2. pc-audio
  3. 1312850773

Audio Delay on iMac USB vs. Digital Outputs?

From my iMac, to DAC, via USB, the audio signal is delayed approx. 3 seconds vs the digital output (TOSLINK®-to-Optical Mini Plug Digital Cable) to the same DAC.

I have an M2Tech HiFace plugged in the USB out from the iMac and to DAC using an S/PDIF cable.

Contacted M2Tech regarding the audio delay and their reply "HiFace can not delay the output of the sound signal. The problem must be found on the player or the computer configuration used."

If the issue is computer configuration, any suggestions to fix and remove delay?
stevensctt
stevensctt OP
65 posts
 
Thanks for that info. Wish I knew that before purchasing the HiFace. I can tell you that the delay is greater than a fraction of a second! I'll send the link to customer service adviser at M2Tech.

Too bad as the HiFace is a very nice device.
herman
2,259 posts
 
.

I wonder if the delay would be there if you were running Windows on your iMac? I would think not but I guess you would have to try it. I have Windows 7 and Parallels running at the same time as Lion on my Mac Mini and it works very well. When you plug in a USB device it asks if you want it to be hooked up to Windows or Lion or both.

I bought a used copy of Parallels on Amazon for around $50 and you would need a full (not upgrade) copy of Windows.

.
4est
507 posts
 
I assume that if you are running Windows, it would require the Windows drivers, in which case it should perform w/o lip sync issues.
stevensctt OP
65 posts
 
Installing Windows on my iMac is probably not something I will do.
herman
2,259 posts
 
.

Why not? You're not an Apple snob are you :>)

It runs seamlessly. I had my doubts too but once it boots up it's as if it were one operating system. No lags, no delays, no glitches, no crashes, pretty cool.

.
More to discover