Optical or USB connection from Mac to Amplifier?

[Bromiley]

Hi

I'd like to know which connection method would deliver the best sound quality from my MacBook Pro (mid 2009) to a stereo amplifier. I would be playing CD quality and HD music files.

1. Optical connection from Mac to e.g. Marantz PM6005 (only optical and coaxial connections available on the PM6005)?

or

2. USB connection from Mac to e.g. Marnatz PM7005 (direct USB connection)?

I would obviously want to be using the DAC in either Marnatz amp rather than the sound card in my Mac.

Thanks for any input you have.

 

[SteveR750]

I'm not familiar with the DAC in the Marantz, but the answer is dependent on how it is configured. Unless it is capable of async USB with its own driver, chances are it will sound better using the optical out of the Mac. The latter also has the advantage of complete electrical isolation from the computer, which is not the case with a USB connection.

 

[Bromiley]

Thanks for the reply. The Marantz PM7005 is capable of async USB. Here are the details from the Marantz site:

The DAC-mode features optical and coaxial digital inputs as well as a USB-B port, which means you can directly connect your computer to the PM7005 and benefit from its high-quality DAC CS4398 and its HDAM-SA3 module-equipped audio output stage for great audio performance. The amp operates as a soundcard for the computer and the USB-B port works in asynchronous mode and ‘bit-perfect’ to support not only 192kHz / 24bits but also the DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz high-resolution audio.

Given the description, what's your opionion?

Thanks

 

[SteveR750]

It sounds the obvious chouce, but if there is an optical option, try that. use the one your prefer the sound of, and if they sound the same then use the one that is easier / looks better / least hassle etc.