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iMac far from audo rack - any suggestions?

Hi - I am curretly using an AppleTV as a transport (WAV files only) that connects via Toslink to my Reimyo DAC. I would like to go a step further and use my iMac/iTunes with Amarraaudio and feed my DAC.

The thing is that my iMac will be about 6 meters away from my audio rack, and since the only way to go out in digital domain from it is thru an USB port, I plan to use a PS Audio or similar USB/Coax converter.

Any ideas on how to face this issue besides moving the iMac to the rack itself?

Regards,

Fernando
128x128flg2001
sufentanil's avatar
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sufentanil
782 posts
 
I think you're limiting your choices, although a USB to S/PDIF converter isn't a bad idea. Other options include using Toslink directly from the iMac (the mini-Toslink connector is shared with the headphones adapter) and using an ethernet-based system such as a Squeezebox.

I've used both the USB and Toslink options and I can't tell the difference between them.

Michael
hellofidelity
77 posts
 
I totally agree with using toslink. I find toslink to have a benefit most the time. I think most of it have to do with the mechanical isolation. With some DACs it sounds great.

Amarra? Hmmmm.... ;)
puerto
372 posts
 
Like Sufentanil I have used both Toslink direct and a Toslink>SPDIF converter (Pop Pulse) from the Mac to the Processor and couldn't tell the difference between them. My distance from the Mac to the processor is about 35'. The one thing that DID make a big improvement was the addition of an M2Tech Hiface as a USB>SPDIF converter. That was noticeable from the first note.
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