Connecting Macbook to Aiwa MX-70

[admin_exported]

Hello whathifi

I've got a very basic hifi set up with an old Aiwa MX-70 Amp. TX-70 Tuner, a new Pro-Ject essential turntable and old Sony Speakers.

Basically I wanted to know what the best way to connect my Macbook pro to my amp would be, considering it doesn't (as far as I can tell) have a Digital Optical Input

Can anyone help?

 

[MajorFubar]

Use the headphone jack from your MBP to a line-in on the MX-70. Turn the headphone volume to the top on the laptop.

 

[Anonymous]

I've heard complaints about a really noticeable buzzing noise when doing that though. Is this just something I'll have to bear with regardless or is it not all that common?

 

[MajorFubar]

It's not very common on Macs to be honest. I ran my Mac Mini to my HiFi for months before buying an external DAC and never heard any buzzing. Conversely my HP Windows laptop is hopeless for it; far too much electrical noise when its headphone socket is connected straight to an amp.

But, you will always get better sound though if you invest in a decent external DAC. The one which all the reviews seem to rave about at the moment is the Audioquest Dragonfly which is no bigger than a USB flash drive.

Basically I'd just give it a go and see. You can pick up a lead off eBay for about £2 if not less. What have you to lose?