A stupid question re DACs and USB connections.

[twelvebears]

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?

[Themis]

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?
It depends on the dac's USB receiver.
On the 7520 it's 16/48 max, if I remember properly.

[Filterlab]

You'd be much better using the optical output as it can transfer 24bit audio. However, do you actually need 24bit transfer?

[twelvebears]

You'd be much better using the optical output as it can transfer 24bit audio. However, do you actually need 24bit transfer?

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

[Filterlab]

Ah I see. Yes, in that case you'll have to go optical as the USB input on the 7520 only goes to 16bit.

[Kris]

A stupid question re DACs and USB connections.

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.

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.