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Mac sound quality

I'm using the new IMac , burning my CDs in AIFF . Its hooked up to an audio grade power conditioner , power cord and run to a Levinson #360S dac from the digital out through a audio grade digital cable . The sound quality is not nearly as good as my mid fi CD player . Iv'e read many posts saying this type of hard drive is far better than good quality CD players , too many posts to disregard . What am I doing wrong , the other posters were down loading , but can there be that much difference ?
tmsorosk

Showing 6 responses by tmsorosk

tmsorosk OP
1,013 posts
 
Thanks for the input . I have tried several DACs and was using it with out conditioner , it was worse . The Mac guys told me the Mac mini and the IMac should sound the same and explained why , ( way over my head ) . Im not using the USB port , I'm using the optical digital out going to the toslink input on the DAC . I have not been able to find the EQ off menu Shadorne spoke of .
tmsorosk OP
1,013 posts
 
Thanks Pettyofficer , for your response and the info . I have to agree with you on the balanced aspect as well as ever thing in regard to the Levinson DAC . But I have tried some friends DACs , including a very well regarded USB DAC ,( the mate for my preamp ) with little or no improvement . Have not tried converters yet , would have to buy one to try it . Have not given up yet , but I 'm glad I still have my disc's .
How did you come up with your user name ?
tmsorosk OP
1,013 posts
 
4est . Settings were as you recommended , except error correction was off , does this mean all imported CDs will have to be reburnt ? I could not find the audio midi set . This is the newest Imac , could it be different ?

Thanks
tmsorosk OP
1,013 posts
 
Audioquest . What is the best way to go ?
tmsorosk OP
1,013 posts
 
As i said above , iv'e tried several DACs including a friends USB DAC . The collective response was they were no better just different , maybe not even as good as the #360 . So much for asynchronous DACs being better .
How do I rip with XLD ?
tmsorosk OP
1,013 posts
 
I guess i'll go back to CDs , Had lots of info from Audiogoner's , and tried many things , but the sound off my Imac is still very low fi . Like to thank the posters for there support .
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