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50548

Guest
Original poster
Apr 17, 2005
5,039
2
Currently in Switzerland
I am currently using it with the iMac's optical out, as well as with the front plug when using my excellent NVX Audio XPT100 headphones - the downside is that there is absolutely no configuration possible via the Audio MIDI Setup app, and no volume control (since all of this is handled directly by the DAC).

I am interested in using it with my ALAC music collection, as well as increasingly HD-grade music.

So my question is: should I connect the DAC with USB instead of optical? Can I use optical for the sound and USB for the configuration? Which one normally provides the best/cleanest audio connection?

I am really new to audiophile-related discussions and would welcome any expert advice out there...thanks.
 

alphaod

macrumors Core
Feb 9, 2008
22,183
1,245
NYC
They're both digital interfaces, so it doesn't really matter.

I've used USB and I've optical (I've also used RCA coaxial to optical adapters) to my amp; can't really tell the difference.
 
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