Active system

[Jcris]

I’m trying to figure out the best way to use a MacMini as a source with a pair of active speakers. The speakers are Meadowlark Blackbird bookshelf 2way.
Here’s more detail:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0Itzk9fBQ9Y

 

[ariendj]

Some if not all Mac Minis have an optical output - the 3.5mm output jacks are combined analog and S/PDIF outputs. A 3.5mm toslink cable to the speakers should be all you need.

 

[planet10]

Not very clear what inputs it has.

The optical out on the Mac is limited.

USB to a decent DAC and then analog to the loudspeaker.

Ethernet is, i guess, most likely the best digital connection, if it exits.

More info needed.

dave

 

[ariendj]

The blackbird speakers mentioned have an spdif input and a built in DAC. Sounds like a very nice minimalist setup.

 

[Jcris]

Here’s the details on the mini
https://support.apple.com/kb/sp659?locale=en_US
The drive has been replaced with a solid state and memory has been upgraded to 8mbs

 

[ariendj]

This is from the link you provided, Audio section:

Audio line in minijack (digital/analog)
Audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog)

That means you can get S/PDIF digital audio out via toslink, with an adapter like this one:
https://www.thomannmusic.com/the_sssnake_adapter_toslinkmini_plug.htm

Is it correct that your speakers contain a MiniDSP PWR-ICE amp? If so, those have AES/EBU digital inputs. You'd have to convert the optical signal to AES and connect that to the speaker's digital input.

 

[Jcris]

Yes the speakers do have Minidsp pwr ice amps I understand what you’re saying but is converting the optical signal ideal? I could convert usb instead. Wouldn’t that be better?
Thanks for the reply
Jcris

 

[planet10]

A good USB to the AES/EBU would be better.

dave

 

[Jcris]

Something like this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07KLG7GBC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=A109QD802CJSYU&psc=1

 

[ariendj]

If your MiniDSP device is anything like my OpenDRC (same company), the DSP will resample all incoming signals to its internal clock.

In this case, because of buffering and reclocking, there is zero difference between an S/PDIF signal from the Mac converted to AES/EBU and an AES/EBU signal from an external interface.

A board that converts the optical output of your mac to AES will set you back about $20, USB audio interfaces with AES output seem to be quite a bit more expensive.

 

[Jcris]

Yes they are much more expensive. I’ve opted for a Topping D10s. While it’s nothing special it has a spdif output and a usb input and for $109. I considered several different options but it came down to just realizing not only what you said but also my source will likely change in the not too distant future.
I do appreciate your input
Jcris

 

[ariendj]

The Topping doesn't have an AES output, only coaxial and optical S/PDIF. You could use the analog output and have the minidsp amp convert back to digital, though. Or you'd have to convert to AES, as with the Mac.

 

[Jcris]

I really wanted to avoid any additional dac to adc jumping around. Fortunately the speakers can be used with aes or spdif. I was really having trouble justifying an aes solution which was quite a bit more expensive. So I opted for Spdif, maybe not ideal but workable and much cheaper. I’m planning on changing this setup when I get a reliable wifi connection. At the same time I’m also looking for a streamer which has it’s own set of complications.
Thanks for the reply
Jcris