[AlphaQuam]

Searched around but couldn't find a straight answer to this question. I've read that the analog audio outputs, as well as FW devices, are infected with various audio interference. I was wondering if this is the case with the digital output as well? I was hoping I could get a small DAC and just plug it into the optical out and run everything from that. Does anyone know of such a device?

Thanks!

[bmedina]

The noise is a problem with the analog output only; the digital output is clean. The easiest way to get such a set up going is with a set of computer speakers that accepts an optical (Toslink) input.

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally posted by bmedina:
The noise is a problem with the analog output only

Not quite.

There is noise on FireWire audio interfaces, too.

Really weird, but apparently caused by faulty power supplies (Apple will replace them).

-s*

[OzarkMtn]

I have an XMPCR that has optical(toslink) out. I wanted to take advantage of the full digital spectrum as it relates to XM's broadcast as well as the XMPCR's ability to provide the digital signal to my G5. To be able to complete this setup I needed speakers that had optical(toslink) in, so I purchased the Edirol speakers.

This is a very, very clean sounding setup with absolutely no noise or hum what so ever.

Remember that to use the digital optical features on the G5, both the source and the speakers must be optical.

I use the XMPCR because it has great selection & programming formats from XM and it doesn't consume any bandwidth.

Here's the speakers:
http://www.edirol.com/products/info/ma20d.html

Here's the XMPCR:
http://store.myradiostore.com/xmwitoopdiou.html

[bmedina]

Originally posted by OzarkMtn:
Remember that to use the digital optical features on the G5, both the source and the speakers must be optical.

The source is the computer, which has an optical output. Anything on the computer is inherently digital.