Grahk

I could be completely in the wrong section but didn't really see anything covering D/Ac's specifically... Anyway my question is this..I really enjoy listening to my music at good volumes bringing out all the notes, I don't have the money to buy lots of equipment, tweeks, etc that I would like but I want to get every drop (actual) out of the sponge.. So a few points on my question about adding a dedicated DAC to my stereo: Q:Is a DAC normally going to bring more music out of Apple Lossless music files as currently played from a AppleTV ver 1. Q:Would my system as it stands limit or nullify the reward of a dedicated DAC based on quality of pre & speakers Q:Would the quality of the DAC I am currently using from my Pre be as good as any DAC I will find used on Audiogon etc for sub $1000.00 I am currently running a Marantz 5003 Reciever, running Main L/R pre-out to an Emotiva UPA-2 via Kimber Kable Hero interconnects, into Martin Logan Motion 12s with Audioquest type 4 speaker cables. The AppleTV is currently running Apple Lossless files direct not streamed via HDMI into the Marantz Thanks, on my 3rd Q: about my current setup, are there recommendations to come around on the overall idea that are budget worthy..

Yes, the name was mentioned but not exactly recommended... Porcupine Tree is a AMAZING band, completely fit in the PROG ROCK genre definately Alans Parsons, Crimson, Floyd-esh...Steve Wilson is a god on lyrics, guitar, harmonics Stars Die (much older slower but very rewarding songs) DeadWing (2nd newest) more modern sound, harder riffs Also mentioned David Sylvan - "Damage" is a must if you like Crimson styled music - "the road to graceland" will light your system on fire Zappa, amazing musicianship, but try to listen to "Sloppy Bl** J*b" around mixed company at a level that your stereo will compliment Zappa/Vai's guitar work and Chad Wackerman's or Terry Bozio's stix...could be interesting to say the least I like Ozric as well and hit or miss on Opeth, one minute they are Porcupine Tree/Blackfield the next it's Cookie Monster lead singing death metal....the CD "Damnation" is a good example of them playing PT/BF style.

I am curious, is this a limitation in the Apple TV v.2 he mentioned (as it streams as opposed to being a appliance that directly plays/stores the music)? I also have all my CD's ripped (orig as 392k'ish WMA and later converted to iTunes - Now I have rummaged up most of my more "intricate" CDs (Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, Allman Bros, John Coltrane, Phish as opposed to routine rock and mood music - Aerosmith, Gypsy Kings - etc) and re-imported them using Apple lossless....and I am contemplating adding a external dac *(Burson HA-160 or PS Audio Link III as I do NOT have a understanding wife/budget). Currently I run Martin Logan mains pre-out to Emotiva XPA2, with all Paradigm studio center/sub/surrounds through a Marantz receiver...everything is hooked up via HDMI as I THOUGHT I was wanting my digital music to be "purely" digital? now as I try to get more educated to quality music source/equipment I realize I should be converting my digital music to analog for my ears... Q: Does the AppleTV v.1 have better support than a streaming AppleTV2? Q: Does my Marantz already do as good/better job than a sub $1k DAC? Q: Is the equipment I am using not going to bring forth more than I am enjoying already with Apples highest non-lossless res and some apple lossless files HDMI directly through my Marantz? Q: If it is worth doing at all, do people see my choice of the PS Audio Link III for 500.00 or so dollars a bad choice? (Burson is 1k and DacMagic is about sub 400.00 new all choices in my price barrier). Thanks!