Need some basic DAC assistance for MA8900

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by Reynolds617

I am not nearly technically-minded/savvy enough to be in this hobby sometimes I feel like, but here I am.

You’re doing fine Reynolds, you’re asking the right questions. Many of us are not that technically savvy, we just love the hobby and the music.

Originally Posted by Reynolds617

I'm not long-standing enough on this forum to expect such detailed and helpful responses.

If there’s one thing we love on this site besides audio, it’s giving opinions and advice.

[Reynolds617]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

Connect computer using USB. The internal DAC will overide the computer.

Connect CD player using RL balanced inputs.

Use Coax from CD player to amplifier if you want to use the internal DAC.

Thanks, I think that's the way I'm going to go. I'm guessing the McIntosh DAC is better than the NAD native DAC on the CD player. Now to order some cables... I'm thinking Audioquest is about as much as I'm willing to spend right now. Sky's the limit I'm sure in terms of what you can spend.

[Reynolds617]

Actually, NordOst makes some cables I can probably afford. Plus it'd be good to support a local Massachusetts company. Blue Heaven is do-able.

[BuffaloBill]

Originally Posted by Reynolds617

I'm guessing the McIntosh DAC is better than the NAD native DAC on the CD player.

Slightly, no guessing necessary. You will be a happy camper.

[Cayman]

Originally Posted by Reynolds617

Hi folks:

Purchased an MA8900 a few months back and haven't really paid much attention to the DAC since I frankly didn't really understand what it was (noob alert). In any event, I've been playing vinyl, CDs and streaming Spotify from my MacBook Air.

My question is, what's the best way to take advantage of the superior DAC in the amp to get higher quality audio from my MacBook (and possibly the CD player?)?

I have headphone out on the MacBook and a USB.

Any advice for how to achieve this would be greatly appreciated, and I apologize in advance if this is a real greenhorn question.

I suggest watching John Darko's YouTube videos called "Back to Basics". It's a multi part series and I found his advice extremely useful when researching DACs, Roon and HQPlayer. For more technical explanations on on ways to play your music check out The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel.

[FreddieFerric]

Wouldn't he have to download the McIntosh USB driver for it to work via USB. I know without it installed on my laptop and PC I get zilch to my MA8000.

[edward3132]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Wouldn't he have to download the McIntosh USB driver for it to work via USB. I know without it installed on my laptop and PC I get zilch to my MA8000.

He is planning to use a MacBook Air Their is no need for a specific driver when using Mac OS Only windows based computers need a driver

[FreddieFerric]

[W9TR]

I’ll second going USB B-A cable from computer to DAC. Get a decent one. 1.5 meters is the best length.

Ivan (MasterLu) sells Wireworld and they will have an option at your price point.

If cash is an issue get a Shunyata Venom 1.5M - One Benjamin.

Run your MacBook Air on batteries and don’t use any additional USB hubs or switches between your laptop and the DAC.

Coax out of your CD player to the coax input on the DAC input.

Enjoy!

[Mclrotklp]

I have a MA8900, I do use it 100% of the times to play digital through USB.
Best way to get the best of the DAC/MacBook is to connect your computer to the DAC directly through USB A>B cable (you do not need a $300 USB cable but do not use a crappy printer USB AB cable) a cheap audioquest will do a great job by instance.

Using a software that would really bypass the computer OS mixer and use the exclusively the DAC is good, if you don't want to pay for Roon (which in my opinion is the best) Audirvana is super easy and waaaay cheaper than Roon.

Not (if any) config you have to do from the MA8900 side, I wrote to Chuck at Mcintosh few months ago to check if any firmware upgrades are recommended he said not many issues reported and if aint broke don't fix it.