Ejlif: Sorry to take so long to respond - I wasn't paying attention! Yes, I have used both a very short Toslink and a very short USB to my signal converter which sits on the desk next to the Mac Pro then the long run to the processor (DAC). Never had any issues either way. Recently my new M2Tech Highface arrived which replaced the Pop Pulse signal converter. The change was dramatic. It is now headed back to Ireland for the John Kenny modification. IMO, a long run of good quality digital cable is better than a long run of either Toslink or USB. Having said that though, I did experiment with a 35' run of Toslink direct from the headset outlet of the Mac to the Processor and while not as good as the Digital Cable, it was definitely acceptable. Now with the M2Tech Hiface though, nothing less will do!!