2. digital
  3. 1312157058

Connect Macbook Pro to DacMagic DAC

What is the best cable option to comnect my Apple Macbook Pro to my DacMagic DAC? The usb cable provided by Cambridge works okay but can't I get better sound using a mini-rca from the Mac's headphone jack and running it into the DAC's Toslink input? Or, is there such a thing as a mini-rca to coaxial spdif cable? What is the best cable you've ever used for this application?
stickman451
altbrewer
24 posts
 
The USB input on the DacMagic is limited to 16/44.1 (or maybe 24/48; I don't remember exactly) resolution so if you want play 24/96 files you should use a mini-toslink from the MBP headphone jack to one of the DacMagic toslink inputs.
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Yep, I am seeing that now. No matter what resolution file I play the DAC is showing 44 on the input LED using the usb port from the Mac.

So, with a Toslink connected to the headphone jack I will get true 96 into the DAC?

Can you recommend a great mini-rca to glass Toslink cable?
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
The HDTracks 24/96 files for 'Hotel California' and 'Paper Airplane' are sounding pretty darn good via the usb, no telling how great they will sound via the MBP's digital-out over the TosLink.
realremo
460 posts
 
Toslink to mini-toslink, glass fiber, steel jacketing for protection, scroll to the middle of the webpage:
http://www.lifatec.com/toslink2.html
Van Den Hul also makes some great glass optical cables.
http://www.vandenhul.com/p_B42.aspx
More to discover