Topic: iMac optical->?

[Jhurlbs81]

Hey Guys,
  I recently got an iMac and I want to use the optical output to go to my receiver.  I will need a 24bit DAC-my Marantz amp has no optical/digital input.  Does anyone know of a modestly priced, no frills optical->rca DACs? I just dropped 2,400 on the iMac, so I need to keep the DAC to something simple.  My playback is kind of a joke, but want to have 24 bit playback through this optical output.

Thanks guys,
Jesse

[noahbickart]

I didn't think the Macintoshs could output 24bit audio on that mini optical jack. You may need a usb DAC.

-Noah

[Jhurlbs81]

Hmmm, maybe is does output 24 bit.  I'd be shocked if a fiber optic cable could not support 24 bit.

I'm not sure how this compares to the G5 iMac, but my new 20" Intel Mac shows the following options in Audio MIDI Setup.
Default Input: Built-in Mic OR Built-in Line In

Properties For: Built-in Mic OR Built-in Line In OR Built-in Output
Audio Input:
-- Source: Line In
-- Format:
44100.0 Hz
48000.0 Hz
88200.0 Hz
96000.0 Hz
176400.0 Hz
192000.0 Hz

-- Channels:
2ch-16bit
2ch-20bit
2ch-24bit
(options are same for Source: Internal Microphone and Source: Line Out)
When "Line Out" is selected, a button named "Configure Speakers" becomes active. Selecting button this brings up another window with options for Stereo and Multichannel. When the Multichannel tab is selected, a drop-down menu provides the following choices.

Surround:
-- Stereo
-- 5.1 Surround
-- 6.1 Surround
-- 7.1 Surround
----
-- Geometric
-- Quadraphonic
-- Hexagonal
-- Octagonal

On my system the only selection that is available for selection is "Stereo". The others are greyed out. This may be because I do not have it hooked up to a surround sound system, only a generic RCA stereo line-out. Unfortunately, I do not have the proper optical miniplug adapter to plug in to the Apple system (only the standard optical-optical connectors).
Hope that helps, Ben G."

[thegreatgumbino]

It will support 24 bit over the optical output.  The key is having a 24bit flac capable media interface (Play or Cog).  You can't run optical through RCA connectors though.  You'll need a DAC with toslink or s/pdif inputs.

[Krispy D]

how about something like this?  small, inexpensive, optical in, rca out...  what more do you need?

http://cgi.ebay.com/nice-ad-1853-24-bit-192khz-up-sampling-DAC-BOX_W0QQitemZ290137333431QQihZ019QQcategoryZ3280QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[edtyre]

I have an intel imac and run optical out > glass toslink > dac (grace 902) > amp > speakers
I am playing almost everything in either Itunes or Play.

The limits on my machine are 24/96, but i downsample all my 24 bit stuff to 24/44.1

For my cheaper bedroom setup i use  a cheapo dac (DAC AH) from here:
http://www.pacificvalve.us/index.html
For 170.00 it doesn't sound anything like the Grace but it sounds very nice
for its price point.

For your deal, you can go analog out (rca's) from a dac right into one of your
analog inputs on your receiver.

[Jhurlbs81]

Thanks Guys! +Ts all around. 

I ended up buying this small guy last night.
http://www.obadimports.com/catalog/item/4377355/4684274.htm#image_1 

So, I should be good going optical miniplug out->Toslink in on the DAC->RCA out->receiver?

Someday, I'll get started ona real playback set-up, but I need something simple and cheap for the interm.

Thanks again guys,
Jesse