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 3 responses by lgoler

So you are saying there would be little reason to spend $500 on the Bel Canto USB link, for example. Performance enhancement likely wouldn't be that noticeable? I thought I might need a similar device because the soundcard in the Mini is lacking?
I believe the USB Bel Canto Link is just that, a soundcard. Maybe my original question should have been - do I need to upgrade the soundcard of a Mac mini?
Steve,

Since you seem to be an expert in "jitter", can you provide a link to any qualitative data explaining this phenomenon, in layman's terms?

Lance