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RayF
22213
Jul 27, 2018
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Okay--lots of help--more than I expected! So after reading the suggestions and ideas offered I see a trend developing... @RyCan @amb3cog @Mlcousi @Evshrug @fhood @GunsOfBrixton @ElectronicVices and the trend is, you guys know a lot more about this stuff than I do!
It hadn't actually occurred to me that a straight DAC (no Amp chaser) would be so inexpensive and so butt simple to employ. I have the extra computer and probably the space both would need to occupy.
As for those of you who wanted to make that approach just a tad more complicated (and you know who you are), by adding the raspberry pi and the nifty-sounding HiFiBerry DAC+, you hadn't factored in the learning curve involved--doable, but I'd be a month or two getting up to speed.
I kind of liked the idea of bringing it all Back To The Past, but adding the CD changer and Turntable I once had connected to it--so many years ago. But I'm not willing to make the commitment to Vinyl just yet (never been an early adopter). I did like the idea of rediscovering all the stuff I sold to the used record stores way back then (really miss those damn Monkeys albums...
And then there's the ever-so controversial Bluetooth route. I have to say up front I once had this receiver connected to and AirPort Express, and I fed that from an old MacBook. Can't for the life of me recall weather that was a network connection or Bluetooth connection--but I can say it worked. I wasn't quite as demanding back then, but as some have mentioned, Bluetooth has come a long way. The SMSL AD18 got my attention because I like it, and have been trying to think of an excuse to buy one--but as I understand it, that would be great for powering a set of speakers, but not as in input for my existing amp? Meaning I'd still need to go the dongle route. Those are cheap enough to test and then toss out if I hated it.
@Evshrug all those cool toys (DAPs and the other very neato stuff) were very interesting--stuff for the most part I wasn't aware of. You also explained the whole optical/toslink thing well too. I'd always heard Macs had it, but didn't know where and how to get to it. I suppose buying the right cable would allow me to test it out? And yes, the Mac can be close to my bed (and I could use either a MacBook or and iMac to make that connection).
Appreciate all the links to the cool kit everyone suggested (that cable too @ElectronicVices). Most of it now safely stored away in my Amazon Audio list waiting for me to get weak and lose my discipline.
So, one way or the other, thanks to you all, I'll get the sound from the computer to the amp. Next question: What floor standing speakers (with a $1,000-ish for the pair budget) should I hook to the amp?
Jul 27, 2018
Evshrug
3770
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Jul 27, 2018
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RayF*Raises Hand* Nerd here!
If you can copy files onto a MicroSD card (same as floppy disks), connect two lego bricks, and type a WiFi password, then you already have all the knowledge you need to set up a Pi DAC. I also didn’t want to start a new hobby just to get an old piece of gear working again... but it was as easy as my friend assured me. That said, it obviously wasn’t my first idea for you...
The airport express worked (well) over WiFi, and had a built-in DAC (a bit more expensive than the $25 cheapo DACs suggested earlier). Maybe a Chomecast would give similar functionality? EDIT: Yeah, the Chromecast is EXACTLY what you’re looking for, $35: https://store.google.com/us/product/chromecast_audio?hl=en-US
ELAC speakers. Easy. Check the reviews :D
Jul 27, 2018
RayF
22213
Jul 27, 2018
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EvshrugYou make it sound easy--maybe it is! And truthfully, I would enjoy messing with it.
Here's a question you'd know the answer to (being an ex-genius)--I have a perfectly good AirPort Extreme sitting in a box doing nothing, and I have good WIFI in the house. Can that APE find a role in this odyssey? Seem's it's little brother did at one time...what say you, O-wise One?
PS: thanks--will read up on the ELACs ;- )
Jul 27, 2018
mindhead1
599
Jul 27, 2018
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Evshrug+1 for the Chromecast Audio. It's easy, affordable, and sounds great.
Jul 27, 2018
phosfiend
873
Jul 27, 2018
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RayFAnother +1 for chromecast audio - I’ve used it to build a poor mans sonos at home - its the right balance of easy to use & flexible enough
Jul 27, 2018
Evshrug
3770
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Jul 27, 2018
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RayFWell, you can configure it as a repeater to expand your WiFi range. I believe you can also hook up a portable Hard drive to the USB and stuff it full of media that can be played on any computer in the house.
I also had one with the AC WiFi standard, so I have it in my office, hardwired with Ethernet to my custom built PC (didn’t buy an internal WiFi card) and my first gen PlayStation 4 (which had the older, slower wireless N WiFi), which provides a stable, fast connection.
there’s a nice iOS app from Apple that makes it easy to configure an Airport, even without a degree in computer networking 😅 (My degree was in Graphic Design, but I’m years rusty)
Jul 27, 2018
mindhead1
599
Jul 27, 2018
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RayFI use Plex to serve music (FLAC) from my computer to my Chromecast Audio devices connected to my DACs and Amps.
Plex is a free, lightweight server software that I have also used stream movies and music from a NAS around my house via WiFi.
The Plex -> Chromecast Audio chain is easy and reliable. It allows you to spend more time listening to music and less time configuring gear.
Jul 27, 2018
Fluffy.Benis
72
Jul 27, 2018
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Evshrug-1 to chromecast audio depending on your setup. It's reliable and works great, but if you've got apple stuff in the loop you may have trouble. From my iPhone, I can't play from the regular music app, but spzotify works fine. maybe you'll only cast from your computer (easy if you use chrome on there) but watch out for difficulties between the Apple and google ecosystems. just my 2 cents. Please correct me if I'm wrong
Jul 27, 2018
Evshrug
3770
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Jul 27, 2018
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Fluffy.BenisMaybe Google wants you to download a Chromecast Audio specific app, so they can track your audio usage 😆
Jul 27, 2018
Fluffy.Benis
72
Jul 27, 2018
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EvshrugNah, it looks like it's more of a Apple not wanting to support the chromecast interface by default. Like I said, Spotify casts excellently.
Jul 27, 2018
mindhead1
599
Jul 27, 2018
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Fluffy.BenisYou are correct there maybe some compatibility issues with Apple specific apps (Apple doesn't play well with others). From my experience on iOS, Plex, Google Play Music and Spotify can be used to stream to Chromecast Audio. Amazon Music does not stream to to CCA from iOS but does in Android.
Jul 27, 2018
ElectronicVices
2937
Jul 30, 2018
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RayFOn the speaker front I would look at the following in the $1000ish price bracket:
Monitor Audio Revel (concerta) KEF (Q/R/LS) Focal ELAC Emotiva
Speakers are such a personal taste thing that I couldn't say which of those would be the front-runner but I don't think you'd be dissatisfied with any of their offerings in the $1000 range.
Jul 30, 2018
RayF
22213
Jul 30, 2018
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ElectronicVicesThanks--been reading/watching ELAC reviews and videos today as a mater of fact. Everyone seems to like them, but I'm going to look at all of the brands you mentioned before I make up my mind!
Jul 30, 2018
Evshrug
3770
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Jul 31, 2018
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ElectronicVicesFair point, $1000 is a lot to drop and I agree personal taste is certainly a factor. But the ELACs certainly should be on the audition list!
(I have heard them at shows, but in my budget, I’ve really been enjoying the Chane bookshelf speakers I got here on Massdrop years ago!)
Jul 31, 2018
ElectronicVices
2937
Aug 1, 2018
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EvshrugI've got friends that went with Chane/Arx, they enjoyed the gear but went bookshelves and center. He's now swapped them out for Q series from KEF (towers) and the Chane are pulling duty as surrounds.
Aug 1, 2018
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