Client would like his iMac as an audio source connected to his Control4 Audio Matrix (v3.) The iMac has just one output used for either headphones or speakers. It's 30 feet from the iMac to the matrix, so I used a Muxlab stereo audio balun over shielded cat6 to carry the signal from the headphone jack to the matrix.

In order for the iMac audio output to be strong enough, he needs to turn the iMac volume up so high that that the sound is distorted. Source leveling on the matrix is already as all the way up for the iMac input.

What's the best practice for this sort of setup? Much thanks.

At just 30 feet I probably would have stuck with analog. Have you tried bypassing the baluns merely to rule them out?

The signal is analog, so I'm not sure I understand the first part of that response.

I didn't bypass the baluns, but I did send another line level source over them and didn't have volume issues.

I too would try direct connection. Hurry up and solve this before Ernie gets here and asks "why".

I just mean 30 feet isn't particularly long for a quality analog audio cable (especially coming from a relatively unpristine computer source). My thought is the baluns might not be liking the output levels of the iMac for whatever reason.

If i'm not mistaken that audio outback jack on the iMac is also digital using the correct adaptor

This is why god invented airplay.

Everything has airplay built in nowadays. and if you happen to not have an airplay source already, whats the point of running 30ft of cable when a Airport Express is $99? now, not only can he play from his mac, he can play from his iphone, ipad, and icar soon too!

How are you getting sound distortion?

If this is line level, 0% or 150% should not cause any distortions.
Speaker level on the other hand can and will cause clipping, etc.

I believe the the iMac line level headphone port has the following specs:

- Maximum output voltage: 1.4 VRMS (+5.15 dBu)
- Output impedance: <24 ohms

I understand the consumer line level typically peaks at around 0.3 VRMS with an output impedance of at least 100 ohms. Could this discrepancy be the source of the issue?

My inclination at this point is to take the digital output from the iMac and convert it to analog.

I would choose blue tooth or Airplay as the preferred method. Avoid ground loop issues too.
$25 buys you a blue tooth receiver.