Problems about Audirvana with SPDIF connection

[wsteg]

I use Audirvana on my macbook pro with SPDIF connection to my DAC. But I can only see "Built-in output" in the preference. However, if I use USB connection, my dac name will show up.

I wonder whether my dac is actually working when I use the optical out. SPDIF, I think, should transmit digital signal, not being processed by internal dac. But, this "built-in output" really make me confused.

Any tips and ideas would be appreciated!

 

[The_Lhc]

It's working fine, spdif is a one way connection, unlike usb which is two-way, so when you use spdif there's no way for your Mac to know what it's connected to, so it reports that it's using the built-in connection, which it is, the built-in spdif connection it that signal could be going anywhere after it leaves the spdif connection, the Mac has no way of knowing.

If the only connection you have between the Mac and dac is the spdif cable then it stands to reason that the connection is working, yes?

Don't worry about it.

 

[wsteg]

Your explanation is very clear and helpful to me

Thank you so much!