Digital Sound from new iMac

[jonathanbruce@me]

Hello there everyone.

I have recently changed my iMac to the new iMac 5k 2017 version. However I have noticed that Apple have taken away the digital signal from the headphone socket that I used to use to get sound into my Marantz PM6006 s/pdif IN at the back. I tried using normal headphone to RCA but the sound was bloody awful... then I saw OWC Thunderbolt 3 Hub but that is too expensive and am considering other options.. Maybe a network player with Airplay that has s/pdif ? I've had a look at the Denon DNP730 and the Pioneer N-P01 and I am sure they are others.. Internet Radio would be a useful feature I would use since I have it on my Marantz M-CR611 Mini Hifi

Would love to know all your ideas on how to get around the problem caused by Apple ditching digitial out on the headphone jack. The Thunderbolt 3 Hub I mentioned is approx £320 and not worth it just for that one feature.

Always grateful of advice given to me..

regards

Jonathan

 

[daveh75]

A Behringer U-Control UCA222 Audio Interface will provide an optical output and at a fraction of the price of a Thunderbolt hub...

 

[chebby]

Four USB 3.0 sockets and ethernet and AirPlay give lots of options, the main one being a USB DAC. They come in all sizes from ... "where is it?" to ... "will the floor take the weight?" and at all prices from 20 something quid to £1000s.

AudioQuest Dragonfly models tend to get recommended a lot. (Stick it in a USB socket and connect a 3.5mm jack to 2 x RCA phono in an aux input on your amp.

Connect your iMac to your router with Ethernet cable for the most 'stable' performance. (As in not dependent on wireless.)