2. digital
  3. 1321838942

When is optical or coax cable or usb best?

Just hopping into non-redbook digital. Either from a Macbook pro or something like an Oppo as transport, when do you use which?
I've tried optical toslink mini from Mac to DAC (Lifatec ), and various digital cables from Oppo to DAC ( Stereolab/Stereovox, Apogee Wyde Eye, Chord).
Not tried any usb's yet.

For once I'm lost in the woods with few breadcrumbs left.....help?
chashas1

Showing 1 response by timrhu

timrhu
2,779 posts
 
After reading so much about using USB out I tested this over the weekend. My preference was optical over USB. The difference was noticeable to my ear. Source is mac mini to a PS Audio DLIII dac. The USB was run straight in to the dac while the optical is fed to a Monarchy Audio Super DIP with coax out to the dac. Before listening I optimized the mac's digital out for each cable.
I have been using the optical out for about a year now and am happy with it.
More to discover