Mac Mini USB output sounds "garbled"

Jax2: I'm using a Cambridge Audio DacMagic. I'm running USB 2 out of the Mini into USB 1 in the DacMagic. I will try the toslink next.

Yo Devilboy it's Dave from Renee's party!! What up B!! I think your problem may be with the USB2 going into the USB1. You can go USB1 into USB2 but can have issues with the other way around. Have you configured the Mac for the converter? When using USB on the Mac for audio you may have to configure the DAC. It's located in SYSETM HD/Utilities/Audio MIDI Setup. I think using the toslink is best for now because there is no setup for that. If you are wanting better converters try on of these http://www.mercenary.com/prsodrdatwoc.html or one of these http://vintageking.com/Weiss-DAC2-D-A-Converter or maybe one of these http://vintageking.com/Lavry-DA924?sc=18&category=500 The Weiss and the Lavry Gold can hook up directly to the mac via firewire.

I found out what was wrong. Go into iTunes, then click window. Then click "Equalizer". This next part is the key.....make sure equalizer is OFF. Just to be sure, turn preamplifier down to 0db, but absolutely turn off EQ. This fixed my problem. If that doesn't work, go to "System Preferences" and click "sound". Then go to the bottom of the screen and turn down volume to 75%. There may be too much gain going to your dac at 100%. If that doesn't work, continue lowering output volume until distortion goes away. Turning off the preamplifier in windows did the trick for me. Thanks to all who gave info, though.

D.

Glad you got it figured out Devilboy. I hadn't thought of that solution for your problem. Though sometimes when i am listening to music on my extra laptop (not my primary music source) I do have to adjust volume and other sound qualities to improve the sound.