View Full Version : iMac digital output - USB via SPDIF converter or Optical??
twelvebears
25-10-2011, 21:28
OK folks, I have searched on here but no-one seems to have given much of a view so I'm asking again.
Like many I expect, I'm feeding the digital from my iMac to my DAC (actually direct to a NAD M2 in my case) using an optical cable, but given the talk about the advantages of 'going asynchronous USB' where you let a USB to SPDIF converter do the 'clocking' with (hopefully) a reduction in jitter, I've been wondering if this would be a better option.
So there's the question - Do folks think that an asynchronous USB to SPDIF device will be a better option that using an optical output direct?
I don't know if an iMac (or computers generally) are considered particularly 'jittery' or if the M2 is particularly 'jitter resistant'.
Views, thoughts, or preferably experiences of other Mac users please.
purite audio
26-10-2011, 09:53
I am not a great fan of optical, I prefer a good asyncUSB converter,and something like the EVO will let you play 24/192 from your USB port, the EVO also reclocks and isolates.
Keith.
I prefer the sound from a John Kenny modified HiFace over optical from my Macbook.
http://sites.google.com/site/hifacemods/home/mk3-hiface
Ammonite Audio
26-10-2011, 10:40
I once hauled my iMac into the living room to try the optical output direct into my Lyngdorf amplifier, and the result was pretty poor - far inferior in every respect to using the HiFace USB stick (on a Windows laptop, but using the same music files). For me, it's a no-brainer - go asynchronous USB over the Mac's optical output. M2Tech do have Mac drivers for the HiFace, so their products would be my first choice if I was in your position.
Isn't there an MF vlink that also does that job? Another option for ya.
Ammonite Audio
26-10-2011, 15:49
Isn't there an MF vlink that also does that job? Another option for ya.
Yes - that's got to be hard to beat for the price. I did find that the HiFace Evo, powered from a Paul Hynes SR3 PSU, outperforms its cheaper USB stick sibling by quite some margin, so it is worth looking at converters that use dedicated external power supplies. If I'm correct, the MF vlink just uses USB power.
Looks like the OP has a few quid :lolsign: so I would go for one of the more expensive Hiface options over the MF.
twelvebears
26-10-2011, 16:54
Looks like the OP has a few quid :lolsign: so I would go for one of the more expensive Hiface options over the MF.
Did have but watching the pennies at the moment!
The V-Link is an option but for similar money, it's probably the HiFace which does 24/192 (not that I have may files above 24/96)
Would have tried the Musiland 01 USD but alas, no Mac drivers.....
This may still be for sale
http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=107859
twelvebears
27-10-2011, 07:57
This may still be for sale
http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=107859
Nice one Andy! I've PM'd the seller so will report back.
You could consider the Audio GD Digital Interface, comes in at around £100 and is said to be a match for considerably more expensive Jkeny hiface.
Looks interesting
USB converter shootout here
http://www.tweak-fi.com/apps/blog/show/5029064-the-usb-to-spdif-shoot-out-review-part-2-teralink-x2-vs-jkeny-s-modified-hiface-vs-audio-gd-digital-interface
StanleyB
27-10-2011, 20:16
What's the purpose of going from USB to SPDIF, instead of going straight to SPDIF :scratch:?
purite audio
27-10-2011, 21:36
I agree ,just buy a really good Async USB DAC and plug it straight into your computer.
Keith.
You could consider the Audio GD Digital Interface, comes in at around £100 and is said to be a match for considerably more expensive Jkeny hiface.
From the linked article " I believe that Jkeny’s Hiface MK1 is overall superior because its performance is more consistent from one system to another."
It is now at MK3!! http://www.head-fi.org/t/483900/review-jkeny-s-modified-hiface/255#post_7830425
wee tee cee
28-10-2011, 01:52
I use a v link in conjuction with a mark grant trico/wtb co-ax great combo.
twelvebears
28-10-2011, 09:45
I agree ,just buy a really good Async USB DAC and plug it straight into your computer.
Keith.
That would be a bit of a waste considering I own a NAD M2...
I'm just looking to feed the NAD with the best possible digital signal, and wisdom seems to be that the optical output isn't the best.
Hence my original post. :)
StanleyB
28-10-2011, 10:24
Whose wisdom implies that opticla is not the best? I would hold optical above USB any day.
I have tried, and even own a couple of, amps with an inbuilt DAC. None of them came anywhere close to a stand alone DAC in terms of resolution, detail, soundstage etc. I very much doubt that a USB to TOSLINK adapter would transform that situation.
If you do a bit of research I think you will find the NAD M2 is a very capable device.
http://nadelectronics.com/articles/Outstanding-M2-review-in-Hi-fi-News
From the linked article " I believe that Jkeny’s Hiface MK1 is overall superior because its performance is more consistent from one system to another."
It is now at MK3!! http://www.head-fi.org/t/483900/review-jkeny-s-modified-hiface/255#post_7830425
You're better placed to comment than me John, I've heard neither unit. Unfortunately I've read the Audio GD seems to not get on too well with my Buffalo Dac so I expect I'll coming to you for a converter at some point in the future.
Hi Steve.
I’ve heard the M2 a few times now (still haven’t found a bank with enough money in it to make worth robbing though) ;)
On the occasions I have heard it and from what I’ve read about how the amp/dac works I would be surprised if an asynchronous interface would make an audible difference.
I can certainly see the point where jitter may be an issue such as in my system, but I was under the impression that with the M2 jitter wasn’t an issue.
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