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Can I use my SSP's DAC instead of external DAC with Mac Mini?

Didn't see this answered anywhere, and I read the Audioquest primer, but still have questions. I have a nice home theater setup - Classe SSP-600 preprocessor, CA-5200 (5x200W) amp and all B&W Matrix S2 speakers. I'd like to buy / create a digital music server, but I'm unsure whether I can use the SSP's DAC (preferred) OR whether I need to add an external DAC.

The Mac Mini has HDMI, Thunderbolt, and USB 3.0 ports, and a micro-optical headphone jack. The SSP does not have USB or Firewire inputs. I have SPDIF inputs on the SSP and Optical inputs - but don't know whether I can cable direct or need the DAC in between. I'd prefer as few components as possible, and have had a hard time discerning whether they make cables to go from the Mini to Optical or SPDIF, and which would be the best choice. I'd appreciate some help. 

celt16
dbtom2
382 posts
 
First, try the HDMI from the MacMini to the SSP. I was pleasantly surprised at how my late-model big box Pioneer Home Theater processor sounded when decoding everything from MP3s to high resolution music files when connected by HDMI. 

The optical output on the Mini is limited to 24/96. You can try that as well, connected to the optical on the SSP.

I can’t be sure though when it comes to high resolution playback - you didn’t indicate what kind of music files you’ll be playing or what player you’ll be using.

This is one reason why a DAC between the server and processor is helpful. It will decode a variety of resolutions from 16/44.1 to 24/192, to DSD, if so equipped.

You mentioned a desire to keep things simple hence my suggestion to try the HDMI first - just to give things a listen.

Don’t forget to change the MIDI settings on the Mini, depending on what you’re using for output.

Good luck and keep us posted.

mb1audio02
188 posts
 
Get a mini jack to toslink adaptor. They're cheap and you should have no problem finding one at a place like Radio Shack or a music store. You'll also need a toslink cable if you don't already have one. Then all you need to do is run the toslink cable from your mac to your ssp. Go into the menus on the ssp and configure whatever options you need to for the toslink input. You may have to tell mac os to use the optical jack if you're not getting sound. 

Only you can determine if you like the way it sounds, but it should be OK. It shouldn't cost you any more than $20 to go direct. If you're not happy, then get a dac. Classe processors are one of the better HT preamps for music. 
celt16 OP
9 posts
 
DBTom2 - no HDMI on the SSP-600, the SSP-800 has them, but mine's an older model. Music is a collection of CDs burned as AAC files and the stuff I bought on iTunes was downloaded as iTunes PLUS format (256).

mb1audio02 - I see that some of the higher-end cable-makers (Wireworld for example) sell a cord with mini-optical to toslink ... I actually haven't bought the mini yet - wanted to make sure I could make it work first. Right now all my music is on my MacBook Pro, but I wanted something cleaner and dedicated that I can drive with an iPad or iPhone remotely. I may decide to re-record the CDs to the Mini rather than defer, though I guess a USB to USB or even thunderbolt xfer would work well. 

There's a lot of negative feedback on the Mac Mini as a computer, but I've not heard any negative on using it as a dedicated music server. PSAudio did a decent "how to" write up here, but it left the DAC questions unanswered.  http://www.psaudio.com/ps_how/how-to-build-a-music-server-2/

Thanks for responses - additional commentary is welcome - this is new ground for me. 

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