Is the MacBook Pro a decent source for a DAC? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Ymer · 06-30-2007, 07:25 AM

Not that I'm gonna base my laptop buying decision on its audio playback ability but uh, it's also important.

So, here are a few questions:

1) They only come with two USB ports, so I was thinking of using the optical out with my Opera. Is that a good idea?

2) The optical out is combined with the headphone out... would that mean I can't connect my Opera and my speakers to the MBP at once?

Thanks in advance

Wodgy · 06-30-2007, 07:47 AM

The optical out of the Macbook Pro is excellent. It is bit-perfect out of the box, no need to mess around with settings or anything. It is a good choice for what you want to do.

You're correct that you cannot simultaneously connect digital and analog devices to the same output, since they're combined.

krmathis · 06-30-2007, 09:22 AM

The MacBook Pro makes a great source for an external DAC.
Its optical out can be made bit-perfect (don't think it is out of the box), and combined with an external DAC makes a great source.

OakIris · 07-18-2007, 03:27 AM

I am interested in this question, too. What DAC with an "optical in" is recommended? I'm not sure what Ymer is looking for, but I need a DAC that is portable, as in battery-operated, and my budget is only about $100. I could maybe go up to $200 if necessary. Is there any such beast?

Holly

krmathis · 07-18-2007, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by OakIris

I am interested in this question, too. What DAC with an "optical in" is recommended?

I highly recommend the Electrocompaniet ECD1.
But its relative expensive and are not for everyone...

OakIris · 07-18-2007, 08:32 PM

The Electrocompaniet ECD1 has some great reviews, but, it is definitely not portable, and it is also definitely out of my price range!

Any other options out there?

Holly

Herandu · 07-18-2007, 08:54 PM

There are a few people on head-fi who use the TC-7510 with their Mac Book, and I have a few friends who do the same. I even understand that the variable 16/20/24 bit rate from the MAC Book works on the TC-7510. I am not sure if any other DAC on the market can manage that feat as well, but 24 bit is kinda HDCD territory.

bahamaman · 07-18-2007, 09:24 PM

I always enjoyed the sound of lossless files on my Mac G5 TOSlink'ed (optical) to a Musical Fidelity X-DACv3. Not portable, but smaller and cheaper than the excellent Electrocompaniet ECD-1.

OakIris · 07-19-2007, 01:22 AM

I have a non-portable DAC I can use - the Fubar with Supplier - so I am looking for a portable solution at this time. Though they both look like good DACs, neither the Beresford nor the Musical Fidelity offerings are portable so they just won't fit the ticket.

Holly

uraflit · 07-19-2007, 03:09 AM

why not use usb instead? there are more options there: total bithead, corda move, etc.