Easy to install DAC.

[chickenshack]

I have a Naim system and want to stream Spotify into my pre-amp from my Macbook Air, but I don't fancy the idea of shelling out 6k for an NDX2. I am researching a suitable DAC to connect my computer via a USB cable. It would be great if it sounded as good as an NDX2, but that may be wishful thinking. The Mojo 2 seems to be well-regarded. I would like to know your thoughts, but please bear in mind, that I am not technically knowledgeable when it comes to setting up Hi-Fi gear.

 

[ahofer]

I have a Naim system and want to stream Spotify into my pre-amp from my Macbook Air, but I don't fancy the idea of shelling out 6k for an NDX2. I am researching a suitable DAC to connect my computer via a USB cable. It would be great if it sounded as good as an NDX2, but that may be wishful thinking. The Mojo 2 seems to be well-regarded. I would like to know your thoughts, but please bear in mind, that I am not technically knowledgeable when it comes to setting up Hi-Fi gear.

The good news is you can get a fully transparent DAC for A few hundred bucks. Such as this one for $128:

SMSL D12 DAC & Headphone Amp Review

This is a review, listening test and detailed measurements of the SMSL D12 stereo USB DAC with Bluetooth support. It was sent to me by the company and is selling for US $126. The D12 deviates from typical SMSL DAC by using a 7 segment display. It is white and get hyper bright (there are many...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Note the graph in the review. Anything in the "excellent range" (and probably down through the 'very good' range) should be completely audibly transparent. Choose on features, price, looks, whatever floats your boat. DACs are a solved problem. Save your money for speakers, EQ, room improvement, and music.

 

[voodooless]

The good news is you can get a fully transparent DAC for A few hundred bucks. Such as this one for $128:

SMSL D12 DAC & Headphone Amp Review

This is a review, listening test and detailed measurements of the SMSL D12 stereo USB DAC with Bluetooth support. It was sent to me by the company and is selling for US $126. The D12 deviates from typical SMSL DAC by using a 7 segment display. It is white and get hyper bright (there are many...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Hold by beer...

SMSL SU-1 Stereo DAC Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL SU-1 stereo USB DAC. It was arranged to be sent to me by shenzhenaudio from the company and costs US $79.99. Despite its simplicity, the SU-1 manages to look elegant with nice fonts and LED indicators for different inputs. Back panel has...

www.audiosciencereview.com

There $80, and done!

 

[VintageFlanker]

I have a Naim system and want to stream Spotify into my pre-amp from my Macbook Air, but I don't fancy the idea of shelling out 6k for an NDX2. I am researching a suitable DAC to connect my computer via a USB cable. It would be great if it sounded as good as an NDX2, but that may be wishful thinking. The Mojo 2 seems to be well-regarded. I would like to know your thoughts, but please bear in mind, that I am not technically knowledgeable when it comes to setting up Hi-Fi gear.

The NDX2 is, as absolutely everything made by Naim, way overpriced for its objective performance.

Any DAC competently designed will sound just as good. I mean it. You first have to set a price point. From there, you could choose something more precisely, regarding other criteria such as features, build quality, place of manufacture, design etc. Connectivity is also important as you seem to wish for some streaming capabilities...

What you could lose from the NDX2: Bragging rights, resale value, and possibly longevity. For everything else, there are vastly superior products out there.

The Mojo 2 is a portable DAC that serves On-the-go purposes. For home use, there are way better picks.

 

[Zensō]

As stated above, competent DACs don’t have a “sound”. The NDX2 is highway robbery - a decent DAC should cost less than a few hundred dollars.

 

[chickenshack]

As stated above, competent DACs don’t have a “sound”. The NDX2 is highway robbery. Buy a decent DAC (it should cost less than a few hundred dollars) and spend the rest on a nice trip or a child’s college fund.

Yes, I have realised that the NDX2 is highway robbery and probably the same for the rest of Naim's gear. It appeals to people who are not gear-savvy like me, although I am slowly learning. I recently bought a DragonFly cobalt DAC for my iPhone and MacBook, which has significantly improved the sound quality. Is there a way I could connect the Cobalt to my pre-amp, and how would it sound if I could? By the way, I am from the UK.

 

[Palladium]

$6000?! Dude, you can spend $2000 on a pair of Neumann KH120 IIs with an integrated DAC.

 

[JustJones]

Something like this Cable let's you connect your Cobalt to preamp. It's an Audioquest cable which you seem to like. I'd get an Amazon basic Cable. .

 

[chickenshack]

$6000?! Dude, you can spend $2000 on a pair of Neumann KH120 IIs with an integrated DAC.

I am already fixed for a pair of speakers, thanks, Palladium.

 

[Apesbrain]

Is there a way I could connect the Cobalt to my pre-amp,

If you wire your MacBook to your pre-amp, you can use your iPhone as a remote:

‎iTunes Remote

‎iTunes Remote is the best way to control Apple Music, iTunes, or the Apple TV app from anywhere in your home. Simply download the app to your iPhone or iPad, and connect directly to Apple Music, iTunes, or the Apple TV app on your Mac or PC. With iTunes Remote you can: • Access your Apple...

apps.apple.com

 

[chickenshack]

If you wire your MacBook to your pre-amp, you can use your iPhone as a remote:

‎iTunes Remote

‎iTunes Remote is the best way to control Apple Music, iTunes, or the Apple TV app from anywhere in your home. Simply download the app to your iPhone or iPad, and connect directly to Apple Music, iTunes, or the Apple TV app on your Mac or PC. With iTunes Remote you can: • Access your Apple...

apps.apple.com

Yes, I discovered that it does make it convenient.

 

[chickenshack]

Something like this Cable let's you connect your Cobalt to preamp. It's an Audioquest cable which you seem to like. I'd get an Amazon basic Cable. .

Thanks for the link; I'll try them out and see how they sound. There is an enormous difference in price: Does the Audioquest sound any better?

 

[Zensō]

Thanks for the link; I'll try them out and see how they sound. There is an enormous difference in price: Does the Audioquest sound any better?

No difference.

 

[Zensō]

This very long thread is relevant to your questions:

Serious Question: How can DAC's have a SOUND SIGNATURE if they measure as transparent? Are that many confused?

I know there are people out there that think cables affect sound, which is much worse, but there really is no response to something like that, but just to smile and nod. But what about people who talk about DACS as if they were headphone drivers or speakers, and talk about the SOUNDSTAGE...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[VintageFlanker]

there a way I could connect the Cobalt to my pre-amp, and how would it sound if I could?

Probably like garbage :

AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt Review (Portable Headphone Adapter)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt portable DAC and headphone amplifier ("dongle"). It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $300. The Dragonfly Cobalt dates way back to when these dongles came in the form of USB flash Thumb drives: This makes...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[chickenshack]

No difference.

Thanks, I have ordered a pair from Amazone.

 

[chickenshack]

The NDX2 is, as absolutely everything made by Naim, way overpriced for its objective performance.

Any DAC competently designed will sound just as good. I mean it. You first have to set a price point. From there, you could choose something more precisely, regarding other criteria such as features, build quality, place of manufacture, design etc. Connectivity is also important as you seem to wish for some streaming capabilities...

What you could lose from the NDX2: Bragging rights, resale value, and possibly longevity. For everything else, there are vastly superior products out there.

The Mojo 2 is a portable DAC that serves On-the-go purposes. For home use, there are way better picks.

Thanks for your advice, much appreciated.

 

[Palladium]

resale value

Dunno about you but used audio stuff that best kept their value relative to new in percentage terms has always been budget DACs and studio monitors.

 

[DVDdoug]

If your Macbook has an analog headphone output it may be perfectly adequate. And a headphone output doubles as a line-output. (I'm a Windows guy so I don't know much about Macs.)

If you are not hearing noise (hum, hiss, or whine in the background) there is probably no audible improvement to be had. Frequency response and distortion are almost always better than human hearing, so noise is usually the only "sound quality" concern (with electronics).

Or if you are using headphones and your headphones don't' go loud enough you may need a headphone amp or a combination DAC/headphone DAC.