Using an HT receiver as a DAC

[memmakersorg]

Hi,

 

I have an old Onkyo (HTR-510) receiver lying around.

 

I have an entry level audiophile stereo system.

 

I want to add rhapsody as a source.

 

I want to get your opinion on the merits of using the

HT receiver as a DAC (it has digital inputs).

 

Thanks.

 

[CharlyD]

Your Onkyo will work just fine playing Rhapsody programming when fed via S/PDIF from a PC or Mac. You may need to add a sound card to get S/DIF out.

 

[Mr.C]

I'll second that. The internal dacs of most receivers are good entry level dacs, but are usually out performed once you pay $500 and up for a dac.

 

[memmakersorg]

Hi,

 

I have a Yamaha M-60 pre-amp and an Aragaon 2004 stereo Amp

 

So the topology is something like:

 

My Mac using Airfoil

to stream music to my Apple TV

which has a digital out (optical)

 

Onkyo HT-R520

 

who do I connect my Receiver to my M-60

(what should type of output is compatible with my Preamp).

 

M-60 preamp

Aragaon 2004

 

-------

 

At the moment I have the apple tv connected using RCA to my Pre-Amp -- I feel as if something is missing -- I honestly think my Vinyl sounds better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CharlyD]

Use the Tape Out connection on your Onkyo into your preamp. The digital audio out on your Apple TV should be connected to an optical input on your Onkyo. Your vinyl may still sound better.

 

[memmakersorg]

So in summary you think the Onkyo DAC is better than the Mac Mini's DAC.

 

Thanks.

 

[CharlyD]

I have an Onkyo A/V receiver (I don't recall the model and I'm too lazy to go look), and it's quite good considering the overall cost of the unit. It takes a very good digital kit to beat the quality available from a decent analog setup.

 

[memmakersorg]

Ahhh -- how frustrating

 

It seems the Onkyo will not convert between formats

 

So the optical input on my Mac-mini is not getting converted

to Tape Out :-( -- the manual except is below.

 

ok -- any recommendations on a good Audio-phile quality

DAC -- or should I look for another receiver off of ebay/CL

that will do the trick.

 

Audio Connection Formats

--------------------------------

Audio equipment can be connected to the HT-R510 using the

following audio connection formats: analog, optical, coaxial,

and multi-channel (5.1).

When choosing a connection format, bear in mind that the

HT-R510 doesn’t convert between formats, as shown below.

For example, audio signals connected to the OPTICAL or

COAXIAL digital input are not output by the analog TAPE

OUT connectors, so if you want to record from, for example,

your CD player, in addition to connecting it to a digital input,

you must also connect it to the analog CD IN connectors.

 

 

[CharlyD]

I wonder what BS marketing had them add that "feature". There are many DACs out there that accept S/PDIF input and deliver better sonics than the Apple TV. I'm sure you could find several recommended on this site. If you bump this thread with your price point, I'm sure you'll get lots of responses.

 

[memmakersorg]

Hi I was hoping to stay close to $100.

 

I guess $200 seems to be doable too

 

Musical Fedelity's V-DAC can be had for $300.

 

Note: the primary purpose of this set up will be to

handle rhapsody music.

 

Another option is to get a Tivo -- Could the Tivo

have a decent built in DAC.