Best way to connect nDac to macmini???

quote:

Originally posted by Woods Scot:
I am looking for input on the best way to connect an nDac to my macmini.

By best, I am looking for optimum audio quality....ideally trying to achieve similar or above to a cdx2.

Regards,

Scot

Anyone?suggestions?experiences?

quote:

Originally posted by scotman1973:

quote:

Originally posted by Woods Scot:
I am looking for input on the best way to connect an nDac to my macmini.

By best, I am looking for optimum audio quality....ideally trying to achieve similar or above to a cdx2.

Regards,

Scot

Anyone?suggestions?experiences?

Try to use the search function and look for terms like HiFace, INT202, EVO.

There has been written a lot already about these issues.

-
aleg

Thanks. Thought I could save some time, as I have been reading page after page of somewhat related comments...head is starting to spin.

If anyone wants to wade in and help, it would be appreciated.

Scot

There is so much information it can be confusing..

Try Halide Bridge - uses asynchronous usb out from the Mac - from Gordon Rankin's Wavelength Company

Excellent

Tog

Scot,

As Aleg mention you will need to search through many posts as there are many options and many different views on which is the best. At the end of the day you will have to make a decision and hope for the best unless you can demo (unlikely) all the options!

The following are the usual options (bound to have missed some other popular options):

- Use the digital out from your Mac direct to nDac

USB:

- M-Audio Transit (96/24 optical digital out only)

- M2Tech hiFace (192/24 RCA/BNC)
- M2Tech Evo (192/32 - many connection options)

- Halide Design Bridge (96Khz RCA/BNC)

Firewire:

- Weiss INT202 (192Khz - many connection options)

There are of course many other audio interface options available for both USB and firewire from compnaies such as PreSonus, Focusrite, M-Audio, MOTU, Echo, the Apogee Duet is very popular with Mac users.

Also consider the additional power needs of all of the above. An audio interface may be useful if you want other functions such as vinyl ripping.

If you just want to try things out without major cost then the M2Tech hiFace is a popular option. I like the reviews of the Halide but its more expensive.

The Weiss is very nice but expensive particularly if you only want a short term option whilst waiting on the Naim streamer etc etc.

Also worth checking out computeraudiophile site....useful information and reviews

Jack

I notice Tog mentioned the Halide whilst I was typing

@Jack Fantastic list - phew exhausted

Tog

Tog.....just as well the question was MacMini based otherwise we would have gotten into all the soundcard options!

Forgot to mention there is also a recent review of the Halide on the Sterophile site:
Halide

Thanks everyone. Very much appreciated! I think
I have made up my mind. NDac + unitiserve.....A bit of a different direction, but I can also use my existing network as well.

Scot

quote:

Posted Wed 29 December 2010 21:53 Hide Post
Thanks everyone. Very much appreciated! I think
I have made up my mind. NDac + unitiserve.....A bit of a different direction, but I can also use my existing network as well.

Scot

Lucky guy. You will dig this combo.