iMac Pro Can iMac Pro output sound by ethernet port?

[gerrard0804]

I wonder if iMac Pro output sound by ethernet port when connecting to sound system or speaker with ethernet port like the devialet phantom. Does the macOS reckon it's a wired network and therefore, cannot connect to a wifi network for internet?

I read the specification on phantom which shows it's able to receive sound via the ethernet port.

 

[SecuritySteve]

I can't speak to iMac Pro specific cases, but I know in macOS you can prioritize the wifi for network connections over ethernet, which would allow you to use the ethernet port for something else (like a speaker).

 

[gerrard0804]

I can't speak to iMac Pro specific cases, but I know in macOS you can prioritize the wifi for network connections over ethernet, which would allow you to use the ethernet port for something else (like a speaker).

I should say in this way.
First, I want my internet connection by wifi which my ISP modem is connected to my airPort extreme in living room.

Then, I have a speaker with ethernet port in my bedroom which I wanna connect to iMac's ethernet port as more stable connection (that should create a ethernet network?) I suppose the airplay should be able to show my ethernet speaker?

So, could Mac Os run two networks simultaneously?

 

[SecuritySteve]

If the ethernet connected speaker is directly attached to your iMac Pro (or the speaker to the wall, and then via wiring the wall to your iMac Pro), the configuration you stated should work. It is definitely possible for a mac to be connected to two networks simultaneously. This configuration is used all the time in enterprise setups connecting between two different subnets.

 

[Allyance]

If you connect your Mac to your speaker directly with one cable, the you will have reverse the pairs on one connector, otherwise you have run your ethernet connection through a switch or hub.

 

[gerrard0804]

If the ethernet connected speaker is directly attached to your iMac Pro (or the speaker to the wall, and then via wiring the wall to your iMac Pro), the configuration you stated should work. It is definitely possible for a mac to be connected to two networks simultaneously. This configuration is used all the time in enterprise setups connecting between two different subnets.

Do I need to set up manually ? Or as you stated Mac OS prioritises the networks for me?

 

[SecuritySteve]

Do I need to set up manually ? Or as you stated Mac OS prioritises the networks for me?

I believe macOS will make a 'best guess' at the initial configuration, but you may need to configure it manually if it guesses wrong. It's not hard, you just move the connection from your wifi to the top in the System Preferences -> Network list.

 

[gerrard0804]

If you connect your Mac to your speaker directly with one cable, the you will have reverse the pairs on one connector, otherwise you have run your ethernet connection through a switch or hub.

Why have to reverse the pairs on one connector?
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I believe macOS will make a 'best guess' at the initial configuration, but you may need to configure it manually if it guesses wrong. It's not hard, you just move the connection from your wifi to the top in the System Preferences -> Network list.

Moving Wi-Fi to the top donotes Mac OS will always look for Wi-Fi for internet first , if not available, move to Ethernet ? Does it mean Mac aslo look for speaker over Wi-Fi , then Ethernet ? Can I designate Mac to look for speaker over Ethernet Directly?

 

[SecuritySteve]

Why have to reverse the pairs on one connector?
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Moving Wi-Fi to the top donotes Mac OS will always look for Wi-Fi for internet first , if not available, move to Ethernet ? Does it mean Mac aslo look for speaker over Wi-Fi , then Ethernet ? Can I designate Mac to look for speaker over Ethernet Directly?

Yes for the first question, no to the second. You can designate the speaker as a primary device in System Preferences -> Sound. Or if you are using a specific application that you want to specifically go to that speaker, you can designate it in that application's preferences. (I use this configuration for gaming, where I want mumble / discord to go to my headset but game sound through my speakers, the primary device).

 

[BayouTiger]

If you connect your Mac to your speaker directly with one cable, the you will have reverse the pairs on one connector, otherwise you have run your ethernet connection through a switch or hub.

Not in a very long time. Nearly all ethernet connections are agile enough to connect straight from end to end without crossover cables or switches. Been like this for several years. I can't even remember the last time I made or used a crossover.

As to the audio over ethernet, to use Ethernet, there must be some protocol being used to create that endpoint. I think the best way to prioritize that traffic (short of being a DHCP guru) would be to give them separate IP subnets. I also can't think of any reason you would ever want Wifi above ethernet in the priority.

I am pretty sure Devialet handles the communication via their Spark App, so I don't think you need to overthink t. The Devialet guys have some pretty amazing tech in their products. You should enjoy the Phantom!

 

[gerrard0804]

Not in a very long time. Nearly all ethernet connections are agile enough to connect straight from end to end without crossover cables or switches. Been like this for several years. I can't even remember the last time I made or used a crossover.

As to the audio over ethernet, to use Ethernet, there must be some protocol being used to create that endpoint. I think the best way to prioritize that traffic (short of being a DHCP guru) would be to give them separate IP subnets. I also can't think of any reason you would ever want Wifi above ethernet in the priority.

I am pretty sure Devialet handles the communication via their Spark App, so I don't think you need to overthink t. The Devialet guys have some pretty amazing tech in their products. You should enjoy the Phantom!

I want to prioritise wifi over Ethernet for internet connection. As for the speaker, I want to use the Ethernet as it is stable without lag theoretically.

How to set a subnet manually for my Ethernet speaker please ?

 

[estabya]

I want to prioritise wifi over Ethernet for internet connection. As for the speaker, I want to use the Ethernet as it is stable without lag theoretically.

How to set a subnet manually for my Ethernet speaker please ?

This page will walk you through it.

http://www.mactip.net/share-internet-connection-mac/

 

[BayouTiger]

As mentioned above, you just need to set the service order in the Network settings and drag WiFi to the top.

Can you change the IP address for the Phantom? (some such products like Sonos are not very easy to reconfigure) If so give it a static address like 192.168.2.1 ad the Mac Ethernet 192.168.2.2. You can use Subnet 255.255.255.252 it will only see those two addresses. I doubt that is necessary, but thats the way to lock down an ethernet port to a more limited scope. Not sure if the Devialet software will like it but you can try it out. If you have more than one speaker they would need their own addresses and you would have to replace the .252 with a more open range. -248 would give you 192.168.2.1 - 6. (Actually 0-7 but the first and last are generally reserved).

Subnetting gives you a lot more control over your network, Seems complicated, but with the help of a little calculator app can be very useful.
http://www.subnet-calculator.com/subnet.php?net_class=C

 

[gerrard0804]

As mentioned above, you just need to set the service order in the Network settings and drag WiFi to the top.

Can you change the IP address for the Phantom? (some such products like Sonos are not very easy to reconfigure) If so give it a static address like 192.168.2.1 ad the Mac Ethernet 192.168.2.2. You can use Subnet 255.255.255.252 it will only see those two addresses. I doubt that is necessary, but thats the way to lock down an ethernet port to a more limited scope. Not sure if the Devialet software will like it but you can try it out. If you have more than one speaker they would need their own addresses and you would have to replace the .252 with a more open range. -248 would give you 192.168.2.1 - 6. (Actually 0-7 but the first and last are generally reserved).

Subnetting gives you a lot more control over your network, Seems complicated, but with the help of a little calculator app can be very useful.
http://www.subnet-calculator.com/subnet.php?net_class=C[/QUOTE
Not sure about what you said for setting static IP address. I thought I have to set manually for Mac Ethernet only.

How do I set the address for phantom ? Using its supported software ?

 

[BayouTiger]

I would guess, but unless you speak French, they are pretty tight with their manuals. Have you tried just plugging it in and giving it a try? I have actually never had any real issue streaming 96K over wifi, 192K is a different story.

 

[gerrard0804]

I would guess, but unless you speak French, they are pretty tight with their manuals. Have you tried just plugging it in and giving it a try? I have actually never had any real issue streaming 96K over wifi, 192K is a different story.

I am planning to buy one gold phantom to do solo， but I read some forums people quoting there may be lipsync delay for video and gaming. What do you experience ? Any problem with it?

 

[BayouTiger]

I don’t own any Devialet gear. Have looked at their amps from time to time. I use Sonos and Roon, and have used BlueSound in the past. I stream Roon mostly to my Peachtree amp and a microrendu that feeds my main audio rig.

 

[theluggage]

I am planning to buy one gold phantom to do solo

Can't speak for your particular hardware combo, but my Apple TV and Fire TV are connected via wired ethernet and I can stream audio to both.

However, if you're worried about lag and are resigned to using a wire, best to cut AirPlay (which compresses audio to hell in order to send it over WiFi) out of the equation by using USB: there are plenty of USB-driven monitor speakers available with decent on-board DACs. Only problem is they tend to be quite reasonably priced so you may have difficulty finding a pair that cost more than your iMac Pro... so you could also get a USB or Thunderbolt external soundcard with TOSLINK and use an optical cable to connect it to your speakers.

Also, remember that the only function of 96 or 192kHz audio is to give you "headroom" when processing sounds during mixing and mastering - neither your ears or your speakers, no, not even $6000-a-pair ones, will reproduce the difference between 44/48k and 192k.

 

[hvfsl]

However, if you're worried about lag and are resigned to using a wire, best to cut AirPlay (which compresses audio to hell in order to send it over WiFi) out of the equation by using USB: there are plenty of USB-driven monitor speakers available with decent on-board DACs. Only problem is they tend to be quite reasonably priced so you may have difficulty finding a pair that cost more than your iMac Pro... so you could also get a USB or Thunderbolt external soundcard with TOSLINK and use an optical cable to connect it to your speakers.

I agree you are best using on optical cable (I assume your Mac has an optical port as most do), but there are two types of AirPlay. The standard one used just for audio, where it is compressed using lossless compression, but there is a lag, so it is only really useful for listening to music. Or the realtime one which is used by airplay mirroring, which uses lossy compression.

 

[theluggage]

I agree you are best using on optical cable (I assume your Mac has an optical port as most do)

Actually, most current Macs don't have optical out any more, which is why I suggested a USB external sound card to provide the TOSLink port for an optical cable. Or, if you don't need the other functions of a sound card, choose speakers with USB input.

Correction noted about AirPlay audio not using lossy compression, but - as you say - it may still have lag.

 

[BayouTiger]

I am pretty sure Devialet has a Bridge App that handles and prioritizes output to the Phantom, Honestly, I think the Op is overthinking it a bit, but the Phantom is a very expensive piece of gear and I don't blame him for trying to get all his questions answered before dropping that much cash!

 

[gerrard0804]

I am pretty sure Devialet has a Bridge App that handles and prioritizes output to the Phantom, Honestly, I think the Op is overthinking it a bit, but the Phantom is a very expensive piece of gear and I don't blame him for trying to get all his questions answered before dropping that much cash!

I read posts where users say there is lag issue with toslink as the phantom need to process through its chips DSP. I wonder there is lag for digital signal.

 

[BayouTiger]

I can see where there would be that possibility, I really don't like DSP at an endpoint. Too much potential for sync issues. Some apps allow you to tune it, but no idea what they have to combat it. Sonos is one that does a great job with timing.