Hello and thanks for reading my post. I’ve been lurking here for a long time, and due to recent changes and a move, I’ve found myself with more time to focus on audio, but no one to chat and/or work with, so I thought I would dive in and get involved as I update my systems.
In my office, on my desk, I currently use an iMac with iTunes that has my well curated library of CDs archived in Apple Lossless. The Mac is connected to a MiniDSP 2x4 HD by glass optical (Toslink), then connects to a Decware Zen amplifier driving a pair of custom designed/built wide-band, NoXO, monitor speakers. I use no third-party apps or audio drivers.
I need to get a new iMac and will move the Apple Lossless (CD) library over to the new Music app that’s replacing iTunes. The new Macs don’t have optical outputs, so I’ll switch to USB into the MiniDSP 2x4 HD.
Do you have any recommendations for a way to improve the sound into the MiniDSP 2x4 HD? The MiniDSP is a powerful tool when used properly and I’m open to suggestions for improvements. I’ve read about USB interfaces and power supplies (iFi), as well as “re-clockers” like the Empirical Synchro-Mesh (which works with optical/coaxial, no USB). Do you have experience and knowledge of these products?
I used a Mytek Brooklyn DAC for awhile, which is a wonderful product that I’m using in another system, but I preferred the MiniDSP 2x4 DSP because of how I can custom tune. I use MiniDSP in several of my systems.
My goal is to get the best sound out of a stock Mac.
Your recommendations and suggestions are much appreciated.
