Originally Posted by
Bonky
For years I've used the headphone socket on the iMac (Late 2015) to output to the DAC (and then Rega Brio in my study).
I've experimented with the Audio Midi setup to change bit & sample rates etc but TBH have not heard much difference - if any; at present it's on 'Red Book' settings.
I've just used a USB lead from the iMac to the DAC and think I can hear an increase in clarity and separation (Using Audirvana -very good IMHO).
Is this what others find? Are there good technical reasons for my perceptions?
(I thought the Mac's headphone socket was also an optical output - but I'll need to check that).
Making the assumption that the USB IS superior, can anyone suggest a good quality 'budget' USB cable.
Many thanks,
Richard
Edit: Audio output on the iMac is TE7022 w/SPDIF