2019 27" iMac w/ 5K Retina Hard wire to Stereo System

[Rhobes]

Hello-
I have a new (not plugged in yet) iMac with options: 3.6GHz Intel Core i9,96 GB DDR4 Ram,2TB SSD storage. I bought new in June 2019 just opened it, finally.

I want to hard wire it to my Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus.The Dac has a USB B audio IN shown being used with computer. This would be a long run ~30feet in length, primarily for streaming iTunes I have bought, and streams like Pandora. I had previously bought this cable : https://www.usbgear.com/search.php?q=USBG-36FTAB and wonder if it is what I need to make this connection. Assuming I plug the male usb A into my new iMac then directly to usb B of Dac and good to go?

Thanks for any suggestions here-
Rhobes

 

[Fishrrman]

That's the right cable.
I'm just wondering if it will work at 36ft long.
(don't recall if there's a limit on USB cable lengths)
Try it and let us know.

 

[Rhobes]

Hello Fisherman and thanks for chiming in here. The cable manufacturer definitely states it will work as long as the destination component (the Dac) is powered (and this supplies the "active" cable). My Dac is plugged in so it's powered & will supply the cable at that length. The Dac is also asynchronous so it will adjust the speed (timing)of delivery of the information and not the computer from what I understand.

The length and cable may work fine with some connections (eg. a printer), but I'm using it for streaming audio and that seems to not work well, but few people have any experience with it that I see. I do plan to try it since I haven't found any suggestions at alternative methods. I want it hard wired also, no wireless, so that lessens my chances of finding anyone with hard wire alternatives I guess-

 

[pmiles]

You literally let that machine sit unopened for 3 years? What if it didn't power on? It would have been past warranty.

 

[Rhobes]

My warranty expires this June-

 

[Deanster]

Just as you're discussing, I run USB from my desk to my Peachtree DAC/Amp, and it works great.

USB-A into my MacBook Pro via a hub, then a 25' (I think) cable, USB-B into the back of the integrated DAC/AMP, and it plays beautifully. It shows up in my MacOS audio output list with no drivers or other setup required.

 

[Rhobes]

Just as you're discussing, I run USB from my desk to my Peachtree DAC/Amp, and it works great.

That's what I wanted to hear! I'm assuming your hub is powered? My cable is powered but from the connection to the powered Dac, it cannot draw from the Mac connection. There is some chip creating a bulge in the center of the cable that utilizes the power. Great to hear your results and I'll post back when I get mine set-up and tested, at least a week away yet- ?

 

[Deanster]

That's what I wanted to hear! I'm assuming your hub is powered? My cable is powered but from the connection to the powered Dac, it cannot draw from the Mac connection. There is some chip creating a bulge in the center of the cable that utilizes the power. Great to hear your results and I'll post back when I get mine set-up and tested, at least a week away yet- ?

Good luck, and yes, the hub is powered, though it also works just directly connected to my laptop with a USB-A to C adapter.