iMac Sound Quality

Bill-

Thanks for your reply.

My son just a MacBook, so I hope to test it's optical output
using a Monster Cable ICable.

If you look at my system, you'll see I'm using a modified SB3 with a linear psu.

Aloha,

Dan

PS- On the subject of glass verses plastic Toslinks, see:

http://www.lifatec.com/toslink4.html

Mark- Thanks for the feedback. I'm hoping the iMac's digital output connection is better than the wireless Airport Express or the SB3's digital output.

"I'm not positive about this but, in general, I think you are better off when you use the USB out than a other out's."

Pardales- the USB output is powered by the PC's PSU and will transmit it's noise to the USB converter/DAC. The iMac's digital output is fiber, so the PC's PSU noise is isolated from the DAC.

Of course there's the issue of which output has lower jitter.

Bill-

Thanks for the impactacoustics link. On the plastic vs. glass Toslink issue, I guess it's a question of who do you believe, the company selling 1M glass cables for $60. or the one selling 1M plastic cables for $9.

Listened to the MacBook last night using a 2M Monster Cable ICable. Ripped a WAV file of Keith Jarrett's "My foolish Heart" Live at Montreux for testing.

IMO, the Macbook's digital sounds much better than a stock SB3's digital outputs. I haven't used a Apple computer, so I need to play around some more with settings and try Apple Lossless, but I'm very impressed.

Jc51373-

The WAV files captured all the information I need.

Unlike you and your tube DAC, I've never said Toslink was better than anything else.

Suggest you contact Apple if you're interested in the MacBook's optical output.

PS- I'm glad I didn't follow your advise and go with a USB SPDIF converter. The MacBook's optical output sounds great
especially at 24/96.

Drubin-

Couldn't find it on the Monster's site, but here's the one I'm using:

http://www.wildwestelectronics.net/moicfiopkimi.html

I got mine at the local Mac store.

You could also use a mini plug to Toslink adaptor, and use
any Toslink cable.

Jc51373-

Please grow up and stop the silly name calling and insults.

You posted: "Better off with USB output for sound,"
since I don't need a DAC, that would require a USB to SPDIF converter.

There are lots of these devises on the market.

SPDIF can produce excellent results if it's properly implemented.

Thanks, my Slimserver WAV database does look great. I used WAV on the MacBook so I could compare it to the SB3. If I
get a MAC, I'll use AIFF.

Have a nice day.