Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Macbook Pro optical out or USB
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Macbook Pro optical out or USB

post #1 of 54
1/18/09 at 2:37am
Thread Starter 
Which of the two will provide better sq or are they the same?

Thanks

THE SOURCE41
Reply
post #2 of 54
1/18/09 at 4:16am
Optical has greater potential for better SQ and it will run 24 bit and is not limited to 16 bit.
Reply
post #3 of 54
1/18/09 at 4:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by olblueyez View Post
Optical has greater potential for better SQ and it will run 24 bit and is not limited to 16 bit.
Depends on USB receiver. Trends UD-10.1 outperforms Mac optical out.
Reply
post #4 of 54
1/18/09 at 4:29am
optical
Reply
post #5 of 54
1/18/09 at 4:33am
Didnt realize the Trends was standard issue on the Apple computers. Yes there are exceptions but the answer to the question is Optical.
Reply
post #6 of 54
1/18/09 at 5:47am
Certainly depends on the USB receiver.
Since some USB receivers can convert straight to I2S, without no intermediate S/PDIF conversion...
Reply
post #7 of 54
1/18/09 at 6:13am
There's always the option of a USB-->Coaxial converter.
Reply
post #8 of 54
1/18/09 at 6:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by IceClass View Post
There's always the option of a USB-->Coaxial converter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT View Post
Depends on USB receiver. Trends UD-10.1 outperforms Mac optical out.
Yep. But why?
Reply
post #9 of 54
1/18/09 at 6:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT View Post
Depends on USB receiver. Trends UD-10.1 outperforms Mac optical out.
I have a macbook 2008 - Can I also use the optical out? Isn't the integrated sound on these macbooks the Sigmatel STAC chipset also found on orig. Intel boards? Is it good?
Reply
post #10 of 54
1/18/09 at 9:31am
I have a 2 year old MacBookPro. Sigmatel is indeed the sound circuitry in my machine according to Hardware Manager in Boot Camp.

I agree with most of what the folks above say. A good USB setup will beat a not so good Optical setup, and visa versa.

You are likely to find a better optical DAC for stationary use. In the portable arena it will most likely be the USB. I use a Predator for travel, with USB. On my office rig at home I use optical out of my MacPro to the Lavry Black.

There is certainly enough discussion about USB vs SPDIF connected DACs here on the boards, as well as folks liking different DACs. Do some searches, you will end up tired, but educated.
Reply
post #11 of 54
1/18/09 at 2:59pm
^ I'll certainly do that. In fact I spent well over 7 hours going over old posts. I was so tempted to post on a couple but was hesitant because that might be considered spamming. Yes, my knowledge sucks, but it gets better all the time.

Whew; it is tiring, but educating. I think I'll always be a PC music fanboy, but I'll probably end up with a good DAC somewhere along the line
Reply
post #12 of 54
1/18/09 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by olblueyez View Post
Yep. But why?
Better hardware plus external PSU option for cleaner power.
Reply
post #13 of 54
1/18/09 at 4:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT View Post
Depends on USB receiver. Trends UD-10.1 outperforms Mac optical out.
Can you be more specific about the meaning of outperforms ?, does it have better measurements ?
Reply
post #14 of 54
1/18/09 at 7:52pm
Thread Starter 
Awesome. Thanks for the answers!
Reply
post #15 of 54
1/19/09 at 3:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nick_charles View Post
Can you be more specific about the meaning of outperforms ?, does it have better measurements ?
I would like to know that answer myself.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Computer Audio
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Macbook Pro optical out or USB