Excuse me if this is wrong and I'm being thick, but does using a USB connection between my iMac and a DAC mean limiting the data transfer to a 16bit max even if they are 24bit files?
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I'm Steve.
A stupid question re DACs and USB connections.
Excuse me if this is wrong and I'm being thick, but does using a USB connection between my iMac and a DAC mean limiting the data transfer to a 16bit max even if they are 24bit files?
Steve aka 'Twelvebears' (it's a long story)
System: Technics 1210 Mk5, Jelco 750 arm, AT33EV via MF X-LP2 Phono Stage, Oyaide mat and record clamp. SB Touch via Marantz PM-11S1 amp and Wilson Benesch A.C.T. speakers. Mark Grant cables and PS Audio Power Plant Premier mains regenerator.
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Mesmer
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I'm notAlone.
It depends on the dac's USB receiver.Originally Posted by twelvebears
On the 7520 it's 16/48 max, if I remember properly.
Dimitri.
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George Orwell
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You'd be much better using the optical output as it can transfer 24bit audio. However, do you actually need 24bit transfer?
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Senior Member
Location: Hemel Hempstead
Posts: 1,074
I'm Steve.
Well no...and yes. Maybe.
That is to say, I only have a bit of hi-res 24/96 stuff but I'm picking up bits hear and there.
I just asked because if the USB would have handled 24bit (I've checked with the DAC manufacturer, it's doesn't), I could have had my CD transport, iMac and PS3 all connected at the same time through different inputs.
As it can't, I will use optical from the Mac
Steve aka 'Twelvebears' (it's a long story)
System: Technics 1210 Mk5, Jelco 750 arm, AT33EV via MF X-LP2 Phono Stage, Oyaide mat and record clamp. SB Touch via Marantz PM-11S1 amp and Wilson Benesch A.C.T. speakers. Mark Grant cables and PS Audio Power Plant Premier mains regenerator.
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(")_(")
Co-Founder/Administrator
Location: Norfolk, UK
Posts: 6,209
I'm BigBobJoylove.
Ah I see. Yes, in that case you'll have to go optical as the USB input on the 7520 only goes to 16bit.
Ben Duncan mains conditioner
2022 MacBook Pro 14" M1 Pro 10/16/16/16
Samsung QE75Q90T 75" QLED TV
XMOS DSD Async USB to Coax converter
RME Audio ADI-2 FS (AK4493) DAC
Chord Clearway XLR interconnects
Audioquest Crimson USB interconnect
QED Quartz Reference optical interconnect
Edifier S3000 Pro active speakers
Atacama SE24 stands
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Posts: 313
It's not a stupid question at all. USB audio is the flavour of the month at the moment, but most people don't realise that the standard USB drivers are 16 bit 48kHz max. So as standard, USB audio is not hi-rez.A stupid question re DACs and USB connections.
However, some enlightened USB - D/A manufacturers have created their own USB drivers, in which case, the sky is the limit. But you have to be careful to check which USB D/A converters use their own hi-rez drivers. (eg, I thought Beresford did, but it doesn't) It's a total minefield out there!
As has been said above, if you have S/PDIF Co-ax or Toslink out puts, it's always preferable to use them rather than USB.
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