AES/EBU output from an iMac

[uvrmd]

Is it possible to have an AES/EBU output installed on an iMac? I'm currently using an iMac running OSX 10.6.4 with Amarra and the Halide Design S/PDIF bridge into the BNC input of my Logitech Transporter, with excellent results, but am limited to 24/96 resolution. I'm thinking of upgrading to a Berkeley Alpha DAC or the new DCS Debussey, but neither accept USB and I don't want to use toslink.

 

[MarkS]

Please note, the dCS Debussey does have a usb digital input; however, its usb input is limited to 24/96 at this time. The only way presently to do 24/192 on the dCS is via its dual aes/ebu digital inputs.

 

[uvrmd]

Mark-

 

thanks for the reply. Yeah, I'm aware that the Debussey accepts 24/96 USB, but even though I don't have any files with greater than 24/96 resolution, I'd certainly like to try them eventually. I've been thinking of getting the new Ayre DX-5, but don't have enough of a collection of SACDs or DVD-As to justify the expenditure.

 

-Uday

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

There is no good way to get AES output straight from an iMac. You could use the Weiss INT202 FireWire to AES converter that will work with the Alpha or Debussy (single or dual wire AES).

 

Also, the Wavlength Audio WaveLink will convert USB to coaxial S/PDIF. This works for either DAC.

 

Lastly, Berleley Audio Design will release its USB to AES unit before the end of the year.

 

 

[uvrmd]

Chris-

 

Thanks for the info. Am I right to assume that the Berkeley DAC's USB implementation will be asynchronous?

 

-Uday

 

[aswillman]

I would second Chris - I use a Weiss INT202 to my Chord QBD76 via dual wire (although the clock locks at 192KHz via single wire too) and I have to say it works very well. Some occasional software glitches involving re-starting things etc.

 

Have to say, I listen to 24/96 recordings, mainly choral from Linn & Gimell and they sound fab. Is there a reason for wanting even higher resolution at the moment or may be wait for a bit until there are more products on the market? Just a suggestion.

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Uday - The Berkeley piece will be asynchronous. Also keep in mind that the Debussy is built to be easily upgraded when dCS releases its 24/192 USB implementation some time in the future.

 

[uvrmd]

There's no rush on my part, in fact I have some superbly recorded 16/44.1 AIFF files that I find indistinguishable from some of my 24/96 FLAC files.

 

[uvrmd]

Chris-

 

thanks for the update. Any idea when dCS will upgrade to 24/192 USB?

 

-Uday

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Not sure when dCS will have 24/192 ready. I know the dCS engineers are working with a few different options but will not settle for anything but the best. I talked to them at RMAF abut it.

 

[MarkS]

I had heard an upgrade rumour, so it is nice to hear that an upgrade is an actual work in progress.

 

I only have two pieces of 24/192 source material right now, so the timing of dCS' upgrade is not critical to me.

 

I still find it difficult to locate high-res music that I like and listen to regularly at 24/96 let alone higher, but I know that statement is something of a mantra here.

 

[indigo]

I'm interested in the QBD76 and INT202 integration issues? I've ordered the Chord Signature AES EBU cable (should arrive

next week) so I can finally get hi res. What issues have you been seeing and what software are you currently using?

 

Also, did you notice a difference using the AES connection for 24/96 files?

 

Regards

 

Indigo

 

 

[aswillman]

Hi Indigo

 

I'm using iTunes & trial versions of Pure Music & Amarra Mini. Both of the latter do have issues, mainly to do with integration with iTunes but nothing too bad. Mainly involves closing then re-opening the software. Sometime the iMac loses the Int202 as well & I had issues between it being bus powered & mains powered - more stable with mains. Soundwise I can't tell much of a difference between Amarra & Pure Music so it's a question of try them & see. Both appear to better than iTunes for some reason.

 

I use a dual wire connection for all my files running 10m Lynx Pro cables from my IMac/Int2002 to the QBD76. Sound is excellent. I'm not sure there's much of a difference between a 1 and 2 cable run and, as mentioned previously, it looks like the QBD is compatible with single wire mode up to 192KHz. Some of the Tallis Scholar 24/96 is fabulous & a musician friend of mine lent me some of his studio 24/48 stuff which again was fab. Saying that, you will be very happy with your 44.1 - the Weiss is an incredible bit of kit.

 

The Chord cable is a lovely bit of kit - well made & looks nice! I've got them between my Blu & QBD. Can't comment on sound difference as I definitely don't have golden ears but it's a local company to me & I like to pop round & listen in their demo room!