2. pc-audio
  3. 190748-82684

Why did this just happen ?

Folks ,

I have been using an old (2012) iMac with a 1TB SS drive for years. It is connected to an old Benchmark USB DAC that feeds my refurbished(2X) Audio Research SP IX mark 2 preamp into my Quicksilver KT88 mono blocks that feed my Pro Ac SE’s. 

I just bought a used 2020 MacBook Pro($400.00) to replace the old iMac. I connected it to my USB DAC via a usb C to usb converter.

AND BAM ! The resolution is stunning. I would equate it to a $5K upgrade in any part of my chain. It is truly an ear opener.

What did this ?

The USB C ?, The MacBook isn’t doing anything but output the data to my USB DAC.

I would love to hear from any of you who might know the reason for this wonderful improvement.

Eugene

eugenegearty

Showing 4 responses by eugenegearty

eugenegearty's avatar
eugenegearty OP
4 posts
 

I just noticed my audio/midi set up and it seems it is up sampling to 96k. Perhaps that wasn't available in earlier OS. 

eugenegearty's avatar
eugenegearty OP
4 posts
 

Tony,

I thought of that but it isn't converting . I've chosen my Benchmark DAC as the playback source.

eugenegearty's avatar
eugenegearty OP
4 posts
 

What is a real streamer ?

eugenegearty's avatar
eugenegearty OP
4 posts
 

The MacBook Pro has the M1 chip. As you can tell I don't buy new stuff, in fact my bought used Koetsu Rosewood cartridge has been re-tipped 3 X. Crazier than that I have a Well Tempered Turn Table. So pretty much all my gear is from last century. The good news is it sounds REALLY good.My Benchmark USB DAC was an up grade from everything Audio Alchemy made. CD transport/DAC/anti jitter clock...Which was an upgrade from a Mod Squad Marantz CD player circa 1987.

I mainly play my records ,though a good digital front end is handy.

I am not interested in streaming in any form. My 2TB SSD has thousands of my CDs that I ripped over the years at the highest bit rate and AIFF format. The many HD tracks that I DL @96k also sound very good. So using a Mac and iTunes as my interface is not going to change. I was just amazed that a $400.00 upgrade in a PC made such a difference . The USB C output goes to a USB B hub so I can get to my Benchmark DAC.

Thought you geniuses had a detailed answer. No problem I kinda don't even want to know. My ears tell me everything.

Thanks

 

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