Digital sound output on a Macbook or iMac.... How to do it?

[ezekielrage_99]

I was reading Apples web site and the specs for the Macbook is as follows:

# Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in (minijack)
# Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out (minijack)

I was wonder how do I get the optical digital output to work, where do I get the things that I need to make it work.

I was thinking of connecting the digital output to my Audio-Technica AT-HA25D Headphone Amp on my iMac or Macbook.

 

[squeeks]

http://www.amazon.com/TOSLINK-TO-OP...8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1187845910&sr=8-3

plug that into the headphone out, trust me it works

 

[ezekielrage_99]

Thanks, I wasn't sure if a TOSLINK cable or converter would work.

 

[Gamoe]

I got this package (comes with both the cable and adapter) from Belkin for my Mac mini, but I'd probably go for the cheaper adapter next time around.

 

[Fisheke]

I got me a nice toslink cable for my macbok.. but am not getting any digital signal through (the light's on.. but that's all). Both my Plilips Amp and my Logitech Speakers are complaining that there's "no digital data".

My macbook does however say that he's on digital out.. strange.. anyone got any idea's?

 

[nateDEEZY]

I got me a nice toslink cable for my macbok.. but am not getting any digital signal through (the light's on.. but that's all). Both my Plilips Amp and my Logitech Speakers are complaining that there's "no digital data".

My macbook does however say that he's on digital out.. strange.. anyone got any idea's?

Heh, I always wondered how to take advantage of the digital out... Thanks

 

[Fisheke]

Just a little bump to see if there's still noone that knows of any possible solutions.. a friend of mine connected his (same) Macbook to my setup, and it worked there!

Is it a possible hardware problem, or may i have overlooked a setting somewhere? Anyone??

 

[benpatient]

try setting your volume (both in the system and in the application) to 100%

technically, digital optical audio should be unattenuated (full volume) at the source to begin with to be sending a completely unmolested digital signal. Most PC sound cards with a digital output disable the system volume, or ignore it, when sending audio digitally. volume control should be handled by the audio processor (stereo, HT receiver, digital powered speaker kit, etc), no the apps or the OS.

I did not realize that the new Macbooks had the same combo analog/optical audio port. I feel silly now, because I've been wanting to listen to my DTS CDs but was waiting until I could get a new mini for the home theater setup. I can just walk the macbook into the living room and plug an optical cable into my receiver...good good good. I'll check on this and make sure it works. If it doesn't then I'll try to figure out why. Either way, I will report back with my findings...very curious about this.

 

[benpatient]

OK, a little update:

I can confirm that I'm getting a direct digital signal unmolested from my macbook. DTS and HDCD-encoded Apple Lossless files are picked up instantly by my reciever. And it sounds ggggrrrrrrreat.

make sure you have your itunes/audio player's volume set to 100%.

 

[CIrawI3riCIge]

OK, a little update:

I can confirm that I'm getting a direct digital signal unmolested from my macbook. DTS and HDCD-encoded Apple Lossless files are picked up instantly by my reciever. And it sounds ggggrrrrrrreat.

make sure you have your itunes/audio player's volume set to 100%.

If you change the volume in OSX (i.e. via keyboard), does the line level amplitude change over TOSLINK?

 

[QuarterSwede]

If you change the volume in OSX (i.e. via keyboard), does the line level amplitude change over TOSLINK?

It shouldn't. Line level is just that.

Nevermind, I read the above. > 100% seems to turn it off.

what's the code for strikethrough? I thought BBCode was