Some basic computer audio questions

Hi mcrib
My experience
1) Used USB out to an external dac— SQ not just "better" but in another dimension altogether2) No idea, but you could have one made inexpensively using aftermarket wire 3) No idea:) I doubt the difference (if any) is significant, compared to possible improvements elsewhere in the chain!
Regards

I have a late 2015 iMac and the headphone jack doubles as a mini-optical digital output. Not sure but I would guess it's the same for your Mac since I think all iMacs had that feature during that time period.

For analog output you use a stereo-mini cable but for digital output you use a mini-Toslink to Toslink cable or a Toslink cable with a Toslink to Toslink-mini adapter.

The optical cable can go directly to a DAC with Toslink input. I don't know if that's preferable to USB output but it works extremely well for me. It's not necessary in using the optical output but I have a Wyred 4 Sound Remedy Reclocker between the iMac and a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital DAC to reduce the jitter that's inherent in most optical outputs. Using the digital output will certainly give you much better audio than the analog output.

thanks for the responses!

When I set up my system a few years ago the USB digital output was considered to have more inherent noise and jitter than an optical or coax output and most DACs didn't have USB input. Most DACs now do have USB input, including mine, but this works so well I haven't bothered to experiment.

Alternatively try a dedicated audio streamer like Bluesound Node 2i and see if that provides audible improvements in your audio system. 
It’s available online and comes with 30 days return policy. 

There are decent, relatively inexpensive DACs out there with both USB and optical inputs, Topping and SMSL are two of the names that are recommended often.

McRib, when I had a MacMini audio setup, I usb connected to a Dac (from the Mini) then to my integrated amp. I used a headless set up so I could view the library on an iPad. Now that I have gone to a one box dedicated streamer-dac I'm getting better sound. I imagine you could configure this way with a Laptop but those devices are pretty noisy.

Don’t know the specific digital out on that device but key to best sound is digital out to good external DAC of your choice.
If you want something portable Chord Mojo can function as a straight up DAC plus it is an awesome headphone amp. I go lightning digital connection out to it from iPhones and tablets and use Mogami analog stereo mini to dual rca phono plugs out into my preamp aux or any line level input and sound is to die for.

Hello MCrib,

 I do not have a solution for your question, but a question myself. May I ask for your expertise and guidance? ow can I connect my music collection on a FLAC USB to my pre-amp listed here? My sound system is an early 80s ‘stack’ system.

None of the components are digital: Bryston 2B solid state amp, Conrad-Johnson PV-11 pre-amp, MIT 330 interconnects, MusicWave phase-equalized speaker cables, California Audio Labs CD Alpha and Delta drive, Dual 1129 turntable. B&W 803 speakers.

I would appreciate your suggestions and guidance on the matter.Thank you.

Mark Saracino

Biggest issue, and it varies, is noise of power supply getting into rest of the system, and/or ground loops caused by same.