MacMini USB ports which is better?


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I have been A/B-ing the audio qualities of three of the four USB ports at the back of the MacMinis I own and use for music. All of them are MMINI 2.0 2X512/120/SD/AP/.

Facing the back of the Mac and looking directly at the USB ports, the one on the far right (the first outside one) seems to sound most musical to me.

The next runner up seems to be the third in from the outside edge. (I can not use the 4th because the head of the USB cable is so large it interferes with the monitor cable.)

Any experience with this? It might all be just illusion...

:) listening,

Ed
istanbulu

Showing 6 responses by ridgestreetaudio

Hey Istanbulu.
Facing the back of the Mac and looking directly at the USB ports, the one on the far right (the first outside one) seems to sound most musical to me.
You are correct! Also, for what it's worth, on a Macbook the best sounding port is the furthest right as you're facing port side of the laptop.

Cheers!

Robert
RSAD
Ah...I don't know why anyone would do this but just in case:

If you use your Mini turned upside down, it's the port to the outside Left. If you use your Macbook upside down you're probably having more problems than trying to figure out which port sounds best but it would then be port side left.

Just trying to be thorough.

Cheese!

Robert
RSAD
Well, thinking this through some more I think it would be best to establish a universal frame of reference.

Rather than left or right, get a compass and find due North. Have the back of your Mini facing North. Macbook: back of screen facing North. Now stand (or sit) at the back of your Mini. This puts you facing due South. Use the compass to verify this. If you're not facing due South, start over. Now choose the East port and you're done. Ta da! Macbook: Stand (or sit) facing East. This should put you at the port side of the Macbook. Again, use the compass to verify this. If you're not facing due East and at port side, start over. Once you're sure where you're at it's easy sailing from here - choose the South port. Done!

BTW, one person reported doing this in front of a mirror. He got everything all screwed up. Make sure there are no mirrors in your view as you do this procedure!

You know, how hard would it be for Apple, or any computer manufacturer, to put a North arrow on their stuff and then mark the ports East or West. Duh! An industry standard like this sure would make things easier.
Assuming you're not baiting for a debate, I don't know for sure. I just hear it to sound better and I'm good with that. It might have something to do with being far enough away from the monitor port to not be affected by EMI radiation or maybe that that port is dedicated without having a bunch of other stuff slaved to it or a combination of both.

I'd guess somebody has better info on this than I do.

If you have a Mini and haven't done any comparisons, try it and see what you think. If you hear a difference then I bet the best sounding port will be the Right/East port - or Left port if your Mini's upside down. If you don't hear a difference then you're futunate to not feel a need to obbsess and spend time over this. ;)

Cheers!

Robert
Ah! See what I mean about doing stuff in front of a mirror!?
"...Now choose the East port and you're done.
Should be West!

Sorry 'bout that.
Hey Ed.

Yea, I need a break so I'm just having some fun but I am being serious about which ports seem to sound better. Your experience on the Mini corresponds with mine and a few other reports I've heard.

Cheers my friend!

Robert
RSAD