Equipment update ?

[TLS Guy]

Hm. I don't record anything. But I could link my Macbook to a device (NAS or USB) with all the music on it and attach a RME Fireface UC to it. There is one available at the moment, quite cheap:
http://cgi.ebay.de/RME-Fireface-UC-/110630122098?pt=Studioequipment&hash=item19c211b272#ht_500wt_1129

I don't think the RME is supported by MAC, just windows. I would keep it simple for a start and get a USB DAC and see how you get on.

Once you get a computer involved you don't need that NAS unit, you can use large hard drives from the computer.

 

[busybeingborn]

I have just found a less expensive, sufficient solution:
http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_adi_2.php
I'll see if I can get it somewhere cheaper.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have just found a less expensive, sufficient solution:
http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_adi_2.php
I'll see if I can get it somewhere cheaper.

I don't see that unit working for you. It has no USB input and won't network.

I would start with a USB DAC.

The connectivity of your box is a big limitation for anything high end. It is too bad you bought it. You are really confined to consumer and not pro gear at present.

 

[busybeingborn]

Which box are you talking about? The NAS? At the moment, I use it as a backup device only. I'd prefer to use it as the main music source, but this is "optional".

If I use my MacBook as data source, it offers
1.0 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - SPDIF input/line-in - RJ-45,
1.0 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK,
2.0 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK,
1.0 x Hi-Speed USB - Apple mini-DVI,
1.0 x Audio - 4 pin USB Type A,
1.0 x Display / video - 6 pin FireWire

I have looked around for a USB DAC; they range from 50,- to 5000,- and more. Phew... 8-/ I have no idea whether you can really *hear* the difference between a 200,- and a 2000,- DAC or just pay for it.

 

[TLS Guy]

Which box are you talking about? The NAS? At the moment, I use it as a backup device only. I'd prefer to use it as the main music source, but this is "optional".

If I use my MacBook as data source, it offers
1.0 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - SPDIF input/line-in - RJ-45,
1.0 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK,
2.0 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK,
1.0 x Hi-Speed USB - Apple mini-DVI,
1.0 x Audio - 4 pin USB Type A,
1.0 x Display / video - 6 pin FireWire

I have looked around for a USB DAC; they range from 50,- to 5000,- and more. Phew... 8-/ I have no idea whether you can really *hear* the difference between a 200,- and a 2000,- DAC or just pay for it.

If you are using the MacBook the RME unit will be excellent. RME gear is top notch and used in most studios I have been in.

If you want to use the NAS then you need a USB DAC and you don't need to spend thousands.

 

[busybeingborn]

Thank you!

That is: MacBook (dig. audio out -- coax cable) > RME (dig. in -- cinch out) > preamp; correct?

I wrote to RME; they said that the RDI-2 will do for my needs (DAC only):
http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_adi_2.php

 

[TLS Guy]

Thank you!

That is: MacBook (dig. audio out -- coax cable) > RME (dig. in -- cinch out) > preamp; correct?

I wrote to RME; they said that the RDI-2 will do for my needs (DAC only):
http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_adi_2.php

You have it correct!

 

[busybeingborn]

Wow, I can't believe it!

Thank you so much for your patience & assistance!