I have my analog set up as follows: Amp:Audiolab 8300 (noDAC or Headphone connection); Tuner:Sangean HD 1, CD: an old Onkyo from the late 80's or early 90's that works fine; and I am in early stages of rehabbing a Thorens for my vinyl; I have an old 8GB MacBook Pro from 2015 running Catalina, but free otherwise; and all of my CD's ripped (in AIFF) to a 2T portable HD. No Headphones yet. My speakers for now are NHT SB3s. I have my eye on a hardly-used Monolith 124459 DAC/headphone amp, but I am still waffling (my wife claims I should have a budget!). From what I glean from this forum, and other sites, I think I am on the right track. Am I stupid for spending a lot ($400) on a DAC/HP amp? There are SO MANY out there!! I don't stream right now (maybe in the future), I just want to listen to my ripped CD's. and I do not desire to use my iPhone as a controller at this time; Im fine, for now, with getting up to change the album like in the olden days.
Here is my "newbie-to-digital-dilemma(s)": Can I run the 2TbHD to this MacBook, sign up for Roon or similar and use this as my base station? Is Roon even needed, or do I just transfer my stuff to the MacBook hd and muddle through as-is? IS this even the right way to go (Monolith, Roon)? Both seem a bit pricey. Everyone I asked seems to just be trying to sell me something. Im kinda newbie, so be gentle. Can anyone offer some advice or steer me to a site or book (you know, paper and typesetting and stuff.)
Here is my "newbie-to-digital-dilemma(s)": Can I run the 2TbHD to this MacBook, sign up for Roon or similar and use this as my base station? Is Roon even needed, or do I just transfer my stuff to the MacBook hd and muddle through as-is? IS this even the right way to go (Monolith, Roon)? Both seem a bit pricey. Everyone I asked seems to just be trying to sell me something. Im kinda newbie, so be gentle. Can anyone offer some advice or steer me to a site or book (you know, paper and typesetting and stuff.)
Last edited: