[Venro]

I'm upgrading from my PC to a Macbook Pro. That also means I'm going to be going from my 0404 to whatever sound chip the Macbook Pro uses.

My question is, will there be a noticeable step down in quality or not? I'm using a HD650 + Headsave amp.

 

[siriuz]

As an owner of a Macbook Pro, a desktop with an EMU-0404, and a pair of HD-650s, I can tell you that as far as sound quality is concerned, it is not an upgrade.

I use my HD-650 through a DIY-ed dynalo.

For one, the MBP's output distorts quite a lot if you set the volume to maximum, so if i use the MBP, I'll set the volume to half.
The MBP's output is rather bright in comparison to the EMU-0404, which ironically, balances out the sennheiser laid back sound.
However, it is less detailed than the EMU.....

If you can, get the MBP and keep the EMU as well
(Though the MBP's an excellent desktop replacement in most other aspects..)

 

[grawk]

The optical out on the macbook pro is bit perfect, and works just fine to feed an external dac. In terms of listening to music, if you have a dac, the mbp soundcard is great.

 

[sisenor]

I'm kind of in the same market here:

How would a MacBook (my PowerBook G4 is going on 3 years, which in computer years makes it about 40), $2-300 DAC, and ~$2-300 tube amp w/ an RS1 compare to a 5g iPod to ALO to CMOY to RS1?

Everyone says source, source, source, and I want to get the most out of an RS1 (on a budget). Also, I have much more music on my computer than I have in CDs so it makes the most sense to go computer as source -unless- it won't do an RS1 justice.

Thank you

 

[bigshot]

As said above, the Macbook has optical out, so the quality is dependent on the DAC and amp, not the Macbook. I use my Macbook as the main source in my stereo and video system. It works great.

See ya
Steve

 

[roastpuff]

Steve, what DAC do you use? I currently have the headphone-out hooked up to a HeadFive, but would like to add a DAC to the chain. Portability is not a need; the DAC and amp will stay at home on my desk.

Any recommendations?

 

[raif]

i love the macbook pro. I can fit my benchmark and my mac in my backpack.

Combined with the ps-1s I have 95% of the optimum grado sound anywhere I want.

good times!