2. pc-audio
  3. 156728-20137

Some basic computer audio questions

I'm running a Mid-2015 5K iMac with file player software. I'd like to hook up the computer to my full-sized stereo. The only direct out I know of is the headphone jack, which would mean a 3.5mm minijack to male RCA cable. 

Questions:

1. When people were using Mac Minis, is this how they connected to their audio equipment, or was it USB out to a d/a converter?

2. With the 3.5mm to RCA cable: are there any truly high quality examples of these being made? Most are included accessories or $2 cables. Even a few at $50+ look like repackaged cheap stuff. What's the maximum length a cable like this can go to?

3. I might move files to a mid-2012 Mac Pro tower. Is there any difference in sound between a SATA SSD and  blade PCIE SSD?

Thanks in advance!


mcrib

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,395 posts
 
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
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