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Macbook vs Squeezebox 3

Why does my Bolder Cable modded SB3 sound sooo much better than my Macbook? They are both going into the same PS Audio Digital Link III DAC. The SB3 via coax, the Macbook via USB. The SB3 is connected to my Mac Mini via ethernet and accessing files that are stored on an external hard drive. The Macbook has the same files stored on it's internal drive.

The SB3 sounds fuller, more detailed, more extension at both ends, just better all the way around. Wondering why my Macbook sounds so bad by comparison? Seems like I should be able to get equal, if not better sound out of the Macbook.
ecruz

Showing 1 response by doggiehowser

doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I think by default, Mac OS upsamples everything to what the output interface can handle: which on the DAC might be 24/96

Using AudioMIDI Setup to set it to 16/44.1 (same as your ripped CDs) and see if there's an improvement.

Also I believe the DAC in question only has synchronous USB connection.

You should get better performance with a good async USB SPDIF box like a Wavelink HS or OffRamp or Audiophileo
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