2. pc-audio
  3. 1141666384

USB digital ouput or Toslink from a Mac Mini?

I have an APL Denon 3910 which has a S/PDIF digital input, which would enable me to use the player as a high quality DAC/Preamp. What I want to do is use a new Mac Mini to store some of my music, and run a digital connection out of it into the APL Denon.

My question is, which would give the highest performance... 1) Going digital out from the Mac Mini using the Toslink digital output then into a Toslink to S/PDIF converter box and into the APL Denon via the S/PDIF digital input, or 2) Going digital out from the Mac Mini via a USB cable then into a USB to S/PDIF converter box and into the APL Denon?

Any opinions one way or the other?

Next, what is the best solution for a Toslink or USB to S/PDIF converter? Are there any high quality solutions out there? I know Empiricle Audio makes a USB to S/PDIF converter, but are there any others?

Thanks!
ggil
ggil OP
46 posts
 
The digital input on my Denon is an RCA, so I need something that will convert either a USB or Toslink to RCA. I decided to try the following: going out of a new Mac Mini via its Toslink/miniplug using an optical cable that is terminated with Toslink on one end and miniplug on the other (Van den Hul OPTOCOUPLER Mk II) and into a Monarchy Audio DIP Classic. Then out of the DIP via a digital RCA and into my Denon. This combo might be interesting to compare to going out of the Mac Mini via USB into a USB/Coax converter box and into the Denon.
cjtalbot
8 posts
 
Ggil -

Where did you pick up that Van den Hul OPTOCOUPLER Mk II???

I've been looking for a high-quality glass optical cable terminated with toslink and mini to use between my AirPort Express and Monarchy upsampler..

Thanks,

Chris
ggil OP
46 posts
 
Hi Chris,

I bought it directly from the Van den Hul online store.

Here's the link: http://www.vandenhul-usa.com/catalog/index.htm

Gary
cjtalbot
8 posts
 
Perfect. Going to go order one myself now.

Thanks Gary.
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