MacBook Pro vs Naim CD5xs
Posted by: Lilyliu on 13 January 2012
I'm using toslink Lifatec opticals on both the MacBook and Oppo. Naim digital on the CD5xs.
I'm connecting to a Qute, and a Supernait with equal results.
Can anyone sort me?
Thanks!
Try a M2TECH Hi Face into your Mac usb socket.Come out of it with a digital coax cable into your Snait.
Stu.
Connecting the USB to a Musical Fidelity V-link, via toslink to DAC is another / better alternative.
Thomas
-Use a good USB to coax S/PDIF converter instead of toslink -> less jitter
- Make sure your software settings are "bit perfect" regarding word length and sample rate
- Use a good sounding software player -> Pure Music, Amarra, Audirvana
-Use a good USB to coax S/PDIF converter instead of toslink -> less jitter
- Make sure your software settings are "bit perfect" regarding word length and sample rate
- Use a good sounding software player -> Pure Music, Amarra, Audirvana
Suggestions:
USB/SPDIF convertor:
M2Tech with BNC or Coax output.
I use a BNC/BNC 75ohm 29db attenuator between coax cable and M2Tech. Reduces reflections in the cable supposedly to give better SQ.
Halide Bridge
Well respected though more expensive, but comes with cable attached.
Software Player : Fidelia (20$ US).
Very versatile player with numerous configurations and file compatibility.
Can match song sample rate automatically. Syncs with your i-Tunes library, but you can create your own in other file formats.
But what about hooking up to a Q? Naim no likey the USB.
But what about hooking up to a Q? Naim no likey the USB.
Although I'm not familiar withe the Uniqute, looking at the spec. it does have amongst others 2 coaxial SPDIF inputs.
You should therefore be able to connect any USB/SPDIF convertor with a coax out socket.
This would include amongst others the Halide Bridge and M2tech convertors.
Don't confuse USB inputs with SPDIF inputs. NAIM do not encourage direct USB to USB with a computer, but computer USB to Uniqute SPDIF via a convertor is wholly acceptable.
If in doubt contact Naim direct as shown below.
SUPPORT If you have a specific problem that you wish to obtain support for from Naim then please contact either Steve Hopkins or Phil Harris onsupport@naimaudio.com or telephone 01722 426600 and we can make sure that we attend to your query as quickly and efficiently as possible...
the 2011 mac mini optical was already improved.
still need a hi face?
For an older Mac Mini or MacBok use a Wireworld USB cable into a MF V-Link (original version) and a Wireworld Supernova into the UQ. I'm unimpressed by the design of then new MF V-Link, which has a coaxial interface.
I avoid Coaxial as an optical connection sounds better to me, as it isolates the computer from the UQ. However don't just use any old Toslink cable. For Mac Mini, the Wireworld Supernova would always be my choice. The TCI cable was superb, but no longer made, plus it has the wrong connector at the Mac end.
Make sure the UQ is well away from your speaker and always on a good support platform. I use mine on a Seismic Sink and it seems to benefit from this.
My MacBook is less than a yr old.
Forgot to add, in my comparisons, I also ran the MacBook and the CD5xs into a Naim DAC, optical for MacBook, digital coax for CD5xs.
I'm a little disheartened that it seems like I must use additional devices to make the MacBook sound better. You've been hearing about no more redbook player sales, and computer audio leading the way. I can understand accessing libraries, all that, but to use a source not equal to redbook, at least with my thinking of knowing how basic many computer based systems are... Dunno.
I will try this USB connection and listen to what happens.