best sound from an Apple Macbook

[modenar1]

my uncle has a library collection of over 700 cds, so i decided to buy him a Apple Macbook and have started ripping the cds in FLAC format. now i would like to get the best possible sound out of the MAc to teh stereo system. what should i get. ive heard of external DACs, or the Slimserver? what do you guys recommend to do, to get the best quality sound. cost is no object.

 

[rtcp]

Thanks to Apple, you shouldn't have to buy any additional hardware. The headphone minijack doubles as an optical out, so you just need to buy a cable like this one:http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6214002/wo/t4nA15DAspw02ZrCieP1hBEU58D/1.0.21.1.0.8.25.7.11.0.3
Just make sure the stereo you're plugging it into has optical inputs.

If the equipment you're plugging into does not support optical inputs, you'd probably want something like this:http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/AudiophileUSB-main.html
or this:http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=743&ParentId=114
Those are USB soundcards that have RCA outputs.

 

[audiofox]

I regularly use my Macbook Pro with an optical cable into my Denon 3806 with great success. With Front Row, you can control iTunes with the provided remote from the comfort of your listening chair. I'm working on training my URC-200 to control the MBP so I can use a single remote for everything. Now if I can do the same with my G5 tower, I will have a true HTPC setup, since I am also storing many of my movies on the G5's hard drive suite (about 1.2 TB)

 

[WorldLeader]

If you opt to go the wireless route, take a look at the Squeezebox, or if you want a bit cheaper go for the airport express. I have an AE and it works great!

Good choice with the MacBook BTW, Macs are sweet

 

[audiofox]

For wireless, you might want to also look at the Apple TV box, since it was made specifically to connect a Mac with your av system

 

[sbader2]

If you opt to go the wireless route, take a look at the Squeezebox, or if you want a bit cheaper go for the airport express. I have an AE and it works great!

Good choice with the MacBook BTW, Macs are sweet

I second the Airport Express, it's awesome. I also second the fact that macs are sweet.

 

[angstadt530]

Wow, I did not know about Airport Express. I just read about it on Apple's website. I have a Mac, love it, and now this gadget is my next must-have!!

 

[sbader2]

Wow, I did not know about Airport Express. I just read about it on Apple's website. I have a Mac, love it, and now this gadget is my next must-have!!

They just lowered the price of it like a month ago, too. I think it's down to $100. Definitely worth it.