2. digital
  3. 1336437716

Benefits of MF V-Link with a Mac-based system?

Hello, I am now embarking on conversion to a computer-based system. Like many, I am going to use a Mac (specifically an older Macbook, circa 2007, but eventually will put it all on a Mac Mini) feeding into a Rega DAC. I'm in the process of uploading everything to Apple Lossless.

Can someone please explain the purpose of the Musical Fidelity V-Link? I was planning to connect the Mac directly to the Rega via optical port with the Wireworld Supernova 6. Why are many people inserting this intermediary step of the V-Link? I've read the threads, but I think I'm missing something fundamental.
rfprice
raytheprinter's avatar
raytheprinter
1,234 posts
 
In addition to Pure Music and Amarra , put Audirvana Plus 1.2.1 on your list of players to try with Itunes.They all have free trials.I tried them all a few times before getting a solid feel for the differences.They are all pretty good,take your time and audition them.Amarra and PM have more options,choices than Audirvana. I have the MF-V Link ,older version 99.00.I cant say anything bad about it. It seems to work ,sound as good as the Hagerman HagUsb it replaced.Only diff. the HagUsb was limited to 44.1. Have fun!
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,756 posts
 
I used a V-Link between my iMac and a DAC that didn't have optical input so that I could use the coax input on the DAC. That worked well and sounded better than the USB option but I eventually replaced the DAC with one with optical input and no longer needed the V-Link.

The optical to optical sound is better than the previous setup but that's most likely because it's a better DAC. The V-Link works really well if you need it but in your case I doubt there's any advantage to having one.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Many ppl claimed much improved sonics when using V-Link, and especially V-Link 192, with Rega DAC.

To the reasons stated above, I would also add the posibility to play HD files. Rega USB input is limited to standard, 16/48kHz resolution.

V-Link will let you play 24/88 and 24/96 files. V-Link 192 will also play 24/176 and 24/192 files, and will sound much better overall due to tighter specs than the V-Link.
rfprice OP
148 posts
 
Thanks guys, I think I understand better now. I assumed initially that the V-Link was mostly being used by guys with no optical port on their computers, but then I saw posts from guys who were in fact using Macs with optical, but were using the V nevertheless. OK, well I think I'll just leave it alone and go with the direct connection.

Realremo and Ray: Thanks for the tips on the software. Actually I was planning to use Decibel. I haven't yet compared all the options, but I've tried Decibel and the improvement over ITunes is significant. Amarra seems a little pricey. Never heard of Audirvana Plus, but I'll try it.
rfprice OP
148 posts
 
Realremo, another question: You are using both Wireworld and Lifatec. Do you really find significant difference between the two?
More to discover