USB audio out not getting to DAC

Question

USB audio out not getting to DAC

Just set up my Macbook late 2007 OS 10.7.5 to a Denon DA-300USB DAC.

I'm successfully playing files out of JRiver Media Center software via Mac's digital audio out through an optical audio cable. But optical audio has limitations on bitrate, only to 24-bit/96khz.

I want to use higher rates and have some higher res files. The DA-300USB can process up to 24/192 and DSD files using USB.

When I connect the DAC using USB and power on the DAC, the sound preference pane adds the option "Audio Out High Speed USB," which is what I select. This indicates the computer is seeing the DAC.

But when I play a file, the DAC display reads "unlock," meaning it's not receiving audio. And the sound plays through the internal speakers, Ugh!

Denon says no driver is needed for this device -- indeed the computer does detect a USB audio connection when the DAC is on.

Is there something I'm missing?

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Apr 25, 2014 9:52 PM

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Answer 1

omarjr26

Level 1

0 points

Apr 28, 2014 11:55 PM in response to Marc Stergionis1

According to Crutchfield, this DAC can only process ALAC up to 96 kHz. Can you get lower res files to play using the USB connection?

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Answer 2

Mar 24, 2016 2:17 PM in response to Marc Stergionis1

I had the same problem - here is my solution.

I found the answer. Go to the utilities menu and bring up Audio MIDI Menu. Now look for output - pick the usb high speed Audio. Pick that output and make it the default. Configure for 1920000hz with 2ch-24 bit integer. Quit the Audi Midi setup program. Ensure that your sound is configured to run through the USB high speed Audio. It should now work!

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