Anyone Using a DAC with a Laptop? Impressions?

[Michael_B]

Amazon just offered to package a USB Digital/Audio Converter with a set of headphones that I'm considering buying. I hadn't been aware of this kind of product. The marketing blurb sounds interesting, but also fluffed. Do DACs actually do anything useful? I use a MacBook Pro.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

You'd be much better off with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4! I just bought myself one from directly from Focusrite through my pal that works there so he got me a Friends & Family deal (saving 35% on retail! I bet you'd get one in the US for $160 new (comes with loads of free plug-ins/software)...

IGNORE THIS ^^^ Totally different thing but I left it on as this may help someone

[mathman]

Are you wanting to improve the sound output from your Mac when you're traveling? Or like if you're using the MacBook for performance?

[HAMERMAN]

Haven't heard anything on the one you linked to but I have seen good things written about this (or at least the 1.0 version that this seems to have replaced)

http://www.amazon.com/Audioquest-DragonFly-Preamp-Headphone-Version/dp/B00H00VLZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453730114&sr=8-1&keywords=dragon+fly+dac

I liked Midiman products back in the day but when they become Midiman/M-Audio it seemed like things went downhill. I have no idea if they got any better when they became part of Avid.

[cynic]

I use a Dragonfly as linked above by HAMERMAN, and it makes a very noticeable difference.

JohnnyB understands why I like it better than I do, so read his two part review here.

[it's me HHB]

Polara is all things recording and Mac, Id PM him if he doesnt jump in

[Michael_B]

Are you wanting to improve the sound output from your Mac when you're traveling? Or like if you're using the MacBook for performance?

After reading the item's marketing blurb, I thought it might be nice to have for use at my desk, when I'm using headphones.

[Michael_B]

I use a Dragonfly as linked above by HAMERMAN, and it makes a very noticeable difference.

JohnnyB understands why I like it better than I do, so read his two part review here.

Thanks for the link. That was helpful.

[scottcald]

I think as others have mentioned, it all depends on what your goal is. I don't know this product particularly, but if higher quality sound is what you're after, and playback only, then this is probably fine.

If you want inputs as well, then I'd look at something like the Focusrite suggested above.

ETA - Also make sure the playback (headphones/speakers) are quality as well.

[Michael_B]

I think as others have mentioned, it all depends on what your goal is. I don't know this product particularly, but if higher quality sound is what you're after, and playback only, then this is probably fine.

If you want inputs as well, then I'd look at something like the Focusrite suggested above.

ETA - Also make sure the playback (headphones/speakers) are quality as well.

Looking back my reply didn't clarify that. I had in mind using it to listen to music, while I'm working at my computer.

[scottcald]

The last question to ask - what are the files? If they're mp3 and low bit rates (like 128k) then I'd just plug directly into the computer's headphone jack. If you're using high quality files, like over 360k, WAV or better, then I'd say go for it.

[Michael_B]

13 hours ago, scottcald said:

The last question to ask - what are the files?  If they're mp3 and low bit rates (like 128k) then I'd just plug directly into the computer's headphone jack.  If you're using high quality files, like over 360k, WAV or better, then I'd say go for it.  

Mostly mp3.  Some FLAC and Apple lossless.

[JohnnyB]

That original Dragonfly 1.0 launched a new product category. Now there are many thumb-sized and palm-sized USB-powered DACs on the market at a range of prices. When the original Dragonfly came out it was $249. Now the improved 1.2 is under $149 and the 1.0 is still available for $99. And it's definitely still competitive.

Other small ones are offered by AudioEngine (known for their compact powered speakers), Meridian (a leading edge company in digital technology), Cambridge Audio, Calyx, and several others.

Here's a review of three mini USB DACs. It may be a bit granular for your preferences, but it does lay out the advantages and tradeoffs you get with various features, such as the plug-n-play aspects of a USB 1.0 DAC vs. higher resolution ones that can handle higher bit rates and even direct-stream-digital (DSD), the format behind SACD.

Also, although you hear more and more improvement with higher resolution digital files, much of the problem with digital is based on timing errors. The USB DACs use the USB's 2-way communication to synchronize the bitstream just before conversion. The Dragonfly was designed by Gordon Rankin, who invented this technology, but it has proliferated to other brands. Therefore even lossy files should show some improvement. You also get improvement in the form of a power boost for the signal driving the headphones. 

[Lockbody]

Sounds like a good reason to upgrade your Macbook if you don't already own a Retina!

http://www.joshkerr.com/should-you-upgrade-your-dac-if-you-own-a-macbook-pro/

 

 

[Disturber]

I am using a Chromecast Audio to play music on my stereo from my Android pad. Does not work with the PC unfortunatelly. Don't know if it works with a Mac.

It is a nifty little unit that has an okay built in DAC. It works like the ordinary chromecast, but only for music. I play Spotify through it wireless on my big stereo system.