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Is the Mac Mini's mini-optical limit of 96 kHz/24 bit output a software or hardware limitation?

I'm interested in using a Mac Mini as a transport for hi-res music up to 192/24 by connecting it to a seperate DAC using TOSLINK. I believe that when running OS X the output from the mini-optical jack is limited to 96/24. My question is whether by running Linux or Windows (via Bootcamp) I can get around the 96/24 limit, or whether the limit is due to hardware. If running Linux, I'd probably use XMBC to play the music and control it using the XMBC Remote ap for iphone.


Also, I'd love to know if anyone else is using a similar setup, and if so, how it's working out.

Posted on May 12, 2013 10:55 AM

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8 replies

May 12, 2013 11:36 AM in response to BDAqua

Hey BDAqua, thanks for linking to that older thread. Actually, that thread suggests that its a software poblem rather than a hardware problem. Unfotunately the one person who cited personal experience getting 192/24 from a Mac's optical out running Windows Vista didn't specify whether he was using a Mini or a different machine. But that thread suggests that I should be able to get 192/24 by running a different OS on the mini.


Or are we saying the same thing?

May 12, 2013 11:50 AM in response to dblum

Well, I should've said it's both, but on the Mini I believe the HW issue cannot be overcome on that port...

The DAC chip is completely capable of 24/192 but the optical output is limited under Mac OS X to 24/96. I have booted Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit a couple years ago and output 24/192 via the Mac Pro optical output, but this means nothing for any other piece of Mac hardware.

But I've read far too much conflicting & incomplete info on this to be positive, but I think a USB CAC option is the cure if it shouldn't work.


Sorry I can't find better links I've read on this... perhaps we'll get some better help in here. 🙂

May 12, 2013 9:14 PM in response to BDAqua

Well, I appreciate the threads you dug up. My hope is that I'll be able to get 192/24 from a Mini (early 2009) running Linux, but if not, I'm glad to hear that there is a USB-based alternative. I'll start looking around for options.


If anyone else comes across this thread and has some experience regarding attempts (successful or otherwise) to get 192/24 out of a mini, please share!

May 13, 2013 3:24 AM in response to dblum

From what I have gathered is that this is a limitation of the chipset

that is used.


The only other way to overcome this, is via a High Speed USB 2.0

device. Full Speed USB 2.0 cannot support such audio bandwidth

as it is only 12 Mbit. With 2010 and later Mini models, the HDMI

interface can provide a full 192 kHz, 24 bit, 7.1 format, however only

when running Windows via Bootcamp. Natively, OSX limits to

96 kHz (for what ever reason).

May 14, 2013 3:14 AM in response to dblum

Unfortunately, my 2010 Mini I use as an HTPC is interfaced

via HDMI to my Yamaha Rx, so really can't give any recommendations.


However, as with all audio gear, these devices can range from

a few dollars to nearly a thousand (or more). To see what I mean,

check this:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/15-usb-spdif- converters-shootout-15327/

or this:

http://www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/USB_SPDIF.htm


Otherwise, do a Google search and carefully check out

reviews.

Is the Mac Mini's mini-optical limit of 96 kHz/24 bit output a software or hardware limitation?

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