TA-100 connecting to Mac Mini trouble

[spastor]

Hi,

I have trouble to connect my T-100 to a mac mini late 2009 with USB connection. When I switch on the TA-100, the mac don´t detect de emotiva unless I unplug and plug again de USB cable. Then all works great.
But it is a bother to go to the mac mini, and remove de USB each time I switch on the TA-100.
Looking in About this Mac -> System Information -> USB (or something like this, I translate from spanish), switching on my TA-100 cause that the mac mini detects an “USB2.0 Hub” on the port connected, but don´t detect the Emotiva itself, which I suppose to be behind this hub.
The mac mini runs with OS X 10.11.6 without any other inconvenience and I’ve tried to plug the Emotiva in all back USB ports with same results.

Can some one help me please.

[leonski]

Do you have access to any 'Apple Pros'? they might be able to help.
I see you have a 2009 which means you are probably Maxed Out @10.11.6 = El Capitan

Does the T-100 require ANY drivers from EMO to run? What you describe sounds like a driver problem....I'd check over and POST in
the driver section of these forums.

My 2009 iMac works flawlessly into my Cambridge Audio DACMagic Plus. And I think 10.11 is as far as THAT will update, as well.

Are computer and 'device' always on? Maybe work around would be to simply Leave the TA-100 on?

[spastor]

Leonski,
Thanks for your reply.
Effectively my Mac mini runs with OS X 10.11.6, and as I can read in Emotiva USB drivers post, there is no need of drivers to connect the TA-100 to a Mac since it is an USB Audio Class 1 device.
The computer acts as a server so it is always on, and of course I can leave the TA-100 always on but this not a logic choice and has poor energetic efficiency.
All other USB devices I connect to the mini works properly (drives, mouses, keyboard and other DACs like a B&W PX), they are detected as I plug them. I think clearly that the trouble is in the TA-100 USB interface.
Perhaps firmware update if it is possible?

[leonski]

Depending on year of you' 'Mini, you may be at the 'end' of update for OSX.
My mid or late '09 iMac is at that point. And I upgraded to max memory which since it has but 2 slots is 2x4gb, which is double OEM.
Can't remember right offhand, but it's either 10.10 or 10.11 And that's IT for OSX upgrade.

My advice holds. Find a MAC Pro and ask that person.

ONE possible help: If the T-100 has an OPTICAL out? Run that to the opticlal IN of the Mini. See if that helps.
Mac will need one of those MiniToslink Adaptor. REALLY cheap.......The headphone output is 'multifunction'.
Please check your documentation!

[jbinmd]

This is still an issue with Big Sur and 2018 Mac Mini with Audioquest usb cable connecting them. I still have to unplug/replug every time I use the usb input. Becoming a deal breaker.

[creimes]

Mar 5, 2021 6:14:27 GMT -5 jbinmd said:

This is still an issue with Big Sur and 2018 Mac Mini with Audioquest usb cable connecting them. I still have to unplug/replug every time I use the usb input. Becoming a deal breaker.

Ditch the overpriced audioquest cable, I had owned one and found no benefit, has anyone tried just a standard USB cable, I use the one from Emotiva and has never let me down.

Cheers,
Chad

[jbinmd]

I have used 4 different cables. Same result. I see something called the E400i-B2 that does nothing if selected in Audirvana. If I unplug and replug, I see the TA-100 in the list of output devices.

[creimes]

Mar 5, 2021 11:00:39 GMT -5 jbinmd said:

I have used 4 different cables. Same result. I see something called the E400i-B2 that does nothing if selected in Audirvana. If I unplug and replug, I see the TA-100 in the list of output devices.

I as well run Audirvana on my 2020 Mac mini connected to my XMC-1 by USB but have no issues, I also connect my PC to my Asgard 3 by USB with no issues but I know they can happen, I would suggest using optical if possible, but it is a PITA when something of that nature happens, I had at one time on a device but can't remember what it was haha.

Chad

[jbinmd]

It appears if you prevent Mac Mini from sleeping this is a non-issue. I changed the following settings:
- Turned on Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off.
- Turned off Turn HD to sleep when possible.

It has not happened since then.