2. pc-audio
  3. 167511-162747

Does Mac O/S handle DAC same as Windows?

Probably a silly question, but I have a Mac mini, and Mac OS is still a mystery to me.

As I understand it, with my Windows machine, as long as I select my DAC as output device, it bypasses all processing done by the PC, just sends digital file to stand alone DAC to do it's job.

Is the same true with Mac O/S?

It has been a challenge just to find a music player with a good UI that can handle something other than AAC for goodness sake!

Only reason I am considering the change, is that the PC I have been using for my music station is getting old, and I need to use this Mini for something. It is quiet, which is a good thing.

Anyway, if someone with patience can answer this for me, I would appreciate it!
lukas13
2 responses Add your response
erik_squires
16,057 posts
 

As I understand it, with my Windows machine, as long as I select my DAC as output device, it bypasses all processing done by the PC, just sends digital file to stand alone DAC to do it's job.

I don't believe this is true.  I think if you select exclusive playback on your music playing software you can get here, but usually Windows has it's own mixer and volume control  in the way.
docknow
309 posts
 
Should be all plug and play to get sound, but sometimes you. have to make a tweak or two in the "Audio MIDI Setup" control panel.  Do a Command+spacebar to search for it.  You can also select the highest word length and sampling your DAC can support.

I highly recommend investing $10 for BitPerfect if you are using iTunes for playback.  If you are using Roon or JRiver, etc. you probably don't need it.
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