Hello there
I’m considering some changes. At the moment, I use a Mac mini 2014 connected to a Rotel RA-12 via digital output. I’d like to replace it by a Mac mini m1.
They removed it on the m1. Does that mean I need a DAC to connect the mini to the amplifier?
Any cheap recommendations with something easy to implement or even “just plug & play & totally forget about it”?
Hello,
Yep you will need a DAC, there are plenty to choose from in all price categories
Besides, the digital output is inferior to a USB output.
In what way? Is this a generic statement or specific to Mac Mini 2014?
@Anthony_B Well, optical s/pdif (employed on earlier Mac’s) only goes to 24/96. if that’s “inferior”.
@Gigatoaster if your amp doesn’t have a USB input, you will need something to convert the USB output from your M1 Mac to a format compatible with your amp: usually a DAC. If your amp has optical in, you can use a USB to optical convertor.
Plenty of sub $250 DAC options from the likes of Topping and SMSL etc.
All take USB as minimum and capable of Upsampling to 24/768 pcm and dsd512.
All have RCA output and some have XLR as well.