyone can give would be greatly appreciated

 

Thanks,

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post #2 of 6
11/30/11 at 9:45pm

MOG is undeniably great, considering your typical source mentioned. It's inexpensive and there are no long-term commitments, so give it a try.

 

It seems that your speakers are just fine, but to improve the bass punch, you might consider researching the power input.  If you decide on getting a new receiver, be sure it is an improvement on your current amp with regards to output power for your speaker's rated impedance.  I would think that you could significantly improve the low-end performance and sizzle with a bit more power to drive those 753's.

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post #3 of 6
11/30/11 at 11:20pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks, I've been reading the forums and a few people have said that because the Mission 753's have 4 bass speakers it requires a lot of power to properly drive it.

 

My Marantz is currently rated at 80w x 6 channels.  What should I be looking at to drive it you reckon?  Should I get a new Receiver or Stereo Amplifier or a Pre-Amp?

 

I looked it up online and this is the specs for the Mission's

 

Nominal impedance 6 Ohms 

Output power 25 – 150 w/c

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post #4 of 6
11/30/11 at 11:53pm


I think your main problem is the connection to the Amp. My suggestion is to try a USB to Spdif converter and connect a coax cable from there to the Amp. This cuts out the jitter and makes a huge improvement to the SQ. I have the M2Tech hiface which is under $200.There are many good options on the market with a very wide price range and I'd suggest you do some reading. This seems to be the way many people are going and even if you do get a separate Dac you would be better off using its coax rather than usb inputs. Jkenny does mods of the hiface https://sites.google.com/site/hifacemods/ and offers a free home trial, so there's a painless way to see if this is your problem.

Quote:
Originally Posted by yobigc View Post

Apologies, but I'm a bit new at this.

 

Currently I have a Mac Mini (one of the new ones) and I'm using the HDMI output connected to my TV and then I have a digital optical out connected to my Marantz Receiver (it's an old Marantz so it doesn't have HDMI inputs which is why I did it through the TV)

 

What I'd like is to get the best possible sound coming out of my Mac Mini.

 

My source is largely computer based music - some of my iTunes library I have ripped at Lossless (ALAC) but the majority of my music is MP3 with bitrates between 128-192kbps

 

Another source I'm using is Spotify, but from what I've read (the free version of Spotify) should be MP3 at 128kbps.  I cannot upgrade to Spotify Premium as I'm not in one of the licensed Spotify countries.  I'm thinking of using MOG as their bitrates are apparently higher 320kbps although I have to check this out.

 

Right now, it feels like my system is very clear and defined - Vocals are great, Classical is awesome, but it seems to lack the punch or bass when I listen to more Rock or Hip Hop.  I have a Marantz SR4300 receiver (80w x 6) and an old pair of Mission 753 speakers.

 

I'd like to know how to go about improving it.  Should I?

 

- Install a DAC - so either USB or TOSlink out from my Mac Mini to the DAC

- Buy a stereo amplifier (like the Marantz PM6004) and hook that up to my Mission 753

- Buy a subwoofer to add the bass to my system

- Buy a new pair of stereo speakers?

 

Any advise anyone can give would be greatly appreciated

 

Thanks,



 

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post #5 of 6
12/1/11 at 12:15am

Perhaps look at some new speakers with more bass? Alternatively, use an equaliser to boost it.

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post #6 of 6
12/1/11 at 1:17am
Thread Starter 

Thanks Irvin for replying - what is this HiFaceMod?

 

Is it a DAC?

 

So USB out of Mac Mini into the MOD and output from the MOD to the Receiver via Coaxial cable?

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