[jaylevine]

Hi all,

I am trying to understand how to best hook up my BDA-1 to my iMac for hi-res music. Couple of things are a little unclear to me and I thought maybe someone on the board can help.

When I connect my iMac to my BDA-1 vis my M2Tech, I set the output device (Mac preferences) to M2Face 196k. If I play a 44k sample rate file, the BDA-1 shows it as 44K sample rate (as you would expect). If I play a hi-rez file (say 96K), the BDA-1 lights indicate 96K, again, as you would expect.

However if I directly connect my iMac to my BDA-1 using USB cable (i.e., eliminate the M2Tech adaptor), and them play a  hi-rez file BDA-1 does not sample it at its native rate, i.e., it stays at 44K?

This happens directly with iTunes or if I invoke my Pure Music front end--same results. In fact, when I use Pure Music, the Pure Music panel will even say that the 96K is being down-sampled to 44K when I use  USB connection?

Any clarification or configuration help is greatly appreciated.

[James Tanner]

Hi all,

I am trying to understand how to best hook up my BDA-1 to my iMac for hi-res music. Couple of things are a little unclear to me and I thought maybe someone on the board can help.

When I connect my iMac to my BDA-1 vis my M2Tech, I set the output device (Mac preferences) to M2Face 196k. If I play a 44k sample rate file, the BDA-1 shows it as 44K sample rate (as you would expect). If I play a hi-rez file (say 96K), the BDA-1 lights indicate 96K, again, as you would expect.

However if I directly connect my iMac to my BDA-1 using USB cable (i.e., eliminate the M2Tech adaptor), and them play a  hi-rez file BDA-1 does not sample it at its native rate, i.e., it stays at 44K?

This happens directly with iTunes or if I invoke my Pure Music front end--same results. In fact, when I use Pure Music, the Pure Music panel will even say that the 96K is being down-sampled to 44K when I use  USB connection?

Any clarification or configuration help is greatly appreciated.

Hi jaylevine

The USB input on the BDA is limited to 48k/16bit. You would have to use the adapter or the Optical output on your MAC to get higher res assuming your MAC sound card can do 192/24.

James

[jaylevine]

Yikes, who knew?

I'm glad I'm not crazy (well, I'm glad it wasn't obvious at least). Unfortunately I don't think the iMac has an optical out (I'll double check but pretty sure this version of the machine does not).

Do you think there is any harm in configuring the M2tech Hiface to 196K out even though the source material is 96K sample rate let the BDA-1 worry about adjusting automatically to the source material?

Thanks again.

BTW: Even my wife loves my Bryston gear with my Maggie 1.7/Mye stands--never thought that would happen--we spend 30 to 60 minutes each night listening to jazz or latin together. Has turned into a nice empty nester custom. Last addition will be a second Rel Strata III sub (have one already) to round out the deal re: 50' by 30' listening room.

[James Tanner]

Yikes, who knew?

I'm glad I'm not crazy (well, I'm glad it wasn't obvious at least). Unfortunately I don't think the iMac has an optical out (I'll double check but pretty sure this version of the machine does not).

Do you think there is any harm in configuring the M2tech Hiface to 196K out even though the source material is 96K sample rate let the BDA-1 worry about adjusting automatically to the source material?

Thanks again.

BTW: Even my wife loves my Bryston gear with my Maggie 1.7/Mye stands--never thought that would happen--we spend 30 to 60 minutes each night listening to jazz or latin together. Has turned into a nice empty nester custom. Last addition will be a second Rel Strata III sub (have one already) to round out the deal re: 50' by 30' listening room.

Hi Jay

Here's to happy marriages 

There is a lot of discussion on the subject. I tend to prefer listening to the Native file sample.

James

PS. I have the 1.7 and 3.7 with a pair of the new 20.7 ordered.

[SHV]

What is the max sample rate for i-MAC > Apple TV connected via spdif to BDA-1?

Steve

[niels]

Every newer Mac has optical out, it hides in the headphone outlet, so just use a simple minijack>Toslink cable to your dac.
http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/scan/fi=products/st=db/co=yes/sf=category/se=TOSLink%20to%20Minijack/op=eq/sf=prod_group/se=Digital%20Optical%20Cables/op=eq.html
Oyherwise, Firewire output is much better and this will reveal all the potential in a Mac based system: http://www.weiss-highend.ch/int202/index.html

My MBP has 32 bit 192k but you can boot it in 64 bit modus, recommended by many, but look into it.

[niels]

Sorry, wrong post.