Hogan2

Got my iMac 3.06 21.5 inch in september 2010. The only way to solve the sound output problems has been to use the optical output/input. There is even hum, noise etc when I use my m-audio Fw 410 interface. I have really tried every possible way but come to the conclusion that it is impossible to get a high quality sound out of these kinds of iMacs unless you use the optical toslink connections. The design is flawed.

I have the 2010 iMac i3, 3.2 GHz model. Bought it in september. There are big problems with the sound output. Even when I connect my m-audio FW 410 firewire interface I get hiss, noise and a weak poor signal. Have tried several USB interfaces with the same result. Hiss, noise, weak signal with low quality etc. It seems that the only way to get a decent signal out of this iMac is to use the optical digital output. The sound is also almost OK, (but not very good) when I listen through the built-in speakers or headphones. I have had no explanation so far from Apple on this issue. Has anybody had any success in using any kind of external sound interface with this computer?? I actually doubt that it is at all possible except for using the optical digital output.