Looking for a USB DAC for MacBook Pro 14"
Oct 14, 2023 at 7:17 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 21
Quiz

Quiz

Previously known as Sprkd1
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I have a desktop PC with a Sound Blaster AE-9 connected to 2 x JBL LSR305 monitors and 1 x JBL LSR310S subwoofer. I just got a MacBook Pro 14" (my first Mac) about a week ago and will probably be selling my desktop PC. What can I do to connect my JBLs to the MacBook Pro? Any recommendations for a USB DAC that is at least as good as the Sound Blaster AE-9 in sound quality? How is the Sound Blaster X5?
 
Oct 15, 2023 at 2:04 PM Post #2 of 21
You could connect the Macbook to the LSR310S directly using a 3.5mm (1/8") TRS plug, to dual TS 1/4" plug cable.
What is your budget for a USB DAC?
 
Oct 15, 2023 at 2:16 PM Post #3 of 21
If my budget is around $300, could I get a USB DAC that sounds better than connecting the JBLs to the MacBook's headphone out? How good of a DAC or how good is the sound quality of the MacBook's headphone out?
 
Oct 15, 2023 at 3:12 PM Post #4 of 21
Quiz said:
If my budget is around $300, could I get a USB DAC that sounds better than connecting the JBLs to the MacBook's headphone out? How good of a DAC or how good is the sound quality of the MacBook's headphone out?
Click to expand...
Apple products seem to come with a very decent built in DAC function.
What's the price point for improving over the Mac's DAC function, not sure.
But might as well consider one with a balanced output.
 
Oct 18, 2023 at 8:02 AM Post #5 of 21
How is the Apogee Symphony Desktop? I know it's a lot more than $300 and I realize it is an audio interface instead of a pure DAC but how is the sound quality? I checked some reviews and they seem to highly rate the device and sound quality.
 
Oct 18, 2023 at 10:37 AM Post #6 of 21
Quiz said:
How is the Apogee Symphony Desktop? I know it's a lot more than $300 and I realize it is an audio interface instead of a pure DAC but how is the sound quality? I checked some reviews and they seem to highly rate the device and sound quality.
Click to expand...
I know very little about the Apogee Symphony.
 
Oct 19, 2023 at 8:32 AM Post #8 of 21
I was recommended the following DACs that have balanced outputs on another forum:

SMSL M300 SE ($130)
Topping D10 Balanced ($140)
Khadas Tone2 ($150)
SMSL D-6 ($170)

Any preference between them? I was also told they will all sound the same and are 100% transparent. They play back exactly what is in the audio files. Is this true?
 
Oct 26, 2023 at 9:24 PM Post #9 of 21
Quiz said:
If my budget is around $300, could I get a USB DAC that sounds better than connecting the JBLs to the MacBook's headphone out? How good of a DAC or how good is the sound quality of the MacBook's headphone out?
Click to expand...
The new MacBooks have the best headphone out that have ever graced a computer. I'd stick with just using the 3.5mm jack unless you want to spend over $500+.

I saved myself from buying a Chord Mojo 2 by testing the jack. The Chord obviously would sound better but not worth the money.
 
Oct 27, 2023 at 6:33 PM Post #10 of 21
stevedlu said:
The new MacBooks have the best headphone out that have ever graced a computer. I'd stick with just using the 3.5mm jack unless you want to spend over $500+.

I saved myself from buying a Chord Mojo 2 by testing the jack. The Chord obviously would sound better but not worth the money.
Click to expand...
What DACs would you recommend that are $500+ and sound better than the MacBook's headphone out? Preferably with balanced outputs for my JBL LSR305 monitors and LSR310S subwoofer.
 
Oct 27, 2023 at 6:44 PM Post #11 of 21
Topping A30 Pro DAC/amp?
 
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