Audio out mini-jack of Mac Mini to SPDIF DAC


Is there a cable to connect the audio line out mini-jack of the Mac Mini to an SPDIF coaxial input of a DAC?

If there is, will the sound quality be almost comparable to the standard "USB out --> USB in" or "USB out --> USB to SPDIF converter --> SPDIF in" configuration?

Any advice would be appreciated.
ryder

Showing 1 response by johsti

YOu can get a toslink to coax converter like Dms1 mentioned, but I don't see how it could make a difference. In fact, the extra conversion could make things worse.

Get a good glass mini toslink to toslink cable and call it a day. Or, a usb to spdif converter will also work if you are set on coax. ]

With a good dac, the glass toslink can sound excellent. I have determined that I prefer the glass toslink out of a mac mini to a certain asynchronous usb/coax converter that I own. The toslink sounds more relaxed and musical in my system. However, the difference between the two is not night and day.