iMac headphone output Question

The reason why the sound is better through the iMac compared to the Bose is most likely due to DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) being superior in the iMac vs. Bose. It is correct that you get the full digital signal from USB, but in the end what matters is the quality of the DAC. In other words, because you use USB for the Bose puck both the internal and external DAC gets the full signal. Therefore the superior of the two DAC's will sound the best.

If you are satisfied with the sound from the iMac there is no reason buying in buying another DAC. If you are not satisfied you can buy a USB DAC.

 

Electrical characteristics of the imac headphone jack

Pretty solid in my opinion.

It's way better than my ipad 3, if that means anything to you. I do have a headphone amp (SMSL SD793II), but some of my headphones are somewhat difficult to drive. It's more for the convenience factor than anything else-- I don't like reaching behind my mac to reconnect things all the time.,.

Some computers are built with really electrically dirty audio stages--so I guess USB audio is sort of a no-brainer with the average PC. But apparently Apple put's in somewhat more effort.

 

I doubt thats a 2012 they stopped making the 24 inch in earky 2009....