How to use Phono (RCA) type "digital out" from a CD player to input to an Imac

Question

How to use Phono (RCA) type "digital out" from a CD player to input to an Imac

I want to record or RIP my CD collection to my iMAC in the highest quality possible format so that i can transfer to my iphone or listen direct from Imac. Older CD players and audio equipment have a digital output using a single phono or RCA type connector. Is it possible to use a digital output as a direct input to an IMac or is an interface required and if so which type is required ?? My Imac is new and has no CD player. I have a USB powered CD player but want to upgrade the audio quality using a very good CD player as the source.

Thank you 🙂

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), SSD model with no CD player

Posted on Nov 14, 2016 11:02 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 14, 2016 11:06 AM in response to markfromchurch stretton

Usually the output on RCA jacks is analog. So in order to input into your Mac you would need to convert to digital using something like a Behringer UCA202.

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Answer 2

Nov 14, 2016 11:10 AM in response to Allan Eckert

Thanks Alan but i do not mean the analogue stereo outputs, just the single "Digital Out" that has not been through the DAC. Mark

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Answer 3

Nov 14, 2016 12:17 PM in response to markfromchurch stretton

I am sorry but I know nothing of that kind of connection.

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Answer 4

Nov 14, 2016 2:12 PM in response to markfromchurch stretton

I think this the cable from the Apple Store is what you would need....

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/HHM52ZM/B/belkin-rca-stereo-cable-2-m-66-ft?fn ode=85

You would then plug into the 'Input' jack of your iMac.

In doing a quick search there are numerous cables from numerous suppliers that would accomplish this task. A microphone input is Analog not digital so they should work fine.

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Answer 5

Nov 15, 2016 12:02 AM in response to markfromchurch stretton

Hi,

Are you intending play your music realtime to capture the music on your computer?

The usual method is to use a USB cd drive to capture the music. You can extract the music by using iTunes or a free app such a XLD - you can import as AIFF, WAV, or Apple lossless.

You can also drag and drop the track directly from the CD. This will produce an aiff file but full metadata will not be included.

If you are concerned about the quality of your USB drive, I suggest that you search better quality drives.

jim

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