Yes, you can connect a Macbook via the USB and listen to MP3s.

Not just a Macbook. You can attach virtually any computer via the USB. I do it with my kids laptops (Windows 7) and I seem to remember doing it with a old laptop running Ubuntu before the motherboard died.

I am not impressed with the sound quality using the usb input. I mainly listen to the RR2150 using a SB Touch and the SQ is excellent so it is not really a problem. Still I think the RR2150 is a fine product and deserves a better dac.

It should still be better than the sound card in the macbook, right?

I'm trying to choose between the RR2150 and the Emotiva XDA-1. Not apples and oranges, of course. I'd get the RR2150 to simplify my setup in the 2-channel room that already has a pre-amp and amp.

I ended up going with an external DAC to my Outlaw. I picked up a Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-09 (new model is TubeDac-11) which is a Tube/SS hybrid DAC/Headphone Amp for under $400. I've compared this DAC to friends units which cost over $1200, and most agree the combo with my Outlaw, Heresy IIIs and Paradigm Servo 15 blows their way more expensive systems out of the water!

I use an optical mini-Toslink cable from either my iMac or AirPort express to deliver the tunes through the DAC and into the Outlaw... I'd go that route, I tried may methods w/ the USB, Y-Cables, etc. and it just never had that right sound. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my 2150, but an external DAC is always better than an internal.

The emotiva xda-1 is a nice dac; I'd think it pair up well with the RR2150 and give you a bunch of digital inputs.

You do not need an external DAC with any Outlaw product. I have a 990 pre-amp processor and an RR 2150. I run the iPod into both, as well as my MacBook. The Outlaws recognize the Mac and act as a soundcard. The iPod also works in both.

If you need an external DAC unless you either have the world's best ears or running ultra higher end equipment.

I used external DAC's with the 990 and did near hear a difference. Yes on a scope you may see a difference, but our ears are not perfectly linear and any minor jitter is not worth the added expense.

Remember if you have Outlaw gear, you don't have Krell or better ultra high end quality, just really good mid to nearly high end quality. Believe me, it better than most people ever enjoy in high fi.

Former radio station engineer and self proclaimed debunker of so called audio nazis

^CE, what were the resolution of the files you were playing?

When my ears were a few years younger, I could tell the difference between a CD quality and 320 kbps MP3, for example, on my simple Pioneer as pre/pro --> Anthem MCA-50 --> B&W 601s. No telling what my ears can hear now.

I'm back on the market again as the Emo XDA-1 is on close out sale. RR2150 would simplify the set up since I can "get rid" of the Emo USP-1, XDA-1, and UPA-5. Although only one digital in the RR2150 is a slight concern.

I'm considering adding the Musical Fidelity V-DAC II D/A to my system which includes the RR2150 and the OPPO 970HD.
Anyone have any experience with this DAC?

Hello everyone! I have a question and ask for your expertise in helping me make a decision. I am looking at the RR2150 as a possible replacement for my Marantz NR1602 reciever.I wanted a 2.1 system from the start and chose this surround unit for amplification. I am only using a part of the amp though, by listening in stereo. My kit includes a Marantz CD5004 CD player, Martin Logan Source speakers, a Velodyne 12' Subwoofer, a new Panasonic 65" Plasma TV, cable box and a Roku HD. Blu-Ray is by Samsung. Everything is wired using Morrow Audio cables and protected / cleaned up by a Panamax power unit.
Do you think that the RR would make a drastic improvement in sound? I am also looking at a Rega RP-1 right now to get me back into vinyl!