With Toslink output ports synonymously known for their quality digital audio, the world is looking for ways to get their devices working with these ports. Is your Mac Mini compatible with using an optical output?
The old Mac mini had Toslink output, whereas the new Mac mini does not have an optical out port. Apple has begun phasing out standard Toslink from new Mac Mini and MacBook Pro models, continuing a trend started with the Apple TV.
Apple ditched the optical audio port on the fourth-generation Apple TV in favor of a USB-C port, preventing users from connecting headphones directly to the device.
While the Mac mini no longer supports Toslink output, you can use a NewerTech Toslink to Mini Toslink Optical Cable to connect the Mac mini to your surround sound receiver via an optical-in connection on the receiver.
Use the standard analog audio out if you don’t have a surround sound system.
The Mac Mini is widely regarded as one of the best desktop computers for those seeking portability. However, the absence of Toslink output port has caused some to find it problematic when trying to hook their Mac Mini up to a surround sound receiver for audiophile-grade quality. This is where the NewerTech Toslink Cable comes in.
The cable features two different adapters, one of which can be plugged into your Mac Mini’s audio out port. The other end of the cable fits into your surround sound receiver. The NewerTech Toslink Cable is the only cable you’ll ever need for your Mac Mini, and it’s compatible with any other device that features a mini-Toslink output port.
Toslink Output on Mac Mini
Apple has phased out the Toslink output on Mac Mini for quite some time now, but there are still several third-party cable adapters available to bridge that gap.
For the longest time, the Mac Mini retained its optical audio connection, which helped it stand out from other notebooks in its class. The lack of this port is a major downgrade for Mac audio purists, but it also brings a lot of convenience for those looking to upgrade.
While it was unclear if Apple was moving towards USB-C audio outputs, or just getting rid of optical audio entirely, but now we know that USB-C and HDMI cables are the primary means for audio and video connections on the Mac Mini.
However, there are several cables available to help you get that optical output back up and running. You can find them from a local Cable Center or use the following Amazon link to the best 4K HDMI to HDMI Optical SPDIF TOSLINK Converter Adapter with 3.5mm RCA R/L Stereo HDMI Audio Extractor Splitter for Blue-ray PC Laptop Xbox One HDTV.
A Digital Optical Cable is a good option if you want to hook your Mac Mini up to an existing surround sound receiver with an optical input. There are plenty of other options out there, but this is one of the most popular ones available on the market today.
This cable utilizes Toslink technology to transfer sound between devices, but it features some adapters to help you make the connection between your Mac Mini and your surround sound receiver. The BlueRigger Digital Optical Cable is a perfect option if you want a simple solution to your Mac Mini’s lack of Toslink port.
As many computers have already done, the Mac Mini opts for a single USB-C port instead of an HDMI or optical audio connection. This is great news for those looking to get rid of traditional ports on their computer, but it does mean you’ll want to keep a USB-C Digital Optical Cable on hand for when you do need to hook up your Mac Mini.
While this cable does rely on the USB-C connection, it features an adapter that will convert that into Toslink technology so you can enjoy audio at its best quality. Made by Monoprice, this 3ft cable is a great option for those that don’t need to hook up their Mac Mini with an optical cable very often, or just want to have it as a backup.
From time to time, Apple releases major redesigning of their Mac book flagship including the Mac Mini. Though for several years these redesigns only brought fewer changes, their recent model featured some major changes from its predecessors.
Now sporting a USB-C connection port, the latest Mac Mini also ditched its HDMI and optical audio ports; making it difficult for some to hook their new computer up with traditional hardware.
Luckily, there are many cables to help users connect their Mac Mini to a surround sound receiver for better sound quality. BlueRigger Digital Optical Cable is one of the most popular options available on the market today.
This cable utilizes Toslink technology to transfer sound, and connects through USB-C port. Furthermore, it comes with an adapter to convert the signal from USB-C to Optical without any compromise on quality.
The Monoprice 3ft USB-C Digital Optical Cable is also worth checking out as a viable option if you don’t need to connect your Mac Mini with an optical cable very often, or just want to have it as a backup.
With the recent release of the new Mac Mini and its lack of HDMI and Optical audio ports, there are several cables that will help users hook their computer up to a standard surround sound receiver for better sound quality.
If all you need is to hook up your Mac min to a TV and soundbar, Amazon Basics Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable for Sound Bar, TV – 9.8 Feet (3 Meters), 5-Pack Digital Optical Cable is a great option.
This cable utilizes Toslink technology to transfer sound between devices and connects through a USB-C port. Furthermore, it comes with an adapter to convert the signal from USB-C to Optical without any compromise on quality.
This cable was made for connecting your USB-C device to a standard surround sound receiver, and that makes the AmazonBasics Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable for Sound Bar, TV – 9.8 Feet (3 Meters), 5-Pack worth checking out as another great option if you don’t need to hook your Mac Mini to an optical cable very often, or just want it as a backup.
Conclusion: Does Mac Mini Have Toslink Output?
Mac mini does not have a Toslink output. The old Mac mini had Toslink output, whereas the new Mac mini lacks an optical output port. Apple began removing standard Toslink connectors from new Mac Mini and MacBook Pro models, continuing a trend begun with the Apple TV.
Apple removed the optical audio port from the fourth-generation Apple TV in favour of a USB-C port, making it impossible for users to connect headphones directly to the device.
