Beresford DAC connecting Mac problem!

Posted by: the other nickc on 01 November 2012

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of connecting a Beresford Dac up to an iMac (older style dual core). I'm using a 3.5mm optical jack to toslink cable from the headphone socket. I've changed the preferences to digital output and no sound comes out. It's connected to a 42.5 preamp via a din. It all works fine without the DAC hooked up. I've been in touch with Stanley Beresford and we're thinking i should do a post or two for advice before i send it back.

 

I have to say my system sounds pretty good to my ears playing lossless anyway but i'm intrigued as to how it will sound with a DAC. I'm tempted to try a Firewire Dac if all else fails.

 

thanks

 

Nick

 

Posted on: 01 November 2012 by Richard Dane

Nick,

 

what kind of RCA-DIN cable are you using?  Just wondering whether the PIN orientation on the DIN end is correct. 

 

Anyway, I've moved this to the Streaming Audio room, just in case any of our MAC users have any ideas from the computer end.

Posted on: 01 November 2012 by the other nickc

ok. thanks Richard.

 

i'm using this 5 pin din cable to the DAC from the pre amp...

 

http://www.maplin.co.uk/5-pin-...3.5mmplugs-1.5m-1172

 

(forgive the external link please!)

 

It was connected up to the tuner input on the 42.5. It works fine when connected directly with the mac (via an adaptor) but not with the DAC.

Posted on: 01 November 2012 by Guido Fawkes

Does your DAC have any lights to indicate if it is receiving anything from your iMac?

 

What is the exact model of iMac you are using? 

 

What are your settings in Audio Midi Setup?

 

Are you using iTunes?  

Posted on: 01 November 2012 by Gale 401

Does the Beresford have any settings like balanced or unbalanced mode?

Stu.

Posted on: 02 November 2012 by the other nickc

Hi..

 

yes all lights on the dac work. i can select which port its using manually.

 

yes i'm using iTunes.
 

the mac is 2006/2007 intel:

 

the ports are:

 

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2567

 

the sound is set to digital out in preferences

 

no the beresford only has a volume control for headphone.

 

thanks!

Posted on: 02 November 2012 by Guido Fawkes

Have you checked Audio Midi? This is separate from System Preferences . 

 

Application::Utilities::Audio Midi Setup

Posted on: 02 November 2012 by the other nickc

Hi,

Just checked Audio Midi. It seems to revert to 'headpones' when the 3.5mm optical jack is in the headphone socket.. seems right?

 

Nick