Best way to connect Audio to MacBooks

[brandonx76]

I'm patiently awaiting the next rMBP release, but anticipate having some difficulty with audio connectivity to local speaker system.

I technically could, just use the 'headphone'/'line out' port on the laptop, but this seems unnecessary, given that Bluetooth is an option, as would potentially, an audio output on a (future) Thunderbolt display....

The waits been unfortunately terribly long...but I'm fully expecting a improved rMBP when the Haswell refresh surfaces...I still suspect the concern for audio output will persist post Haswell refresh, given that there is no concrete knowledge of what the next Thunderbolt display will feature.

So, I think my question is...(and I apologize for not getting to the point sooner)...is there an adequate, low-latency/no delay bluetooth audio connectivity to standard (or bluetooth enabled) speaker systems?

I recently picked up the Logitech adaptor, and tested with my MacBook Air, and noticed a .5 second or so delay...My primary purpose is to use the new rMBP with audio production, so the the delay over bluetooth currently is unacceptable.

Is there another way?

Any information / inputs appreciated

 

[EricT43]

Are you limited to Bluetooth? I'm not aware of any high-quality options for Bluetooth. IIRC, Bluetooth audio does some compression/decompression, which is probably the reason for the latency, and it also affects the quality of the audio. Since you're doing production and quality is important, a hard-wired connection is probably best.

If you don't want to use the on-board outputs, you could always look into a USB DAC with RCA outputs, to hook up to powered monitors or an amplifier.

 

[snaky69]

I'm patiently awaiting the next rMBP release, but anticipate having some difficulty with audio connectivity to local speaker system.

I technically could, just use the 'headphone'/'line out' port on the laptop, but this seems unnecessary, given that Bluetooth is an option, as would potentially, an audio output on a (future) Thunderbolt display....

The waits been unfortunately terribly long...but I'm fully expecting a improved rMBP when the Haswell refresh surfaces...I still suspect the concern for audio output will persist post Haswell refresh, given that there is no concrete knowledge of what the next Thunderbolt display will feature.

So, I think my question is...(and I apologize for not getting to the point sooner)...is there an adequate, low-latency/no delay bluetooth audio connectivity to standard (or bluetooth enabled) speaker systems?

I recently picked up the Logitech adaptor, and tested with my MacBook Air, and noticed a .5 second or so delay...My primary purpose is to use the new rMBP with audio production, so the the delay over bluetooth currently is unacceptable.

Is there another way?

Any information / inputs appreciated

Wait a minute... you're using Bluetooth for AUDIO PRODUCTION? Every single bluetooth option I've heard in my life for audio has sounded like poop compared to a wired connection. Bluetooth doesn't have the reliability, bandwidth and signal strength required to make anything sound good.

Use a good old speaker cable or optical out. Heck, I'd probably use an external DAC to truly get to the bottom of the sound so that you know exactly what you're producing sounds like.

 

[brandonx76]

Wait a minute... you're using Bluetooth for AUDIO PRODUCTION? Every single bluetooth option I've heard in my life for audio has sounded like poop compared to a wired connection. Bluetooth doesn't have the reliability, bandwidth and signal strength required to make anything sound good.

Use a good old speaker cable or optical out. Heck, I'd probably use an external DAC to truly get to the bottom of the sound so that you know exactly what you're producing sounds like.

Thanks...now you've got me thinking about external DAC solutions such as this...http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/duet.php . . . I'm familiar with it so this should work although a bit pricey. At my studio I have presonus equipment which is sufficient, but not at home. So maybe this or another output would be the answer. Yet another piece of equipment on my desktop...now I need to get good monitors.

 

[snaky69]

Thanks...now you've got me thinking about external DAC solutions such as this...http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/duet.php . . . I'm familiar with it so this should work although a bit pricey. At my studio I have presonus equipment which is sufficient, but not at home. So maybe this or another output would be the answer. Yet another piece of equipment on my desktop...now I need to get good monitors.

A pair of powered studio monitors with a good DAC will go a long way if you do not do any recording, only mixing.

Apogee products are top notch.