Computer digital out options for external DACs from iTunes

[AlmaataKZ]

OK, let's try to summarise for various options:

Based on playback via Itunes only:

Which OS (XP, W7, latest Mac OS), computer (typical netebook, MacMini, AppleTV) will give what signal (bits, sampling rate, bit-perfect or not) out via which output (USB, optical)? (mentioning any necessary tweaks/settings). Could you please post any corrections and additions and I will then edit this post to be a good summary on the subject.

Win XP: Netbook: USB - no bit perfect possible with itues, max bits - 16, max sampling rate - 48kHz

Win XP: Netbook: optical - normally no optical out on netbooks

Win 7: Notebook: USB - bit perfect possible with itunes????, max bits - 16, max sampling rate - 48kHz

Win 7: Notebook: optical - SPDIF rare, but, if present: bit perfect possible with itunes????, max bits - 16?????, max sampling rate - ?????????kHz

Mac: MacMini: USB - bit perfect OK provided itunes volume is set to 100%, cross fade off, sound check off, max bits - 16, max sampling rate 48kHz. + edit + See post from Craig M. below for more details.

Mac: MacMini: optical - bit perfect OK provided itunes volume is set to 100%, cross fade off, sound check off, max bits - 24, max sampling rate 96kHz. + edit + See post from Craig M. below for more details.

Mac: AppleTV: optical - bit perfect OK provided itunes volume is set to 100%, any settings????, max bits - 16, max sampling rate 41kHz

Mac: AppleTV: USB - no digital audio out via USB on Apple TV

MacMini gives the best signal then?

Would appreciate your input.

 

[Anonymous]

USB audio specs are 48k/16bit max, some manufacturers have made there own USB DAC hardware/drivers allowing higher rates (96/24).

if there is a problem with iTunes and its settings it will be so for both USB and S/PDIF I suspect. Others may be able to tell you what settings to use and if bitperfect is possible in iTunes.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

thanks, Pete10, I have included your info in the post re USB max spec.

 

[Craig M.]

itunes on mac needs the audio midi to be set to the sample rate of what you're playing, it won't change automatically. and it does max out at 96khz. bit depth may as well be set to 24 bit, nothing happens to the data of a 16 bit file, it just adds some empty bits. itunes on mac is bit perfect out of the box. i think the bolt on amarra software allows auto sample rate change and the full version allows 192khz.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Thanks, Craig M. I have added a reference to your post.

Anybody can comment on Win 7?