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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.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,377 posts
 
Puerto,

So you are running a short USB cord and then a long RCA SPDIF cable to the DAC? I am also in the same situation as Flg 2001 that I want to directly connect from my iMac to my DAC. I am running wireless now via an Apple TV and even have an Audioquest Optilink 5 cable but I just get to much interference and static and messages like can't connect to Apple TV. I upgraded from the Airport express as my wireless hub to the Aiport extreme and while quite a bit better I still have the occasional static sounds coming through and I'm over it. I want to also go with a solid connection. In my main rig I am running the Mac Mini with a Bel Canto link to my DAC and there is no problems ever with the sound. Just mostly wondering how to go about it, long SPDIF cord or long USB cord?
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