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Q I store my music collection on an iMac and use iTunes for playback. I have a plan to use two powered studio monitors and an old Sunfire MKII subwoofer for a desktop speaker system. Here’s my question: How do I set the system up for optimal sound quality? Should I buy a USB DAC? If I did, how would I integrate it with the speakers and sub? Is there a DAC with three RCA outputs and a built-in subwoofer crossover? —Rick Martinez

A First off, a USB DAC will provide better sound quality than what you’d get when using the iMac’s 3.5mm analog output to connect to your desktop speakers, so buying one of those would be a good start. There are plenty of good, affordable USB DAC options to choose from, some priced in the $150 range, or even less.

I’m not aware of any DACs with a built-in crossover and subwoofer output. But I do know that you can use the built-in crossover in your Sunfire MKII sub to filter the DAC’s stereo output and pass that on to your powered speakers.

Assuming you do buy a USB DAC, just run interconnects between the DAC’s stereo RCA output and the sub’s stereo RCA input. Next, connect the sub’s stereo RCA output to the RCA inputs on your powered studio monitors. When using this configuration, the Sunfire MKII’s passive 70 Hz, 6dB per-octave high-pass filter will kick in, which should enable a good bass blend between your studio monitors and the sub.