Mac experts please- USB or Optical

[knacker]

Guys, especially Mac owners out there- is there any difference between the output from digital optical compared to USB i.e. is the USB limited to 96k or is that windows based stuff?

I have mac mini connected to a Cyrus 6XPD and have a wireworld Purple USB cable or a TCI Coral Optical cable that I can use.

I have also heard about bit perfect for itunes- would this make any difference

Sorry if I am asking dumb ass questions but I have never used a Mac for anything before

 

[Anonymous]

Assuming that the USB is asynchronus on the Cyrus as on most high-end bits of kit it would be best to go down the USB route as this should have the least jitter.

 

[6th.replicant]

IME, when connecting an MBP to an rDAC there's allegedly less - almost nil? - jitter via USB.

And the rDAC will output up to 96kHz via USB, subject to resetting OS X's Audio MIDI to 96kHz. (I haven't a scooby whether or not a Cyrus 6XPD outputs 96kHz via Optical.)

And IIRC, OS X + iTunes = bit perfect, whatever that may mean??

 

[VoodooDoctor]

The Leema Elements DAC can handle 192kHz/24 on all its inputs from the Mac. I use the USB connection from my iMac. I run a program called Puremusic that piggybacks onto iTunes and improves the sound as well as playing files that iTunes natively won't.

 

[songox]

Hi! I personally prefer optical output to USB from my MB going to rDac! I find that sound from optical out is cleaner and less grainy so maybe u should try them both out and see whitch u prefer better!

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Itunes on mac is bit perfect (with itunes volume set to max, equaliser off and bit depth and sampling rate matching the file - although I would not worry if output is always set at say 24/96).

I used both optical and usb in my set up and did not notice any difference.