HELP with MAC MINI and PS DIgital III DAC

Upsampling and processing and outputting a high res signal are two entirely different things....I really don't think you're going to get high res from the USB port...however, as far as I know the optical will support it.

Good Luck.

Wrap up- seems the ps DAC isn't the right tool for my needs. Wanting to play native hi res files. Thus, unit is for upsampleing files. Plus I've learned standard USB does not support hi res file transfer. So... Back to drawing board and more homework. Gatta' love this hobby! Again-thanks to all who took time/effort to share....(at least I think I got what's goin' on)

Pick up a used hiface USB to spdif converter for around $100. I have compared the USB, optical and hiface with a ps audio dl3 and Mac mini and the hiface sounds significantly better to me. It will play sample rates up to 24/192 as well. USB is limited to 48 on the dl3 and the optical on the mini is limited to 24/96. You can also use some of the free players like audirvana to upsample your music to 24/192 which will be played natively into the ps audio dl3 when using the hiface. Prepare to increase your budget if you want to improve upon the ps audio dac.

I agree 100% with Johsti. That was my exact rig until recently and it solved the hi-rez issue and the sound was really wonderful. For $100 used the Hiface is a steal.