mellists
Level 1
(0 points)
Q: Has anyone connected an iMac 5,1 directly to an external stereo power amplifier without a pre-amp?
I have an iMac 5,1. I have an old poer amp and speakers. I don't have a working pre-amp. Does anyone have experience connecting the audio out (headphone) port on an iMac to the inputs of a stereo amplifier. When I tried it wirh a macbook of similar vintage, I got a loud hum. Is this likely to be a problem with the iMac, as well, and is there a simple fix for this?
Thanks for any thoughts on this semi-esoteric question.
Frank Caggiano
Level 7
(25,796 points)
The line out on the iMac is a line level signal so you should be able to connect it directly to a line level line in port on the amp.
While it is possible that the hum was caused by having the level of the signal out of the macbook to high it is more likely an indication of a ground loop which you can get when the amp and source are not connected to a common ground.
Try pluging the computer and amp into a common outlet. If that doesn;t eliminate the hum look for a connector (usually a post or screw) with a ground symbol next to it on the amp. You can try connecting a wire from the case of the system to this post. Also if you still have the manual for the amp see if there is anything in there about eliminating ground loops.
good luck
