Urgent advice for beginner

[bralk]

Hi

 

I am ready to start playing some music, but need some advice.

 

I have prepared my computer audio debut like this:

 

Ripped 650 cd´s to itunes in AIFF file format. ( external FW-disk )

Bought 2 different DACs ( Benchmark DAC1 and Lite-AH )

Bought a Mac Powerbook 15" G4 and 2 Airport EXpress to use solely for audio purposes.

 

I have an existing wireless network and separate computer to connect to the internet and want to create a

separate network (not connected to the internet ) dedicated to audio.

 

How do I configure the Airport Expresses when I don´t want to connect to the internet.

I have played around with his but without luck.

 

If i connect the G4 directly to he DACs nothing happens. In Midi Setup I cannot select "digital out" only external speakers.

 

Any suggestions ?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Tom

 

 

 

 

 

[bralk]

Bought a Benchmark USB DAC 1 and hardwired the G4. Remote controlled from ipod Touch.

 

Didn´t want to waste more time on Apples wireless streaming.

 

cheers

 

Tom

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Wow, that's a fail-proof way to solve the problem :-)

 

Let us know what you think of the new DAC

 

[Innertuber]

iTunes isn't a real happy camper with no internet connection. You might want access if you add anything. Guess you plan to flip it on and off?

 

[bralk]

Hi Chris

 

Yes - fail-proof is what I want. My audio dealer exchanged the Benchmarks for a modest fee. The Touch is a refurbished 8GB model which comes very cheap ( 200 USD ). Not too bad for a very cool remote.

 

The discs I use at the moment are LaCie rugged 500 GB, firewire, bus powered, fanless and very quiet. I use two - one is the main disk and the second is daisy-chained and functions as a backup. I only have 70 GB left on the disks, so in the near future I will have to find another disc solution. I want a virtually noiseless and one platter solution which excludes the current LaCie 1 GB (Poulton design) fanless model. Any sugestions ?

 

As to the audio quality of the Benchmark DAC1. Well - clean, quiet, detailed and neutral. It´s very close to not being there.

Very different from the Lite DAC-AH which is very smooth and nice sounding, with raised upper bass and subdued upper treble. This Dac glosses over bad recordings but doesn´t convey all the qualities of really good recordings. The Benchmark simply digs out all the details which is fabulous with good recordings. I have never heard a better dac.

 

My playback systems are:

 

1) Stax Omega headphones

2) ATC SIA2-150 amp with ATC SCM19 speakers

 

cheers

 

Tom