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Author Topic: Macbook Toslink out any good?  (Read 1309 times)

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mkubota1

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Macbook Toslink out any good?
« on: May 07, 2013, 08:25:12 AM »
(Not sure if this belongs in the big DAC thread, but here goes...)

So is there anything inherently wrong with the Toslink out on the MBP (-Retina, if that even matters)?  I'm considering getting either a MF V-LINK192 or Peachtree X1 and using the coax out on those.  But would this just be a side-step or even unnecessary?

Next question- is splitting a Toslink out going to two DACs a bad thing even if I don't hear dropouts?
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Marvey

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Re: Macbook Toslink out any good?
« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2013, 03:21:53 PM »
There's nothing inherently wrong with Toslink, but generally, most people feel that a USB-> Coax converter could sound better. It's important to test and compare. Sometimes Toslink can sound better than USB->Coax converters. However, I did not like the Toslink from an older MBP I owned and preferred plain ol' synchronous USB on it instead

I have no experience splitting Toslink, so I have no idea if sonic degradation will happen.


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Anaxilus.

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Re: Macbook Toslink out any good?
« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2013, 04:31:03 PM »
We have a MBP from a generation or two ago.  Its Toslink is awful.  No idea why or how, but it is.  Could have been itunes, no idea.
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shipsupt

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Re: Macbook Toslink out any good?
« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2013, 05:14:21 PM »
I used Toslink out of two iMacs for a long time and it was always good... not sure what technology they share with the MBP.

I was splitting for a while using a powered splitter.  Something like this http://www.hdtvsupply.com/1x4-optical-splitter.html.  I never noticed it in or out of the system.

USB-->SPDIF converter is sounding better now, FWIW.

« Last Edit: May 07, 2013, 05:32:58 PM by shipsupt »
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Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

sachu

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Re: Macbook Toslink out any good?
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2013, 05:42:07 PM »
the toslink has always been a poor mechanical connection. am always checking to see if its still in all the way (that's what she said jokes stay away!)
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twizzleraddict

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Re: Macbook Toslink out any good?
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2013, 07:24:18 PM »
Toslink, when implemented well and using a high-quality cable with GOOD QUALITY CONNECTORS (I'm emphasizing this point since the connection points for Toslink make or break the optical signal passing through), should be good sounding in theory.

There are some advantages to optical over electrical transmission of data: applications requiring higher bandwidth, absence of ground currents & power issues common to electrical transmissions, dielectric effects of materials used, etc.

I'm just puzzled why Toslink isn't implemented properly at all with better results. Like many of you stated, it sucked balls out of my MBP compared to Async USB. I haven't revisited this with my PWD Mk II but should just get a decent quality Toslink cable and try it out for comparison's sake.
« Last Edit: May 08, 2013, 07:50:23 AM by twizzleraddict »
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Hroðulf

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Re: Macbook Toslink out any good?
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2013, 05:33:08 AM »
With optical you trade electrical crud for jitter. As simple as that. I recon that a well implemented USB solution would trump that every time.
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mkubota1

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Re: Macbook Toslink out any good?
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2013, 02:47:22 PM »
Thanks for the input all.  I always remembered coax supposedly being better than Toslink well before computer audio.  But I guess either Toslink got a little better while USB was an additional step just to get back to S/PDIF.  Plus computers don't normally come with coax out.  It sounds like I'll just have to try it out and see.  Since I don't feel like spending OffRamp or Concero money, I might be taking a chance on the VLINK or X1 being a side step; although I could use the dual outs that those would produce.  (This is all about OCD for me at this point.  Otherwise, I would just go the Toslink (powered) splitter route.)
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shipsupt

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Re: Macbook Toslink out any good?
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2013, 02:54:31 PM »
A little OCD in this hobby is good for everything but the wallet.   :money:
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Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.