Simple(?) Newbie Cable Question

[incubeek8]

Hi,

I have a mac mini with a "combined optical digital audio output/headphone out" and a set of Swans M200 speakers with a dual RCA input on one speaker. It is my understanding that using digital audio output rather than a regular 3.5mm miniplug would give me better audio quality (because the digital/analog conversion is not done in the interference laden computer). So, if this is in fact true, is there such a thing as a 3.5mm digital to dual RCA cable, and will this actually improve the sound from the speakers? Is there a better way of getting the signal to the speakers that I am not aware of?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, and if anything is unclear i'd be happy to attempt to clarify.

Adam

 

[Haoleb]

The inputs on your swan speakers are made for analog inputs. You would need a DAC (digital to analog converter) between the computer and the speakers inputs if you are going to set the mac's output to digital. As you already know most stock type computer soundcards arent really the greatest. Some are though. There are also USB type external soundcard devices. I assume you need a special type of plug and converter box to get the digital output from the mac as a standard optical connector will not fit into a 1/8" mini jack.

 

[Haoleb]

Actually scratch that. I guess there is actually a mini-toslink that fits in the 1/8" plug. So as long as you buy that cable you can use a standard DAC with toslink inputs on it.

http://www.amazon.com/QVS-10-Foot-Toslink-Mini-Toslink-Adapter/dp/B00007E87A

learn somethin' new everyday! Nice speakers by the way

 

[MDS]

You cannot convert from digital to analog or vice-versa with a cable - active electronics are required (as described by haoleb).

 

[incubeek8]

Thanks

Thanks for the input, i see what the problem is. Anyone know of a good, inexpensive DAC (USB, TOSLINK, or other)?

 

[Haoleb]

A couple under $100 DAC's that come to mind are the ART DI/O which i am not sure if it has a toslink or not.

Also this which is a USB DAC: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812162002

You can also look for used ones on Audiogon

http://buy0.audiogon.com/cgia/fsb.pl?dgtlconv&1&ctg&st1

 

[Seth=L]

If you can find one of the external audio cards, get one that has Firewire (the mac Mini is sure to have a firewire port). If I had the option I would use Firewire over USB if for nothing else but a higher bandwidth capability.

 

[incubeek8]

Thanks again

Thanks for the ideas, I'll research some and see what I can find.