I have a MacBook Pro (2010) and a recently acquired original Uniti, and I want them to start speaking with each other so that I can play some 24bit Wav files. I've tried streaming, but I'm not overly impressed, so I'm going to try a simple and direct wired connection. But I'm a bit confused about what lead I need. I think it's a mini toslink (for the Macbook's optical connection) to spdf (for the Uniti). Do I have that right? Or is there a better option? (Bearing in mind I want to avoid any sort of network connection).
Also, what music player apps do you folk recommend? Preferably free and preferably with a very simple interface that allows me to select an album or tracks and just click play. I'm no dunce, but I am a bit new to all this malarky…
Thanks
Posted on: 01 January 2018 by Erich
I use Audirvana +3. My MacBook Pro also a 2010 died last year so I can't try the connection you are talking about, but it should work. What Uniti model do you have? I have a UQ2 among other Naim kits and is working properly connected through the optical connection to a TV or Blu Ray player, I don't remember .
Posted on: 01 January 2018 by NickSeattle
I have a 2009 MBPro that did not have the mini-Tos output, but my latest one does. I agree it is the way to go, if yor Mac has the option
Alternatively, you can use USB out of the Mac through a converter into a Toslink. I use an older Meridian Explorer this way from a Mac Mini, and think it may sound a tiny bit better than connecting using only Toslink — but both options sound compellingly good.
Nick
Posted on: 01 January 2018 by NickSeattle
Audirvana+ is what I use in the Mac Mini. Sounds noticeably better than iTunes, and may well be the best sounding source I have into the Naim DAC — equal to USB thumb WAV into the Naim DAC and NDX.
The NDX is the best all-rounder, providing the best user experience and system integration. Any small deficiency in sound quality relative to Audirvana+ is probably down to my network setup, which could be improved, I know. Not enough difference to motivate me thus far. In practice I prefer using the NDX over the Mac 99% of the time.
Nick
Posted on: 01 January 2018 by Do Do Ron Ron
Okay, sounds like I'm on the right track. Next stop, a cheapo Amazon/Ebay cable. I'll also check out Audirvana and jRiver. Thanks all.
Posted on: 01 January 2018 by ChrisSU
What’s wrong with a network connection? Both Mac and Uniti need one in any case in order to use all of their functions and the cables are cheap. Put a UPnP server on your Mac, download the Naim app, and you’re sorted.
Posted on: 03 January 2018 by Do Do Ron Ron
Now listening to Autechre's Elseq-1 via a 24-bit WAV file, Vox music player and a cheapo mini-toslink/tosiink cable connected to one of the digital inputs round the back of the Unit. Sounds rather fine to me, better and more reliable than a wireless connection. I though the Naim app was for iPhone and iPad only?
