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Magellan
2
Feb 1, 2017
If only these had a USB input...
Zatarot
98
Feb 2, 2017
MagellanThey don't need it tbh and there's still optical.
Magellan
2
Feb 2, 2017
ZatarotWhy don't they need it? Most computers don't have optical out... so that's pretty useless for most users who powered speakers would market to. If your HT system has a bunch of devices with optical out, your probably going to be a lot better off with an independant amp/receiver and passive speakers
Zatarot
98
Feb 2, 2017
MagellanThat's not true most computers if they don't provide an optical out outright it is usually provided via the aux jack with a s/pdif adapter or something similar. Only the most basic bargain bin computers don't have a provision for it, talking about sub-$400 here so it just baffles me why would someone would pair such a comp with $300 speakers. Funny you mentioned an independent amp/receiver and passive speakers because the same is true about wanting USB.
Magellan
2
Feb 2, 2017
ZatarotNot really trying to start a debate, just commenting on a common feature I see as on oversight on this product that will personally prevent me from purchasing it, and I am sure I am not alone. But I disagree with both of your statements.
A of all, if you are using an adaptor to go from Aux to Optical, you are really not using a digital source for your audio unless the adaptor has a built in DAC which is unlikely and again requires an additional piece of equipment and expense that could have easily been included in the product itself.
B of all obviously most computers even budget computers have an Auxillary out, that is not the point... The point is direct digital output is preferred, and USB is the common standard, not optical for the large majority of consumer grade computers. Even if your point made sense, you really cant think of a reason someone might value good sound quality and not necessarily need a high performance fully featured computer??
Computer>USB>Powered speakers creates a very simple high quality option for sound and probably the most common next to Aux which is lower quality. Optical is less common on common computers, and more common on task specific devices like blu ray players, gaming units, etc... My point is that if you have those task specific devices you likley need multiple inputs, vs if you are only using a computer, just having USB should do the job.
There is a reason most other powered speakers in this size/price range offer it, and Kanto even has it on there entry level speakers, just seems silly to me to remove that option as you go up the product line
Zatarot
98
Feb 3, 2017
MagellanYou are mistaken. You are thinking of an actual dedicated optical port and yes those are less common but that is only because the connection has been moved and combined with the 3.5mm headphone jack. The adapter I am referring to is only a physical connecter and has nothing to do with the signal being sent, it's digital out of the computer and digital to the speakers, never analogue at any point in between. This is exactly how  my computer, ps4, and yu5 are connected. Two optical cables, one mini-toslink spdif adapter and that's it.
adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-102671-Toslink-Female-Adapter/dp/B001V5HQAU/ paint a better picture: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204392 (see image and item 1b)
Magellan
2
Feb 3, 2017
ZatarotTouche - That is legit - I appreciate the explanation, I had no idea that existed... I am pretty confident none of my several PCs have that feature, and I while it's cool that the newest iMac does, Im still sticking with my argument that USB is far more common and would not have been difficult to include as an option for people without fancy iMacs or older machines, but still respect sound quality
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