2. pc-audio
  3. 1232764252

Why USB to SPDIF and not optical?

Using a Mac Mini as my music server, and was wondering why the sound would be better converting the USB to SPDIF to my Bel Canto Dac3 as opposed to just hooking up a mini to Toslink? If there is a valid reason, what is a less expensive alternative to the Bel Canto USB Link?
lgoler

Showing 2 responses by drubin

drubin
3,277 posts
 
The Toslink out from the Mac Mini has very poor jitter performance. It would be worth comparing that to USB from the Mac Mini directly to the Bel Canto DAC3, which has a USB input.

An inexpensive USB to SPDIF converter, such as the HagUsb, may or may not be an improvement over Toslink. Bel Canto's USB add-on gets you 24/96 via USB and, I expect, also gets you much better performance across the board. A device like the Empirical Audio Offramp takes it up another notch or two and leaves Toslink in the dust.
drubin
3,277 posts
 
Generally speaking, Macs don't have sound cards that can be upgraded. You can run an external sound card, such as a Lynx, in a Mac desktop. There is no way to put one into a Mac laptop or Mini, although I believe there are some external solutions.

I think it's erroneous to call the Bel Canto Link a sound card. It is a converter with added value.
More to discover