Running spotify premium through macbook pro - sound quality

[nicnac1]

Hey,

I've been experimenting plugging my macbook into my Marantz amplifier via aux to stream Spotify and found the sound quality to be nowhere near as good as when I used to plug in my old windows laptop. This is the same when plugging into my logitech 5.1 computer speakers and a friend's Bose 2.1 system. I have downloaded "Hear" for macbook which has improved the quality somewhat but even tweaking the settings for hours doesn't give me a sweet spot to listen with. Do I need to accept that the macbook sound quality will never be as good as my old dell laptop?

Does anybody else find this or have a solution?

Cheers!

 

[PapaLazaru]

You need a DAC

 

[Marsman]

Laptop audio is never that great, but it seems the Macbook's onboard audio is just poor. Get a DAC (digital to analogue converter). Essentially they are an external stereo sound card without all the bells and whistles. Does the Macbook have SPDIF out? optical or coaxial.

 

[PapaLazaru]

You have a couple of options, OP.

Like myself and Marsman said, a DAC will give you the audio you want.

Something like this - http://www.richersounds.com/product/dacs/cambridge-audio/dacmagic-xs/camb-dacmagic-xs

30 day money back guarantee and well reviewed on What Hifi - http://www.whathifi.com/review/cambridge-audio-dacmagic-xs

You could also consider getting a Bluetooth receiver which will allow you to use your laptop away from the speakers if you wish. Been looking at this one myself - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Aco...ie=UTF8&qid=1394568372&sr=8-1&keywords=bludac