Anyone connected ProTools Digi Rack to new Thunderbolt Imac?

Question

Anyone connecting ProTools Digi Rack to new Thunderbolt iMac or MacBook Pro?
For users of ProTools with a Digi Rack 001, 002 or 003 - we use the Firewire 400 port on the back of an imac to connect in to the 400 port of the Digi Rack (the Digi Rack has it's own AC power, so there is no need for power to run through the Firewire cable).
The brand new iMac has no firewire port, not even an 800 port. It only has 4 USB and 2 Thunderbolt ports.
What are Digi users best options for connections?
1. Connect the iMac, via a Thunderbolt to 800 Firewire adapter, and then connect that to a Firewire 800 to 400 adapter, and then run a 400 cable to the Digi Rack? Is that a potential problem since there will be so many adapters hanging off the back of the imac? Any problem that it will not conduct as well, or slow data, or they might get loose?
-or-
2. Connect the iMac, via a Thunderbolt to 800 Firewire adapter to an External Hard Drive with extra ports on it such as a LaCie d2 Quadra Hard Disk, which has a Firewire 800 port to plug into, and a Firewire 400 port to plug out from, and from there a 400 cable to the Digi Rack? Will that slow down data from having it run through the LaCie Drive, versus running it directly into the back of the iMac?

Answer 1

There is nothing wrong with Apple's refurbished machines, you're assuming they are returned with problems. These machines come with the same 1 year warranty as a new machines and are also eligible for AppleCare the same as a new machine. These machine are tested more than a new machine and if any issues are found they are fixed and re-tested. Apple puts machine into the refurb program for many many reasons, these can be new models were introduced and they're clearing old inventory, or scenarios like a husband bought new machine and the wife made him return it for spending money, or a possible defect. Don't take my word for it though search and you'll see Apple's refurbished machines have a terrific reputation.
However I'm getting from reading your posts you are looking for reasons to not get a Mac and stay with Windows. If that's the case they by all means stay with what you know.