2. pc-audio
  3. 1190633863

iTunes+MacBook+Built-in optical digital output

I have tried 24bit/96KHz SPDIF output out of MacBook's optical digital output with non-compressed AIFF mode saved music. Normal set up of optical digital output is 44.1KHz/16bit, though using MIDI setup in Utility folder, it could be set to 24bit/96KHz digital output mode. Thus MacBook tunrs to be a genuine 24bit/96KHz digital CD transport. Then hooking an external DAC (24bit/96KHz) to this port through an optical cable, MacBook and an external DAC will play a role of a high end CD player. Furthermore, when inserting a upsampling device from 96KHz to 192KHz, then it would give a higher resosution audio than usual.

Is there anyone who has experienced the same as described ?

Question is, as compared to a regular CD player with a upsampling DAC externally hooked, MacBook internally upsamples an origianl 16bit/44.1KHz digital audio to 24bit/96KHz. I am curious on the argorhythm to upsample inside Macintosh. Please note that MacBook provides Intel qualified high end audio sound borad by Sigmatel, which is compatible with Windows PC.

Any comments are welcome.

I do not hear any big difference between this and the sound out of a regular CD player such as Accuphase DP-85, Northstart 192MK2 with an external DAC (both are 44.1KHz/16bit)
fwt34641
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The MAC definitely upsamples and it is great-sounding. Selected in Utilities/MIDI options. The problem with toslink out of a MAC MINI is the jitter, and Toslink in general for that matter.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
sammie
220 posts
 
Michaelct,

Would you please priovide some detail about your audio set up? How do have it configured? Is it on your audio rack or wireless? What interface to control -- squeeze box or something else?

I am interested in the mac mini as a possible server.

Fred
michaelct
27 posts
 
Fred/Sammie,

I spend too many hours a day in front of computers.
It's my work. I have used both Mac and Windows machines
every day for many many years. If only I could use just a Mac.
When I read the convolutions folks are going through to get
Windows machines to sound as good as their CD players ...
sorry, but just in case my life will be shorter than I plan,
I'm not going there. Just my experience, and just my opinion though.

I have a Mac Mini dedicated music server, connected directly
via USB to a Bel Canto DAC3. ( Then to Bel Canto M300 monoblocs,
and on to Monitor Audio GS 20 speakers. )
CDs ripped to hard drive in Apple Lossless, in some cases ripped
at 44, and duplicate rips at 48 -- just for fun. I can't say that there's
an appreciable difference between 44 and 48 in, and/or 44 or 48 out.
I am entirely willing to admit though, that I might be missing subtleties.

I avoided the wireless rigamarole because I had no particular reason
to do wireless. More expense and more ... stuff.

Sound quality ... I can only comfortably compare the above set-up
to Arcam FMJ CD36, C31, P1 monoblocs, running the same well
recorded and mixed source material ... I cannot reliably tell
the difference between the two systems. ( same speakers in each case ).
So darn close it just doesn't matter. Not to me.

I also bought a ~$40 Keyspan USB/Bluetooth remote-control that lets me
control the Mini from other rooms if I need to. Keyspan has recently announced a ~$150 remote with a display that mimics an iPod display, also
Bluetooth/USB. Another kind of 'wireless' set up, I guess one could say.
More to discover