is it possible to get this to work on a mac above 24bit/96khz? I'm currently running an 02 with a Topping D20 through toslink to my mac for 24bit/96khz because I was under the impression that that was the highest macs could handle. Is there anyway to get anything above that? Or would this be a useless upgrade for me?
endasc2Your problem is somewhat similar to windows users. Windows users use wasapi to get 'bit perfect' audio stream to external DACs. In other words, it's no longer limited to certain bit depth and sample rate (this is OS fault in order to get widest compatibility with many sound cards). After some googling, Mac users can install similar program called 'bitperfect' from store. So, this upgrade shouldnt be useless after you are installing bitperfect app.
endasc2The limitation for your setup is the Topping... the max supported resolution is 96kHz 24 bit... if it supported 192kKz that would be available with Mac OS (driver free). For Windows all DAC's need a driver for greater than 96kHz 24 bit. Also WASAPI does not actually enable Windows users to get greater than 96kHz... that will still requires a driver specifically for your DAC. What WASAPI does do is bypass all forms of Windows sound processing providing a bit-perfect aka "unaltered" signal to the DAC.
endasc2That is the max for toslink. That is what I get when using optical out of my Mac mini. With USB you can go up to 384 / 24. And no driver is needed.
GreatsoulsThanks for responding but I've been googling around and looking for ways to go beyond 24bit/96khz. ElectronicVices suggested BitPerfect but it only works with dsd files and I can't find any dsd files on HDtracks that I'd like to buy (not a big classical music fan). Do you know of any programs that can work with PCM or something else for higher bit and sample rates on a mac? I've read that HDMI port works for beyond 24bit/96khz but an HDMI input was never put on the iMac (which is what I own) only mac mini, macbook pro, and mac pro. I'm no audio genius and pretty new to this hobby so any tips would be appreciated.
endasc2Why not using USB? I am usually using optical out as all my music is from cd rips anyway, but just switched to USB to check before I reply. Few weeks ago I was playing with few sample 2.8 and 5 DSD files, but on my MacBook Pro (and using USB) and was also in a search for a good mac player for high-res music ( not in a rush as I have no high-res music). Will check what I used and will reply.
endasc2You can try Vox. It is free and has version for OS X and iOS.
https://vox.rocks/mac-music-player
If you want to use iTunes with dsd files, check Bitperfect. It is free, however requires dsd conversionto a proprietary hybrid format, and the tool that does that conversion (DSD Master) costs $30. You can check on there website why the conversion is required (if curious).
There many other of course...
RPL0017ty guys I purchased bit perfect but I haven't bought the dsd addon for the extra 30 USD. I think I'll get it but I just wanna read up more on bit perfect. I'd have the get some dsd music but unfortunately it's all classical music and just MJ's Thriller in DSD on HDtracks. That's the only reason I'm hesitating. But thank you all for your responses.
endasc2DSD audio is cool but I cant tell the difference from high bitrate PCM audio vs DSD and im listening on 10k dollar equipment. so i wouldnt bother. this is a good little portable amp and it doesnt hurt to have DSD. There is a bitperfect player that does DSD called Decibel for mac and its pretty good and has a free trial period if you want to try for yourself.
RPL0017I would second that. IMO if you do not AB both - high bitrate PCM and DSD version of the same (!) record edition and have the equipment and the hearing to detect the details, you won't hear difference. I did get some sample DSDs as I had never played with this format before and they indeed sound very nice, but I do not have the SACD /CD sources to rip them myself to compare. Well, I do not have 10k dollar equipment (nor perhaps the hearing ☺) . I use XDuoo XD-05 (+ Burson V5i ) with Final Audio Heaven III (they are amazing single BA IEMs).
GreatsoulsI've got a few dozen stereo/hybrid SACD's (DSD) and stereo DVD-Audio (192khz PCM with MLP) discs still laying around and I could never tell a difference between the two but very few were released on both formats. Of those (I can think of like two) I've not heard both editions. I DO hear a difference between Redbook standard and high-res tracks but that could very well be related to different mastering process applied to most "high-res" releases. Much like their physical media brethren DSD as a commercial release format has yet to take any kind of serious hold.