How to: Wireless - PC to USB DAC?

[fork]

Hello,

I'm looking for advice and ideas on how to best setup my PC audio.

The PC and stereo are located on opposite sides of the room, about 6m apart. I prefer a wireless solution, but it might be possible to run a THIN cord under the rug if it's about 8m long.

The PC will be a cheap desktop, with an external hard drive for extra space. On the other end will be my preamp, with USB and Toslink jacks.

Ideally, I'd like to find the solution that will give me the best reproduction quality, be relatively simple to implement and of course not cost an arm and a leg.


Questions:

1. What kind of wireless gear could I use (maybe for 802.11?) on the computer side and on the preamp side? Any recommended models, brands and sources?

2. What are the pitfalls, if any, where data quality can be compromised before it gets to the DAC and do I need to upgrade any components (sound card, jacks, USB cable, etc.) in my computer to prevent this? Recommended models, brands and sources for upgrade components.

Please keep in mind, I'm not an engineer.


Thanks,

Fork

[fork]

Just to clarify, the USB and Toslink go into the DAC, which is internal to the preamp.

[ezkcdude]

Slim Devices. Squeezebox.

[fork]

Thanks Ezkcdude, I am thinking about the squeezebox Duet on the pre/DAC end. It has the disadvantage of being $400, just to act as a receiver for the 802 signal, however I do like the functionality of the remote with digital display.

[ezkcdude]

I have been using the controller and receiver for the last few months as part of the beta testing program. I love it. It's actually cheaper than a similar Sonos system.

[jan.didden]

Even cheaper: Linksys' WMB54G wireless music bridge.

Jan Didden

[JeroenR]

Airport Express from Apple, EUR99. I use it for toslink out and printer at the same time....

[jan.didden]

Originally posted by JeroenR
Airport Express from Apple, EUR99. I use it for toslink out and printer at the same time....

Hello Jeroen,

Does the Apple Airport Express provide a wireless USB port or just a USB-printer port (one way)?

Jan Didden

[Rodeodave]

Hi,

Here's the Stereophile review of the Slim Devices Squeezebox:
http://stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/906slim/

And here's the review of the Apple AirPort Express:
http://stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/505apple/

Right now I'm using my Laptop's analog output and interconnects (4m) and it's really annoying (the wiring, not the sound quality).
I've asked myself the same question (how to run my laptop's signal wirelessly to my CD-player's DAC) and I tend to favor the Airport Express. The drawbacks (imho): You'll have to use iTunes and the playing FLAC isn't straight forward.

[Rodeodave]

janneman,

I'm afraid the USB-port only works for network-printers and external harddisks (NAS=Network Attached Storage, Apple calls it AirPort Disk). Audio is only available via analog 3.5mm or optical TOSLINK.