Best way to play Iphone audio files to an external DAC

[Rui Martins]

Dear all,
I recently bought an Atoll IN80 amplifier with a digital board that as a DAC and digital, USB, and bluetooth interfaces.
I connected my CD Player (a NAD 515BEE) to the IN80 both using analog inputs or digital via optical and the sound quality suits my need (it's great) - I haven't noticed much difference using the analog or digital connections.

I tried to stream from my iphone to the IN80 using the bluetooth interface, it works, but the sound is just "normal" (using the CD is much much better).

I read that to get the best sound quality from the iphone I should connect it using a lightning to USB adapter, and connecting the iPhone to the USB port of the amplifier.

My questions are:
- using the iphone to USB connection what apps should be used to "send" audio files to the amplifier in order to maximize audio quality ?
- would the audio quality be similar of one using an external low-cost streamer ?
- if not, do you have any suggection of a good streamer at a reasonable cost (below 500eur) ?

 

[David_NC]

I use my iPhones and iPad with my DAC frequently. The camera adapter - the lightning to USB adapter you mention - is the key (www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-USB3-Camera-Adapter/dp/B01F7KJDIM/). The apps I use to 'send' are the apps I use to play music in the first place. That is, if I want to listen to Amazon HD, I simply use that. I use a Lightning extension cable (www.amazon.com/Charger-Extension-Compatible-Extender-Adapter/dp/B08JGPTYMQ) between the camera adapter's male port and the iPhone's female port. This makes it much more convenient to use as well as keeps wear and tear from the more expensive adapter.

 

[Rui Martins]

I use my iPhones and iPad with my DAC frequently. The camera adapter - the lightning to USB adapter you mention - is the key (www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-USB3-Camera-Adapter/dp/B01F7KJDIM/). The apps I use to 'send' are the apps I use to play music in the first place. That is, if I want to listen to Amazon HD, I simply use that. I use a Lightning extension cable (www.amazon.com/Charger-Extension-Compatible-Extender-Adapter/dp/B08JGPTYMQ) between the camera adapter's male port and the iPhone's female port. This makes it much more convenient to use as well as keeps wear and tear from the more expensive adapter.

Thanks very much !