Computer do Amp - DAC/soundcard needed?

[dinin70]

Dear Community,

I currently have a Yamaha Amplifier N500 and I'm planning to connect my computer to it.

The objective would be to rip my CD as FLAC files and have the closest experience to the CD reading.

In order to have maximum sound quality, is a DAC or dedicated soundcard needed or the Amp does all the required digital to analog conversion?

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

dinin70

 

[muljao]

It depends on your computer. The yamaha has digital inputs and a built in DAC. If your computer has a digital output, you can plug it directly into the yamaha and all should be good once the computer knows to send the sound there and bypass your sound card. This can be done in settings if not automatic.

If your computer does not have this function, the easiest option is to buy a USB DAC and plug it into your computer and feed the analog cables to the yamaha