In general, I'm not a reviewer, but have reviewed dozens of systems and written about several. To be clear, I am NOT in the business, any longer, but do continue to work on, service and offer support to my friends and colleagues in high-end audio. That being said, I have been "playing" around with computer audio just out of the need to stay involved in the hobby while not working in the field for my main rev stream. Anyway, I just thought I'd throw that out so as not to appear as a shill to any manufacturer. If you are like me, and have stepped away a bit from the dedicated two-channel (traditional) system, as I have, check it out. I work in a biz that requires pretty heavy computing power (Regional craft-beer distribution). So, I bought into the Mac/Apple solution after many years as a PC user. Yes, it's more expensive, but what you gain is peace! Enough of my philosophy. As a life-long audiophile, I needed to capture everything...travel audio, high-end desktop audio, bedroom audio, you name-it. Step up to a beautiful, 24 inch iMac desktop system. When portable, I had to have the slick, MacBook Pro. Having said that, I am a fanatical digital enthusiast from way back. If you're like me, you've owned a few outboard DAC's. I started with a Counterpoint DA-10 and hopped it up, as I do to everything. Then I went to a Sony NS999ES, hopped it up too. Then after just needing a music fix, I sought the Cambridge Audio DacMagic with the Mac and the Belden gold cable I heard worked well. Now that you're up-to-speed...hold tight! Imagine the Mac with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic and decent USB cable...connected simply as a buffer/pre-amp to my very modified (by me, and a masterpiece I might add) Audible Illusions Modulus 3 - completely upgraded with Auricaps throughout - and rewired with consultation with Art Ferris himself) fed to simple Audio Engine 2's through Audience Au24 interconnects - bass augmented with a pair of Energy subs...or the big Velodyne 18, when I need it! All I can say is computer audio is pretty damn good when you put some thought and experience behind it! For a a few bucks, Apple, Cambridge Audio, Costco or the like and some careful implementation can result in very rewarding audio. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
