2. digital
  3. 127540-12661

Can I use my SSP's DAC instead of external DAC with Mac Mini?

Didn't see this answered anywhere, and I read the Audioquest primer, but still have questions. I have a nice home theater setup - Classe SSP-600 preprocessor, CA-5200 (5x200W) amp and all B&W Matrix S2 speakers. I'd like to buy / create a digital music server, but I'm unsure whether I can use the SSP's DAC (preferred) OR whether I need to add an external DAC.

The Mac Mini has HDMI, Thunderbolt, and USB 3.0 ports, and a micro-optical headphone jack. The SSP does not have USB or Firewire inputs. I have SPDIF inputs on the SSP and Optical inputs - but don't know whether I can cable direct or need the DAC in between. I'd prefer as few components as possible, and have had a hard time discerning whether they make cables to go from the Mini to Optical or SPDIF, and which would be the best choice. I'd appreciate some help. 

celt16

Showing 4 responses by celt16

celt16 OP
9 posts
 
DBTom2 - no HDMI on the SSP-600, the SSP-800 has them, but mine's an older model. Music is a collection of CDs burned as AAC files and the stuff I bought on iTunes was downloaded as iTunes PLUS format (256).

mb1audio02 - I see that some of the higher-end cable-makers (Wireworld for example) sell a cord with mini-optical to toslink ... I actually haven't bought the mini yet - wanted to make sure I could make it work first. Right now all my music is on my MacBook Pro, but I wanted something cleaner and dedicated that I can drive with an iPad or iPhone remotely. I may decide to re-record the CDs to the Mini rather than defer, though I guess a USB to USB or even thunderbolt xfer would work well. 

There's a lot of negative feedback on the Mac Mini as a computer, but I've not heard any negative on using it as a dedicated music server. PSAudio did a decent "how to" write up here, but it left the DAC questions unanswered.  http://www.psaudio.com/ps_how/how-to-build-a-music-server-2/

Thanks for responses - additional commentary is welcome - this is new ground for me. 

celt16 OP
9 posts
 
DBTom2 - Rotel is a sister brand to Classe & B&W -  we're chasing similar goals. I just added the 65" OLED from LG (E6P) so it surfs the net with its own kludgey OS. I plan to connect HDMI from Mini to TV, as a monitor as / when I need monitor for Mini, but don't plan to use it that way much. Mostly the Mini is for remote music playback using Apple devices as a DJ/remote.  

celt16 OP
9 posts
 
Mesch - operating under the "fewer devices and connections is better" premise - straight cable is fewest # of points to introduce possibility of degradation. Not being cheap, being careful.

celt16 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks all for input, and Merry Christmas. Was planning on buying the $499 Mac Mini with 500 MB 5400 RPM drive plus $100 memory upgrade to 8GB, but then I found a refurb Mac Mini with 1TB fusion drive and 16GB for $700 - gonna try the mini-Toslink to Toslink without an external dac for now and see how it sounds. 

mesch - can you expand on your last comment -  "if using the DAC within your AVR is preferable, then a USB/SPDIF is your best option going from the MAC mini" --  better than the straight mini-toslink to toslink cable, and if so why?

mbaudio02 - thanks for info and Clemetine tip - will take a look. 
More to discover