MacBook question

[digipix]

I am planning to move from a PC based to a MacBook. My main reason is that I like iTunes better than other players I have tried, its much easier. Since I am making a change, I am motivated to be 24/192 capable, is that possible with MacBook?

 

 

 

[Audio_ELF]

The MacBook's optical output is capable of 192/24 ... but currently it's not supported in MacOS old by the driver used by Windows when using Bootcamp.

 

You can do 192/24 with a FireWire interface / DAC such as FireFace400 or Weiss Vesta (other interfaces are available).

 

Or long term I suspect that SnowLeopard may support the optical port at 192/24 ... but thats a wait and see.

 

Hope I got the facts right - if not sure someone will jump on me.

 

Eloise

 

[digipix]

Since the new MacBooks don't have firewire, I was cosidering a USB DAC the new Benchmak, or the new RME Fireface UC or even something like E-MU 0404 and feed these directly into a Dynaudio BM6As.

 

[Audio_ELF]

Yes of course ... forgot the new MacBooks don't have Firewire ... from what I've read ... the E-MU 0404 only does 16/44.1 (standard CD quality) on the Mac.

 

[Dennis L Jacob]

Or you could do what I did last Christmas - I bought two of the later model MacBook Pro's with Firewire 400 and 800 ports. Planning in advance of knowing I'd most likely want two Firewire ports.

 

[emw]

Yes there are many options to get 24/192, FW Weiss DAC 2, or others as listed above.

The main question is, do you need 24/192 ?

How much software is available you like at the 24/192?

Check this before you limit yourself in your choises.

In my mind this 24/192 is over hyped in this forum.

I do have lots of material at 16/44 which is better music (and sometimes sounds better) than 24/96 songs.

The recording equipement (mic, micamp, etc) for most recordings could be improved a lot.

Just my 3 cents.

BTW, I use MacBookPro with toslink at 24/96 to my DAC.

But for my 16/44 music most times I prefere the sound at unchanged (not upsampled to 24/96) rate.

 

 

[digipix]

It looks like MacBook (without the metal case) is still available with FW400, and also MacMini has FW800.

emw- No I don't really need 24/192. I don't have it now, but since I am updating I figure why not. Most of the newer DACs seem to have that feature anyways. Also, I'm not looking at upsampling. I wan't to be able to play my music in native resolution.

 

Thanks- digipix