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This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hello all.
This is my first post on the BeoWorld forum.
I have an aging white MacBook (purchased in late 2007), an older iPod (3rd Gen, purchased in 2003), and a much older Beocenter 4600 (inherited from my parents - they bought it in 1978). I'm trying to play music from the MacBook through the Beocenter. I have a 3.5mm to 5 pin DIN cable. When I plug the 3.5mm jack into the iPod, it plays through the Beocenter with no problem. However, when plugging the 3.5mm jack into the MacBook's headphone socket, the audio on the MacBook is disabled - see the screenshot.
I notice that, when plugged into the iPod, the 3.5mm jack goes all the way into the headphone socket. With the MacBook, however, there is a millimetre or two of the jack which protrudes from the socket - see the second image.
The cable is an inexpensive one that I picked up on eBay. I was wondering if:
a) the issue is with the MacBook;
b) the issue is with the cable - specifically the jack;
c) there is some other problem that I haven't thought of.
My hunch is b), but if anyone has any ideas or suggestions I'd be very happy to hear them.
Thanks,
Michael
Michael - welcome to BW.
I have not had the experience you are describing ("the audio on the MacBook is disabled - see the screenshot"), but I have had occasions where I have had to give a jack a firm push for it to click home that last millimeter.
I am not sure if you have a jack plug extension lead (I have several, some are simple splitters, and one is an actual extension leads) ... or even other jack plugs. I would use one of those just to test whether there are some jacks that slide in easily or whether they all need that extra push and click home.
If the extension lead does click home, then perhaps just run the system that way ?
BeoNut since '75
elephant: Michael - welcome to BW. I have not had the experience you are describing ("the audio on the MacBook is disabled - see the screenshot"), but I have had occasions where I have had to give a jack a firm push for it to click home that last millimeter. I am not sure if you have a jack plug extension lead (I have several, some are simple splitters, and one is an actual extension leads) ... or even other jack plugs. I would use one of those just to test whether there are some jacks that slide in easily or whether they all need that extra push and click home. If the extension lead does click home, then perhaps just run the system that way ?
I have had this problem with some jacks/plugs, I think it comes from that some jacks/plugs are not 3.5 Mm. but 1/8" (3.2 Mm.)
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
Thanks both for your responses.
I have other audio equipment that I can plug into the MacBook's 3.5mm minijack port with no problem - a pair of Shure earphones and some Harman Kardon Soundsticks, for example. So it's not a problem with the MacBook per se, if at all.
Elephant: I've pushed as firmly as I dare, but to no avail. I don't have an extension lead at the moment; I'll try to get my hands on one and try that.
Soren: you may be right, though I'm not sure how having a smaller jack would prevent it from plugging in fully?
Let me know if you have any further thoughts; I'll report back if I get anywhere.
mbarr:Soren: you may be right, though I'm not sure how having a smaller jack would prevent it from plugging in fully?
If you have a 3.2 Mm. jack (female) and a 3.5 Mm. plug (male) it will be a tighter fit.
Old thread, I know, hope you sorted it?
I currently have an old Airport Express plugged into my 4600, works like a charm through the 'Tape' socket at the back, using a male 3.5mm jack into the Airport, while at the other end is a 5 pin din. I searched ebay for "5 pin din 3.5" and got a host of options for no more than £3 inc postage. There are higher end options, of course- a Gotham equivalent is currently going for £47!!