stan2

short answer is that you need a DAC and there's one in your macbook. It converts the digital data of the music to analog your headphones can deal with. An external DAC will bypass the one in the computer and do a better job. If you're investing in decent headphones, you'll want to get around the cheap stock DAC for a better one. You'll be able to tell the diff.

which ht receivers might be best at this? I have an Integra (DTR7.1; few yrs old) I can run coax from a Squeezebox Touch into it and get nice results. I'll have to do some trials using the analog inputs, just for fun. I haven't tried the optical directly out of my Macbook, but there's another trial. I have assumed the DAC in that receiver must be way behind the times, being maybe 7 or 8 yrs old. Wonder which newer receivers are really taking this seriously? Honestly, at some point my ears ain't gonna know the diff, and I may be already past that point.

Hey there... glad to have you over for the listen this a.m. The kit built DAC I showed you is the usb Monica 3 from DIY Paradise. here's the link, altho I couldn't tell if he has any avail. Yeo, the owner I guess, was always responsive to my questions in the past tho. It was an easy solder job to build. http://diyparadise.com/usbmonica.html btw, I finally did get the stinking hi rez files to play right after you left. had to reset the squeezebox to do it. So if you want another listen, we can try again sometime. you got my number. the other thing I did, which I should have done before, is input the 2 usb dacs into the preamp and then just A/B switch them on the same output (WAV on macbook). I'm doing this now. I think I prefer the DIY Monica, altho I could be happy with either. The Streamer will be a good one for the road.

for the money, the DAC in the Touch is pretty nice. I don't think you'd get noticeable improvement with a different DAC using the Audioengines.. And, yes, for the money, they're nice too.

Arden Park huh.. well, you could walk over, almost. I'm near Jesuit. Glad to give you a listen to what I have here. I'm retired, so pretty open schedule. cell phone is 616-5236. I may not have quite what you're looking for, but it may give you some ideas, and it's close and easy!

and a pr of Taylo monitors. I've run the Taylos off an Integra receiver and have the Linbrook Sig monitors running off a Classe CA101 amp + Eastern Electric Minimax preamp. That combo sounds nice to me even with the Logitech Squeezebox Touch as a source, or an HRT Streamer II connected to a macbook. I also live about 2 hrs from SF. Where you? I'm in Sac. If convenient for you, you're welcome to listen. For the money you want to put into a DAC, there's also Eastern Electric's new dac 2, and CEntrance, which has seen some good write ups recently and volume control. http://centrance.com/products/dacmini/

that appears to be a loophole that 700 may not be your final final top price. If that's the case, then have you ck'd out the new model Eastern Electric DAC+ ? If nothing else, it might be a point of reference for you.. http://www.morningstaraudio.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=13&catid=6

on main system. Some 'premium audio wire' from Home Depot for the mroe remote speakers with long runs of wire under the house, in the crawl space and for non-critical things like side surround speakers. I give my ears barely enuf credit to need the Pear cables, but they look nice anyhow.