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February 1, 2009 - 3:42pm
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Can a Mac G4 Handle 96/24 Files?
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You need to use a soundcard with the G4 PowerBook that will allow 24/96 playback. See my article for ideas at www.stereophile.com/computeraudio/1008servers. A USB-connected bare-bones sound device like the M-Audio Transit USB ($89) uses its own driver to allow hi-rez playback and you can connect its S/PDIF data output to your Benchmark. You might also try something like the E-Mu 0404 ($199), which will do the same thing, though this offers much more functionality than you require.
Current versions of iTunes will play hi-rez files (though not via the Airport Express), but I also recommend other music playback programs in the article referenced above.
John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
Thanks, John. I will read your article with great interest. My powerbook is a 12" and won't take an internal soundcard; also, it doesn't have an optical digital out, which rules out the M-Audio transit. Would a Trends UD-10 Transport do the trick?
Thanks again,
S
I think you misunderstood what I was recommending. Both the M-Audio and the E-Mu devices hook up to your laptop's USB port. When you select the device in your Mac's "System Preferences" menu, iTunes or whatever program you use will send the audio data out of the USB port and the M-Audio or E-Mu will convert it to conventioal S/PDIF to send to your Benchmark.
John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
My mistake; I went to the M-Audio and E-Mu websites and obviously looked at the wrong products. Thanks for your patience.
S