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Hi-Rez DACs and MacBook Pro Audio Output

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wrx09md

macrumors member
Nov 4, 2013
68
1
I am using A Cambridge Audio Dac Magic Plus USB to my rMBP15. This is an expensive set up but there are many more with a higher price.
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/dacmagic-plus-digital-to-analogue-converter

Connected to a Yamaha Stereo Receiver
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/stereo-receivers/r-s700/?mode=model

Yamaha powering Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450
http://www.definitivetech.com/products/studiomonitor-450

I enjoy this setup and the Def Tech Monitors are sweet too
http://www.definitivetech.com/products/studiomonitor-65

For Burning software I am using XLD which is great for others and for playback I use JRiver and is awesome
http://www.jriver.com
https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23430/x-lossless-decoder
 
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H

hiapkkm

macrumors newbie
Dec 1, 2014
1
0
Try the Sennheiser HDVD800

Hi Gang,

Perhaps this response is too late for anyone to pay attention. Try the Sennheiser HDVD800, not the headphone but a headphone amp. It has input for RCA L/R for analog inputs, XLR for balanced input, coax digital input (RCA), USB digital input and optical digital input (TOSLINK). It also has XLR balanced output. It's really a headphone amp that has 4 outputs, 2 XLR balanced output and 2 1/4" unbalanced stereo output. It's one of the most versatile headphone amp I've seen but it also cost a pretty penny too.

I've connected my Macbook Pro USB to the USB digital input and it works like a charm. The Macbook Pro didn't switch over readily but eventually recognized the Sennheiser unit and I was able to assign the sound output to the Sennheiser. In a few days, I'll try the optical output which is part of the headphone output on the Macbook Pro. I don't think any configuration is required for this link since inserting the optical connector disables the sound and enables the fiber optic circuitry.
 
A

aditya77

macrumors newbie
Apr 16, 2019
1
0
Hey,

I am new here. I have recently purchased the xDSD DAC and connected it to my MacBook Pro via USB-C.

I just wanted to know the ideal setting for the Audio MIDI Setup. I usually listen to music either through iTunes or Spotify premium.

The Audio MIDI Setup on my Mac shows me options all the way up to 384,000 Hz! and 2-ch 32-bit Integer. I'm really confused what I should set.

I see everyone here talking about 16-bit and 24-bit. 32-bit is beyond my understanding. I am not an audiophile nor a tech expert. Just looking for optimum settings to get the most out of what I listen to.

Screen Shot 2019-04-16 at 16.36.19.png
Screen Shot 2019-04-16 at 16.37.05.png
 
J.Gallardo

J.Gallardo

macrumors 6502
Apr 4, 2017
448
157
Spain
teamrivers said:
I didn't see the answer

it was interesting reading thru the arguments about resolution differences in audio recordings and the age old debate of whether someone can hear the difference. For audiophiles, (I consider myself in this group), the differences are there especially with high end equipment. It's akin to digital photography...12 megapixels on a phone isn't the same as 12 meg on a DSLR.

I'd have to agree, on most mid to lower grade consumer equipment the differences are negligible if nonexistent. Until you get into audio systems in excess of 25-30K, with components that are designed with pure signal paths, you don't know what you're missing. The slightest changes/flaws are exposed. These systems expose all flaws, especially in what was done in the studio. Most audio gear adds "color" with equalization, tone controls, etc.

With all that said, i'm looking for the answer around whether the USB output on a macbookpro is pure or limited, when playing 24/192 or the like thru iTunes. hdtracks.com is in the business of selling this level of audio files and before I begin to sift thru their libraries, I want to know the limitations. I have a windows workstation as a HTPC, but I rarely turn it on due to win7 issues. My oppo 105 has a USB DAC that supports up to 24/192 if I can get the info to it...
Click to expand...
Hey... I had to read all thread just to confirm nobody answers to your question!
Audio in macs is 24/96 at maximum... BUT macs allow user to change sound interface used. And the good thing is that no additional drivers are needed.
Use “Midi Setup Utility” in mac OSX and choose to bypass mac’s sound card and select your DAC.
You’ll see new resolutions options (those supported by your dac).
So, it’s not that USB is limited, just inner DAC (by the way, Apple’s DAC quality & supported res. are pretty nice, not so usual in PCs)
 
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J.Gallardo

J.Gallardo

macrumors 6502
Apr 4, 2017
448
157
Spain
aditya77 said:
Hey,

I am new here. I have recently purchased the xDSD DAC and connected it to my MacBook Pro via USB-C.

I just wanted to know the ideal setting for the Audio MIDI Setup. I usually listen to music either through iTunes or Spotify premium.

The Audio MIDI Setup on my Mac shows me options all the way up to 384,000 Hz! and 2-ch 32-bit Integer. I'm really confused what I should set.

I see everyone here talking about 16-bit and 24-bit. 32-bit is beyond my understanding. I am not an audiophile nor a tech expert. Just looking for optimum settings to get the most out of what I listen to.

View attachment 832430 View attachment 832431
Click to expand...
I don’t know what are you using your DAC for (apart from listening network music).
Most apps will override that setting and use theirs (like Audirvana for listening or pro audio apps for creating).
But it’s recommended to set that ticker for default res. if app (like Spotify) just sends the digital signal and can’t move that selection; choose a multiple (not all of them are) of res used by those services (I believe is 44kHz).
 
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