PC to Integrated amp question

[Brad33710]

First post for me. So forgive any ignorance on my part.

I have a six year old Acer tower that I wish to connect to my Marantz PM-11S3 integrated amp (IA). The sole purpose is to stream Tidal for music purposes. I pay the $20 a month for their premium service.

Everything I have read suggests I should have a DAC between the computer and the IA. I am assuming my best bet is a shielded USB cable from the computer to the DAC. Is that correct? If wrong, any advice with that aspect is greatly appreciated.

I am also looking for recommendations of a nice DAC below the $600 range that has the necessary input/output terminals that I'll need. I am hoping that is enough money to spend on something decent, while being able to upgrade later.

Full intention is IA output via the speakers, as I rarely wear headphones.

I thank all those in advance with their advice and suggestions. Thanks for reading.

Brad
St. Petersburg Florida

 

[lovinthehd]

That would be a way to go since your integrated amp has no dac Do you need a DAC with the silly MQA thing? Or do you want to move the streaming to a stand alone DAP instead? Might take a look thru the extensive list of tested dacs/daps here https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?reviews/

No recommendations personally, don't need stand alone units for either.

 

[Brad33710]

Do you need a DAC with the silly MQA thing? Or do you want to move the streaming to a stand alone DAP instead?

I don't know, LOL. Being new to digital, everything I have read indicates that the sound cards on computers are limited without a DAC. Since my tower has some years on it, I would think that is especially the case.

I haven't thought about your second question to be honest. The vast majority of my home music listening the past decade has been straight turntable to IA. So the digital age is rather new to me believe it or not. My Tidal experience thus far has been mainly via my cell phone to ear buds.

Long and short, I am moving my IA from the living room to my home office, and wish to replace my turntable with online music streaming via speakers, for an indefinite period of time.

 

[lovinthehd]

How about MQA, tho? Takes specific gear...also why I would go with Qobuz over Tidal....

 

[markw]

Before worrying yourself into a tizzy, Try a simple, inexpensive,cable (1/8 stereo mini plug into two RCA plugs) works for you. You might be surprised.