2. pc-audio
  3. 1248018986

Requesting input from iMac users

I have been playing my iTunes library through (into) the main system via a Toslink coming from the headphone jack on the iMac to the input of the Krell HTS 7.1 processor. It sounds good to me, however, a friend is telling me that this is the lowest quality option for playing the music. According to him the headphone jack is putting the music out through a very inexpensive DAC in the iMac thus diminishing the quality out and causing the processor to accept the music via analog, converting to digital and then back out again in analog. A series of distortion causing steps.

I do have a Pop Pulse (never used) that would allow for coming out of the iMac via USB into the Pop Pulse and back out with digital cable (SPDIF) to the processor. Apparently this eliminates some extra DAC conversions. Would this be a better option? How do you do it?
puerto

Showing 1 response by leahy

leahy's avatar
leahy
80 posts
 
Hi,

I use Firewire out to an M-Audio Audiophile Firewire DAC. It sounds fantastic, and I have no issue giving up any of the traditional CD players I have used. I haven't tried the headphone jack, but there is no doubt that it will be inferior to the Firewire setup.

The M-Audio part isn't current, but it's worth seeking out used. Probably around $100 now. Try it, and I think you will be very surprised. A nice option is that you can record vinyl to digital if you are so inclined.

Good luck.
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