DAC / Imac Question

[AJ71]

Excuse this if it's a basic/daft question

If I want to add a DAC to my system (probably the Rega one) is connecting it to my Imac where my digital stuff is all kept as simple as a connecting the two with an Optical SPDIF Toslink Cable such as this one ?

http://www.nexxia.co.uk/product.asp...igital Optical Cables&product_code=NX-OPT-131

Thanks

 

[ItemAudio]

Yup. That or a (whisper it) USB cable . . .

 

[AJ71]

Cheers, I take it that a USB connection is frowned upon ?

 

[Mescalito]

Yup. That or a (whisper it) USB cable . . .

Mods!!! The man has used the 3 letter acronym whose name dare not be spoken!!!!! Ban him!!, No, better err on the safe side. Burn him!!!

Chris

 

[Mescalito]

Cheers, I take it that a USB connection is frowned upon ?

Nowt wrong with it.

Chris

 

[trevjm]

Cheers, I take it that a USB connection is frowned upon ?

Not at all. I have a system consisting of an iMac > M-DAC > Adams A6 speakers.. I use USB and Audirvana + and it sounds great.

 

[jjmarriott]

At risk of being burned upon the stake, what's the theory behind USB being bad?

 

[Julf]

At risk of being burned upon the stake, what's the theory behind USB being bad?

Nothing, but we are not supposed to discuss it for the next 3 days

 

[Mescalito]

At risk of being burned upon the stake, what's the theory behind USB being bad?

There isn't one. It's fine.

Chris

 

[jjmarriott]

Nothing, but we are not supposed to discuss it for the next 3 days

That's hilarious!! Is that genuine?

 

[adamdea]

Excuse this if it's a basic/daft question

If I want to add a DAC to my system (probably the Rega one) is connecting it to my Imac where my digital stuff is all kept as simple as a connecting the two with an Optical SPDIF Toslink Cable such as this one ?

http://www.nexxia.co.uk/product.asp...igital Optical Cables&product_code=NX-OPT-131

Thanks

Yes. Now run and don't look back.

 

[maxflinn]

Yes. Now run and don't look back.

...

 

[jjmarriott]

Moderator, please put up a transcript of the USB discussion as this sounds like a brilliant read!

 

[ItemAudio]

At risk of being burned upon the stake, what's the theory behind USB being bad?

Sssssh! Not here . . .

The choice of SPDIF or U$B with the Rega is an interesting one: for what it's worth, I'd grab the cheap optical cable and a £1.99 peripheral lead and compare them.

The optical connection will be limited to 24/96; the Ü$B is be further limited to 16/48. Coaxial SPDIF is the full 24/192.

The latest gory goings on are here: http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=152693
By about page 19, a rare flowering of civility and thoughtfulness occurred.
There is even a poll, with 148 votes, which hasn't yet reached quiescent resolution: http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=150708

However, this is not the time or place for discussion of whether Ü$8 is good or bad. The problem is tha

 

[rbrown]

At risk of being burned upon the stake, what's the theory behind USB being bad?

There's a heated debate about whether or not all USB cables sound the same. One thing's for sure - all cable debates are the same.

Rich

 

[AJ71]

Apologies for opening this can of worms

 

[AJ71]

The optical connection will be limited to 24/96; the Ü$B is be further limited to 16/48. Coaxial SPDIF is the full 24/192.

Can you point me to a Coaxial SPDIF that will work with Imac to DAC ?

 

[maxflinn]

Can you point me to a Coaxial SPDIF that will work with Imac to DAC ?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0014LTJTM/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21

 

[AJ71]

I'm not sure the Imac and DAC have same connectors. I'd better do some checking

 

[maxflinn]

I think the headphone out doubles as coax, SPDIF.