[Superman]

You guys know me as a frighteningly brilliant contributor across an unbelievably wide range of topics but when I try to learn about DAC systems and bluetooth and optical audio and coax and USB and streaming, the acronyms and complexities make my head hurt. I'm looking for someone to simplify this for me.

I have a preamp, amp and speakers that I like very much. Seriously, I can hear the expression on Norah Jones's face and how much spittle is in her mouth and throat. But I feed that system from the 3.5mm headphone jacks of my android phone, MacBook air, and a miniscule DAC so cheap it is nearly free which converts the optical audio out from TV. I think my system can be improved by sending a better analog signal to the preamp.

Let me explain the depth of my ignorance: I have no idea how my MacBook Air would output a digital signal. It has several different kinds of output plugs/ports and I have heard it might also provide an optical audio output from the headphone jack (of all places!). Perhaps it can output digital audio in multiple ways. I have no idea. I may take it to the geeks at Best Buy where I purchased it, and let them inform me. I cannot seem to find this information on the Internet. I have heard that Apple software is already pretty good.

I don't even know if a better DAC would improve my system.

I hate Apple's strategy of providing services that limit my options. iTunes BLOWS! iStore BLOWS!

I currently have Amazon Music, and the quality is CD-quality or better. It arrives on a Comcast cable, and my devices receive it from a router.

Bluetooth would be convenient, eliminating the physical cord, if this can be done while preserving sufficient sound quality.

That's all I know.