Preferred Audio Output, USB or 3.5mm?

What is the preferred 2CH audio out selection from an iMac (or PC) to my preamp, USB or the 3.5mm headphone jack? Either output will run through a separate DAC before the preamp. Mainly listening to iTunes or Pandora.

stevensctt02-16-2011 1:50am

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tahoe36c Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10 posts 05-04-2011 at 01:55pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Rwwear: Yes, the mini display port on the latest MacBook Pro model does provide an audio signal.
rwwear Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,867 posts 05-04-2011 at 10:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Good Tahoe, now you need an adapter and a DAC with HDMI in.
face Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 516 posts 05-05-2011 at 01:41am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete How would HDMI be better? Pick up an asynchronous USB or FireWire DAC and jitter will not be a concern.
tahoe36c Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10 posts 05-05-2011 at 09:53am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I am currently using the USB port out of my MacBook Pro (latest edition) to connect with a Grace m902 using Grado PS2000 cans. I realize there are limitations with this set-up but I am more than pleased with the sound playing FLAC files using VOX (a free app). This is the best I can do for the moment as I am currently in Kabul, Afghanistan...
rwwear Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,867 posts 05-05-2011 at 01:48pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete HDMI has higher bandwidth than USB and transmits video. Firewire is on it's way out. You will not find a new processor with it. You may find it on a few DACs.

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