What dinov said, less noise. You went from a noisy old iMac with a built-in AC-powered switching supply and a big ol' screen, to a laptop with a DC supply powered from an external source and a much smaller screen. You also upgraded the processor, memory, etc. As others have said, now try a real streamer. It doesn't have to be terribly expensive, about the same as the Macbook, but it will be even quieter and more resolving.
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
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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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If all that's changed is the computer, it's most likely the USB section is better in the newer MacBook. I suggest getting an iFi iPurifier 3 too. It's about $150 on Amazon (risk free easy return if you're dissatisfied). It's made my streaming setup really good: lowered noise floor, increased musicality (yes, I know that's a subjective descriptor). In short, I won't part with mine. |
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USB uses the internal processor to handle everything. Speed and detail is all put on the processor. This is like when you are moving music files onto an eternal HDD, on an older computer it will be so slow, put on a new computer, the speed is much faster. Then factor in all the new technology of a new computer, plus better CPU/RAM/HDD and updated software. USB is a horrible transport for just about anything, but it has become the standard. https://www.howtogeek.com/53587/usb-explained-all-the-different-types-and-what-theyre-used-for/ |
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