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  #11  
Old 01-17-2022, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by rjinaz86323 View Post
Why would the MZX130 re-digitize the signal?
The MX 130 does not digitize the analog input signals unless the surround modes are active. In Pre/Pro dog years the MX 130 is long dead. But it has a nice tuner and solid analog preamp sections, even though the video and prologic surround stuff is lost in the mists of time.

More recent McIntosh Pre/Pros, like the MX 150, 160, 170 and the MX 121, 122, and 123 digitize ALL the analog inputs, even in "Pure Direct" modes.

What Kal was noting, with these processors, you might as well feed them a digital signal directly. Why?

Because the analog output of your DAC will get re-digitized with an A/D converter internal to the Pre/Pro, and then converted back into analog with a D/A converter internal to the Pre/Pro. Using the Pre/Pro's internal D/A converters directly eliminates two conversion steps.

Tom
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  #12  
Old 01-17-2022, 12:54 PM
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So given that, my setup is correct for my vintage of equipment?
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  #13  
Old 01-17-2022, 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by rjinaz86323 View Post
Not sure if this is the right section, but I am here now.

I am currently using my Mac Mini to stream music. Mostly Amazon Music and Spotify. I am thinking of upgrading to Amazon Music Unlimited which will give me HD and Ultra HD as well as a bigger catalog.

First question is about this service, as to how it compares to others (I like the price $7.99)

Secondly I am using a Schiit Modi 3+ DAC. Will this give me a good result or do I need to upgrade this as well?

I am going into a Mac MX130/MC7150/SF Chameleons

Keep in mind I have a very limited budget.

Thx
Rick
Your Schiit Modi3+ DAC is just fine as a DAC.

With respect to streaming music services, my recommendation would be to get Qobuz instead of Amazon. It's a few bucks more expensive per month but the audio quality is really excellent and it has a superb library of available content. As well as high-res content if that's important.

When you have the funds in your budget, I'd recommend installing a network bridge e.g. a Sonore microRendu between your Mac Mini and your Schiit Modi 3+DAC. It's about $399. Connect an Ethernet cable from your Mac Mini to your router, and then another Ethernet cable from your Router to the microRendu, and your USB cable from that to your DAC. It will make a BIG improvement in audio quality. If you don't have the budget for, consider using a Raspberry Pi 4. And you could easily build one with a touchscreen yourself. Here's an article on that:

https://www.headphonesty.com/2021/04...h-touchscreen/
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Old 01-17-2022, 02:18 PM
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II have an issue with what you are suggesting. My Mac Mini and audio gear is in a different room in our house and running an ethernet cable from the router would be difficult.
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Old 01-17-2022, 02:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Puma Cat View Post
I'd recommend installing a network bridge e.g. a Sonore microRendu between your Mac Mini and your Schiit Modi 3+DAC.
+1
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  #16  
Old 01-17-2022, 03:08 PM
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I’m running a very similar system, MacMini to Simaudio DAC to McIntosh C22 and it sounds excellent. But like others here have said, my service is from Qobuz and the quality is great. It’s my primary source now. Roon software along with an iPad are used to control it.
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  #17  
Old 01-17-2022, 05:26 PM
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Quote:
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II have an issue with what you are suggesting. My Mac Mini and audio gear is in a different room in our house and running an ethernet cable from the router would be difficult.
Easy...install a run of optical fiber. That's what I do. It's cheap, durable, and actually sounds better than copper Ethernet. If you want to know how to do this, let me know.
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  #18  
Old 01-17-2022, 05:59 PM
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I will keep that in mind, but would have to hire it done, as I don't do ladders anymore.
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