[burnsy]

Hi Everyone,
 
I'm new here and somewhat new to the hifi and headphone world so please bare with me!
 
I have the following kit and I'm unsure as to how to connect it up or if certain components are even worth it?
 
Source = Macbook Pro / iPod
connected to = Denon DM38DAB hifi unit
connected to = Pro-Ject Headbox II headphone amp
Output = Sennheiser HD600
 

I'm wondering whether the above set up is worth it or should I just connect the Macbook Pro straight to the headphone amp? Am I currently bypassing the DAC of the Macbook Pro / iPod or am I just adding an unnecessary component in the mix?
 
Cheers!

 

[TMRaven]

The dacs in the current line of macs and iPods/iPhones are pretty good.  The major thing you'd be gaining with an external dac would be a more efficient external amp and not having to worry about noise generated from the computer.

 

[burnsy]

Howabout connecting my laptop to my hifi unit by USB cable, then on to the amp from there...? that way I am bypassing the laptop DAC surely?

 

[TMRaven]

That works too.  You can set the audio out to your external dac in the sound preferences in osx.  Doing so ceases control of any of  the computer's volume control (amp).  So you won't be inefficiently double amping.

 

[adamlau]

Unless your DAC supports USB volume control (certain DACs do) and the feature is explicitly disabled.
 
Quote:

Doing so ceases control of any of  the computer's volume control (amp).