Macbook or MacMini — Tidal — Amp. What do I need please

[oldaudi]

Evening

My main system contains Naim, Focal and A Cambridge Audio streamer . The cxnv2

I’ve moved my Audiolab Pre and Power amp to my bedroom and will soon be connected to some Kef 150 speakers.

Now I need a source. I have a few Mac devices (I mention this because the Mac mini is old and the OS may not be suitable but would be my preferred device)

I want to connect it to my Amp which has no digital inputs, open tidal or Spotify in a browser and listen. What cables do I need? I’ve seen these MIni DACS sit in the process, do I need one of those?

Or should I simply move the Cambridge audio to the bedroom and spec up one of those naim streamers.... ??Thank you

[Diderot]

What inputs does your amp have? Hopefully balanced ones (ok probs unlikely but).

[oldaudi]

Unfortunately not, just the red and white phone plugs , RCA I think they’re called....

[Diderot]

oldaudi said:

Unfortunately not, just the red and white phone plugs , RCA I think they’re called....

TBH chap, I'd be bypassing all the audiophile BS and buy a decent audio interface and get a cable like the link below for not much money (no point whatever).

Interface:

https://www.studiospares.com/ssl-2-2-in-4-out-usb-...

If you want to spend a bit more (unnecessary) then plenty of options around the £500-£1k mark.


Cable:

https://www.gear4music.com/G4M/Rean-Neutrik-Twin-R...

You're welcome, buy me a beer.

[oldaudi]

Thanks, I’m certainly open to trying new solutions, but how do I connect my MacBook to the usb audio interface? I have no physical media, I stream only. Cheers

[tomsugden]

I do this with my Mac mini. I use a 3.5mm to RCA lead:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/rhinocables-3-5mm-Stereo-...

You could also use HDMI to RCA.

[bungz]

Depends how good you want the source to be, I guess a mac mini might have a ok analouge stereo output in which case a 3.5 to rca is fine as above.

Else you could use the HDMI as an audio output to spit into a decent DAC.

I would try a simple eBay 3.5mm jack to rca and see how you like the set up first.

[OutInTheShed]

Does the mac not have bluetooth?

A bluetooth DAC is cheap and versatile.

A simple 3.5mm cable may be OK, or you may find it prone to noise, maybe worse if the device is being charged.
It's about £3 to try it....

[EdR]

If you are using the CXNv2, then this opens up quite a few options for you, as it is a decent pre amp as well as a streamer.
If I remember rightly, you can either Bluetooth or Airplay from your Mac to the CXNv2, and use its existing connection to your amp. You can also connect a USB device to the CXNv2 if you would rather use a cable. You then just need to select the CXNv2 as your audio out on the Mac.

[Diderot]

OutInTheShed said:

Does the mac not have bluetooth?

A bluetooth DAC is cheap and versatile.

A simple 3.5mm cable may be OK, or you may find it prone to noise, maybe worse if the device is being charged.
It's about £3 to try it....

You’d need, at the very least, a £2.5k power conditioner, plus esoteric kettle leads (£1.5k), and some kind of ionic diffuser in the room to ensure the Bluetooth connection is unencumbered by quantum nano micro fractal ohm disturbing anti-phase non-aligned neutron vulnerable RF infraultrasound minicab comms.

[NorthDave]

What quality are you after?

The quality should broadly be (best to worst):

- USB DAC
- 3.5mm to RCA lead
- Bluetooth.

I'd start out with the 3.5mm lead and see how it works for you. If you have a decent hifi setup then invest in a DAC. The mini is a decent source for hifi.

[conkerman]

Pick up a ifi Zen DAC.

Reasonably priced and good sound.

Has a decent Headphone amp built in also.

Mine was about 120 quid