optical cable issues

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Level 1

8 points

optical cable issues

I just upgrade to 2019 iMac yesterday. Had a late 2013 model previously. With the Previous model I was using an optical cable with a 3.5 adapter to connect to a logitech Z5500 Surround Sound System. Never had in issue. Now when I plug the exact same setup in to my new iMac I get nothing. Mac say its headphone on the Midi Setup. The old one showed as digital output. What am I doing wrong? Or is there and issue with this new Mac? If I have togo out a purchase a new speaker system I will.

iMac 27", macOS 10.13

Posted on Dec 8, 2019 8:38 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

91,660 points

Dec 8, 2019 8:59 PM in response to barnrubble

The 2017 and the new 2019 iMac models, no longer support Optical Digital from their Headphone ports.

see > iMac - Technical Specifications - Apple

So.... basically you're going to need to use a USB DAC.

see > https://www.macworld.com/article/3205890/how-to-replace-the-missing-optical-digital-audio-output-on-newer-macs.html

or get a different speaker system.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,660 points

Dec 9, 2019 7:03 AM in response to barnrubble

You're welcome!

If you like your current system, then getting a USB DAC is the least expensive option and better than going back to analog 3.5mm or replacing with a BlueTooth system.

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Answer 3

barnrubble Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 8, 2019 9:13 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks.

Figured it was something they didn’t support. Now I have to decide on another surround sound system that is compatible or get a converter

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optical cable issues

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