Worth getting a DAC for my MacBook?
Feb 5, 2008 at 12:07 PM Post #16 of 22
Quote:

Originally Posted by illkemist /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Personally, I prefer the optical out to USB. It is much more convenient to just plug it in and go. With USB devices, the computer does not automatically select the USB sound device.


Really? My MBP always auto-switches to my USB DAC when I plug it in. I'm using a Stello DA100.
 
Feb 5, 2008 at 12:23 PM Post #17 of 22
Quote:

Originally Posted by blessingx /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I agree, though you have to keep in mind the breakout cabling all over too.


True, but the breakout cable is not necessary if the Duet is used only as a combination DAC + headphone amp. My breakout cable is back in the box until and if I decide to ever use it with another home/desktop headphone amp or powered speakers.
 
Feb 5, 2008 at 1:51 PM Post #18 of 22
Quote:

Originally Posted by illkemist /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Personally, I prefer the optical out to USB. It is much more convenient to just plug it in and go. With USB devices, the computer does not automatically select the USB sound device.


I use SoundSource from Rogue Ameoba to switch my audio inputs/outputs. It a free menubar tool. On my iMac plugging and unplugging the USB DAC too many times and the OS locks up for a little while. (Tiger). I have not tried it on my MBP with Leopard yet.
 
Feb 5, 2008 at 6:47 PM Post #19 of 22
Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif
The HeadAmp Pico was designed on a MacBook and demoed on a MacBook at various meets around the country.
smily_headphones1.gif



Design for a Macbook or on one? I have designed great cooking recipes on my computer with finished results photos, but they don't taste too good unless I cook them on the stove. Maybe if I took the fans out of the PC I could get enough heat, but I will stick with a stove! LOL!

I am sure that the Pico and Macbook combo is good, but I seriously doubt that because it was design on and demoed on one makes it made for it! That would mean that they where designing a product to sound good on only 5% of the peoples' computers. Not a very sound business practice IMHO. Personally I for that price if you are looking for just a DAC and not an amp I would build an Opus DAC from Twiste Pear and you could use USB , COAX, optical, or I2S to personalize it for your use. Then if you needed a mic input, buy a mic preamp.

Another fantastic option that people are forgetting about is the Presonus Central Station. It has mic inputs, two high quality headamps, a very good DAC, and the best part is a fantastic passive preamp all SE and balanced(except the headamp).
 
Feb 7, 2008 at 6:47 PM Post #20 of 22
Quote:

Originally Posted by rodentmacbeastie /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Design for a Macbook or on one? I have designed great cooking recipes on my computer with finished results photos, but they don't taste too good unless I cook them on the stove. Maybe if I took the fans out of the PC I could get enough heat, but I will stick with a stove! LOL!


What? He clearly stated that it was designed ON a Macbook. Good lord.
 
Feb 8, 2008 at 4:53 AM Post #21 of 22
Quote:

Originally Posted by gz76 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Really? My MBP always auto-switches to my USB DAC when I plug it in. I'm using a Stello DA100.


You know, sometimes mine does, and sometimes it doesn't. I think when I was using the iBasso D1, it was usually automatic. But sometimes, I would get a bit of a hang when plugging in or removing the plug from the port. My personal preference also stems from a desire not to tie up the USB port on my MBP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkshiu /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I use SoundSource from Rogue Ameoba to switch my audio inputs/outputs. It a free menubar tool. On my iMac plugging and unplugging the USB DAC too many times and the OS locks up for a little while. (Tiger). I have not tried it on my MBP with Leopard yet.


Thanks for the suggestion. I just downloaded this utility yesterday after reading about it in the forums.
 
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