Usb vs Optical - Page 3

So what qualifies as well implemented USB?  I've been considering a number of lower priced asynchronous USB DACs from the like of Meridian, Arcam, Schiit and others.

Are you guys suggesting that I'd be better off using an optical signal from my Mac Mini or Airport Express into an optical port on a DAC?  If so, which ones?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rem1x 

OS: Windows 8 64bit, player is Foobar2000 with Wasapi push, im using the most up to date driver from Schiit.  I realize the noise is something i have to get rid of. 

If you have the option, try using Wasapi Event rather than Push.  It fixes a known issue with Microsoft's implementation of Wasapi/USB.

The default buffering value for WASAPI - Event Style is 50ms. With some hardware, and especially USB DAC's, a larger value is necessary. If you hear hiccups, select a larger value for buffering in Options > Audio > Output mode settings

I recently purchased a Macbook Pro to use as my music player/computer. I own a Meridian203DAC from the early 90's. I've always listened to Cd's but I'm now going to be using my Mac also. I am totally new to this type of digital audio, so please understand this!

I was going to use the optical out from my Mac connected to my Meridian203DAC then connected to my Adcom preamp and listen to my Grado 325is's through the headphone out on the Adcom. I have done research on the different types of connections between the Mac and the DAC, but my DAC only has an optical input, so this the way I must connect.

My question is can anyone tell me if I will need to have another piece of audio equipment (between my Mac and DAC?)

BTW I have not tried anything yet because I need to order the mini adapter for the optical cable to connect to the Mac. So before I place my order will I need anything else? Sorry if this is a question that has a simple or has been asked somewhere else...but if I don't know, I don't know!

 I greatly appreciate any replies, Thank you.

You're going to need a miniplug/toslink cable.  From Monoprice they are here:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022902&p_id=1556&seq=1&format=2

Not having read this entire thread I may be incorrect but from what you've described this is it.
 

Thank you for your reply, I have order and already received the digital mini toslink cable and was able to mini into my mac then into my dac and then into my preamp. 

Thank you for your response.