A Really Basic Question!

Posted by: ursus262 on 02 December 2012

Sorry if this sounds a really silly question but I actually don't know where to start.  I have a MacBook Pro with Itunes and a Uniti.

 

I'd like to connect the two together, possibly using something like BitPerfect via USB so I can play my itunes library directly through the Uniti.  I can do this wirelessly using SongBook at the moment, but am looking for a better quality alternative and prefer the interface of itunes 11.

 

Can this be done, and how do I do this?

 

Many thanks

 

Dave

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by birdie339

I have the same combination. Wirelessly I use Eyeconnect to stream from the Macbook to the Uniti.. This is OK but all will be better when Naim sets up a deal with Apple so that airplay is recognised. I also sometimes just run a Toslink cable from the Mac to the Uniti or I just plug in an iPod. I'd much rather have it all wireless!

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by ursus262

Oh!  My MacBook Pro doesn't have a Toslink connector.  Is there some kind of adaptor I can get for this purpose?

 

I was planning on using the USB connector at the front of the Uniti.

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by Bart
Originally Posted by ursus262:

Oh!  My MacBook Pro doesn't have a Toslink connector.  Is there some kind of adaptor I can get for this purpose?

There are quite a few USB to SPDIF connectors.  If you do a search here you'll find some recommendations that have been made in the past.

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by ursus262

Could it work USB to USB?

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by BigH47

Does the MB pro not have a dual use head phone/toslink socket?

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by BigH47:

Does the MB pro not have a dual use head phone/toslink socket?

Correct. Yes it does.

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by James L
Originally Posted by ursus262:

Oh!  My MacBook Pro doesn't have a Toslink connector.  Is there some kind of adaptor I can get for this purpose?

 

I was planning on using the USB connector at the front of the Uniti.

The MBP has a mini-TOSLINK (it's the headphone socket which doubles as the optical output).

 

Plenty of mini-TOSLINK to standard TOSLINK cables available to choose from.

 

The USB-A (MBP) to USB-A (Uniti) won't work. You need the aforementioned USB to S/PDIF adaptor. So in your case, the optical is probably the way to go(?).

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by ursus262

That's perfect.  Thanks guys for your help

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by Guido Fawkes
Originally Posted by ursus262:

Oh!  My MacBook Pro doesn't have a Toslink connector.  Is there some kind of adaptor I can get for this purpose?

 

I was planning on using the USB connector at the front of the Uniti.

What MacBook Pro do you have? Most have a mini TosLink disguised as a headphone socket .... you can use a Supernova 6 to connect it to your Uniti

 

If you want to use the USB port you need a hiFace or Halide Bridge  

Posted on: 02 December 2012 by NickSeattle

I have a MBPro, 2008-2010 vintage, last of the metallic keyboards, higher-specd at the time:  it does not have the Mini-TosLink feature; the newer ones and my year-old MacMini do.

 

For best sound quality, you'd probably be better off to wire both to the network, install PlayBack Server on your Mac, and stream at the Uniti.  This works best using the Naim nStream app on an iPad/Pod/Phone.

 

Nick

Posted on: 03 December 2012 by birdie339

Hi Nick,

I have the same Pro as you and the headphone socket definitely does double up as a mini Toslink outlet. I just bought a mini to standard Toslink adapter and fitted it to a statndard Toslink cable. It works a treat.

Posted on: 03 December 2012 by NickSeattle

Hi, Birdie,

 

Interesting.  Maybe mine was damaged at birth.  I tried pushing so hard it scared me.  Same cable went right into my AirPort Express and MacMini easily.

 

Nick