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Best Connection Between MAC and NAD

I have a MacBook Pro and just received a NAD C 399 with MDC2 BluOS-D module.  I'm trying to figure out what is the best way to connect them.  I started using Apple Music and coming out of the MAC headset jack into NAD audio inputs.  The quality of that audio was OK, but not great.  I attempted to use an USB-C - HDMI adapter cable into the NAD, but that did not work.

Then, I signed up for Tidal and connected a USB-C out from the MAC to a USB input for the NAD.  I believe this enabled the use of the NAD DAC.  Those helped the sound quality.  But, now I'm wondering if I should explore an optical option.  Coming out of the MAC USB-C and either using an adapter cable or dock to come out an optical connection and into the NAD optical port.

Any suggestion what would be the best configuration for connecting the MAC to the NAD?

Thanks!

pacificm
tony1954's avatar
tony1954
891 posts
 

I think that as long as you are merely connecting the Mac to the NAD, you are only going to get so far when it comes to sound quality. Mac's are great computers, but not high quality music servers.

Buying a proper streamer will solve this problem. A good starting option would be the Bluesound Node.

hgeifman
2,110 posts
 

+1, “Mac’s are great computers, but not high quality music servers”.

Several years ago, I replaced my MAC computer with an Aurender N20 Music server. I suggest you start investigating music servers. Bluesound Node is another option.  

hgeifman
2,110 posts
 

Sorry, I am confused.  Is the NAD C 399 with MDC2 BluOS-D module a steamer?  The specs say it will stream Tidal.  

hgeifman
2,110 posts
 

The MDC2 BluOS-D module specs say:

Support for hundreds of internet radio stations and over20 streaming services.

Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect.

The MDC2 BluOS-D module also features BluOS high-resolution music streaming. Available for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows, the flexible BluOS Controller app provides access to hundreds of internet radio stations and more than 20 streaming services. Like all BluOS products, the MDC2 BluOS-D module supports high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as MQA. With the MDC2 BluOS-D module, users can share music from any source connected to the host component with up to 63 BluOS-enabled components on the same network. Playback can also be controlled by Alexa or Google voice commands, and from smart home control systems from Crestron, Control4, Lutron, RTI, and others.

 

pacificm OP
14 posts
 

I'm new to this and still a little confused.  Considering the spec info just mentioned regarding the MDC2 BluOS-D module which I have and is part of my NAD C 399 does that mean that I really don't need an additional streamer such as the Bluesound Node because the MDC2 BluOS-D module is already providing that function at a roughly equal high sound quality?  

And if that is the case, going back to my original question, what is the best cable connection between the MAC and NAD?  Please advise.  Thanks!

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