2. digital
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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 2 responses by mb1audio02

mb1audio02
188 posts
 
Get a mini jack to toslink adaptor. They're cheap and you should have no problem finding one at a place like Radio Shack or a music store. You'll also need a toslink cable if you don't already have one. Then all you need to do is run the toslink cable from your mac to your ssp. Go into the menus on the ssp and configure whatever options you need to for the toslink input. You may have to tell mac os to use the optical jack if you're not getting sound. 

Only you can determine if you like the way it sounds, but it should be OK. It shouldn't cost you any more than $20 to go direct. If you're not happy, then get a dac. Classe processors are one of the better HT preamps for music. 
mb1audio02
188 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."

That's only true up to a certain point. Your system isn't at a level where a usb to spdif converter will have any real audible negative effects. If it using one helps get your system setup the way you need it, just use one. Besides, if the "fewer devices" rule was always true, we would all be listening to integrated amps with built in dacs.

" DBTom2 - Rotel is a sister brand to Classe & B&W -  we're chasing similar goals."

Classe was bought by Rotel/B&W a few years back. The 2 brands are very different. Ownership is about the only thing they have in common.

" 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."

You don't need to get an expensive optical to toslink adapter. It doesn't do anything. Its a mini jack with a hole in the center for the fiber optic light to pass through. 

" Mostly the Mini is for remote music playback using Apple devices as a DJ/remote.  "

Try a free music player called Clementine. Its better than iTunes and supports FLAC. Remote app is available for iOS and Android. Everyone who tries it, keeps it.
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