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Preferred Audio Output, USB or 3.5mm?

What is the preferred 2CH audio out selection from an iMac (or PC) to my preamp, USB or the 3.5mm headphone jack? Either output will run through a separate DAC before the preamp. Mainly listening to iTunes or Pandora.
stevensctt
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Ah, forgot about the mini-Toslink via the headphone port. I haven't actually tried that except for with an Airport Express and it was absolutely terrible. But that is a different device. In that case it will depend upon the implementation of the USB with the DAC you are using. If the DAC has poor USB implementation you might try using a DIP/dejitter interface which can go between either USB or Toslink, but would require an additional cable. I don't have any experience with you DAC to say whether any of this would be worth it. If it sounds good to you, that's really what's important.
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
HDMI would be the better way to go.
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
I do not think Mac's have HDMI ... at least not Mac Mini's (unless the latest models do)
stevensctt OP
65 posts
 
No HDMI connectivity on an iMac
tahoe36c
10 posts
 
The latest MacBook Pro Models (2010) provide an audio signal via the "mini display port". An adapter may be purchased that converts this mini port to a female HDMI. Just a thought for those who may not know... I am currently using my MacBook Pro USB output to send an audio signal to a Grace m902 headphone amp with a set of Grado PS1000 headphones. The sound is quite good...
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