So all it takes for an Android device is the OTG adaptor cable? In doing some preliminary research, I got the impression that OTG only works with certain Android OS versions, and that the hardware must be compatible as well?
Tablet or?
- Thread starter richersounds
- Start date
So all it takes for an Android device is the OTG adaptor cable? In doing some preliminary research, I got the impression that OTG only works with certain Android OS versions, and that the hardware must be compatible as well?
Sam08861
Super Member
I got the impression that the OP is looking for alternatives to what he's currently using that provide the best sound quality to the DAC being purchased. Apologies if that's in error.
That said, it's a good investment to perform multiple audio functions... Store, Play, Stream Music and control other iPad enabled devices (in my particular case, I can control crossover/slopes, parametric EQ or muting at each driver, 31 band eq, delays, room EQ compensation, etc.) with an iPad, so extra beneficial during setup time. Also great for any home automation of stereo system components such as with wifi or bluetooth plugs, switches, receptacles, etc.
Not to mention that it's an iPad and has loads of non audio functionality.
Sam08861
Super Member
It doesn't have to be a laptop. Many tablets and phones are perfectly capable of outputting digital easily. If you happen to have an iPhone with sufficient storage for your tunes, that'll work great.
I was responding to the OP, who offered up his tablet or his PC as sources. As I said, if the tablet cannot be configured to deliver digital output, the PC is his only option...other than buying a new device.
As for many tablets providing digital output...I've not found that to be as common as I would have thought.
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
Depends which ipad. I'm assuming by 'digital out', you're talking about optical SPDIF through a mini TOSlink 3.5mm port.
My little Linx Wintel tablet will drive a UAB DAC through its micro USB port, with an OTG adaptor. It's not very elegant...
The OP hasn't been clear what they're using, or hoping to use.
He did say that his tablet does not provide digital output. But perhaps some of the experts could provide a workaround if he specified his brand/model number/OS.
As for iPad...I only know that there is a way to get digital output from at least some models. What is required and how it works, I have no idea.
As for iPad...I only know that there is a way to get digital output from at least some models. What is required and how it works, I have no idea.
SteveJewels
Well-Known Member
If you use a tablet or phone and a 3.5 mm cable you will continue to be disappointed.
There are streamers you can control with a phone or tablet. No wires, much better SQ.
I use a Brooklyn Bridge DAC/Streamer.
There are streamers you can control with a phone or tablet. No wires, much better SQ.
I use a Brooklyn Bridge DAC/Streamer.
Sam08861
Super Member
Very simple for what's required for those with lightning connectors:
1. Lightning to USB Cable (though it must be the MIDI type, as some cables are power only or the Camera adapter if charging during playback - both easy to find)
2. App that outputs digital. (this may have a version requirement on the phone/tablet OS version)
Total additional cost (beyond the tablet) was $12 ($7 for a 6' cable on amazon and $5 for the app)
Was plug and play for me.
No messing with ASIO drivers, foobar config, etc., settings that I had previously had to fuss with on a wintel laptop/machine.
Again, I don't think the OP has an iPad, and is wanting advice on how to do it with his existing tablet or PC.
Better cell phones and tablets have pretty decent DACs actually. The cheap ones, not so much. I use Samsung Galaxies to stream Spotify Premium for two of my systems and an Amazon Fire for the third. The Fire tablet sounds fine but the organic OS is frumpy and a pain.
I believe the OP is referring to using his tablet or PC to feed a DAC via USB...vs using its analog out jack. If so, I see no reason to expect disappointment. To the contrary, results should be quite good.
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Ah, the expert returns.
So how does the OP do that, precisely? Are you suggesting that all tablets provide digital output? That would be great news.
benricci
Super Member
Pretty much every current Android or iOS tablet in production will output digital audio over USB, yes. This is not complicated at all. Just fire up your streaming app of choice, connect to your DAC with the appropriate USB cable and go (again, pretty much every DAC currently in production has USB inputs for phones/tablets/PCs).
You don't even need to configure anything in most cases.
It literally takes 5 seconds to set-up a hi-res/lossless streaming rig nowadays. I've literally seen six year olds plug their tablets into my DAC to listen to their music on "the big speakers."
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The condescension is palpable...par for the course. My Galaxy A7 tablet, which is current and in production, must be an outlier.
By the way, no one has suggested that there is any difficulty in obtaining a DAC with USB input. The issue on the table is USB output from a tablet (non-Apple).
By the way, no one has suggested that there is any difficulty in obtaining a DAC with USB input. The issue on the table is USB output from a tablet (non-Apple).
WillVT
Super Member
I don't mean to muddy the waters here with more suggestions, but another option is a Raspberry Pi as source connected to the DAC. I just set this up and couldn't be happier. All controlled by my phone or my wife's phone anywhere in the house. No wires to mess with. The Pi and the DAC sit on the shelf with my amp, pre-amp etc. I turn the system on with a smart plug, again using just my phone.
I have a galaxy tab A I think it is.
I am willing to purchase something else.
I just want to improve sound quality and I was sure my tablet was not ideal for a dac source. Which I have now learned for sure...
This will be my first foray into dac world.
What do people normally use? An ipad?
I am not an apple person.
What produces the best results that is not super $$$ expensive.
I will be using a modi 3 for that dac. I had been looking at one of the later galaxy s6 or s7 tablets.
Would one of those surface PC's work well?
Sorry so many questions....
I am willing to purchase something else.
I just want to improve sound quality and I was sure my tablet was not ideal for a dac source. Which I have now learned for sure...
This will be my first foray into dac world.
What do people normally use? An ipad?
I am not an apple person.
What produces the best results that is not super $$$ expensive.
I will be using a modi 3 for that dac. I had been looking at one of the later galaxy s6 or s7 tablets.
Would one of those surface PC's work well?
Sorry so many questions....
red 111
Addicted Member
You can use an iPhone into a Schiit MODI 3+ with the camera adapter ( lightning to USB)into your speaker system…no problem…I do it with a Schiit MODIUS which also has the UNISON USB…
Sam08861
Super Member
Sounds neat! Would like to learn more about what is needed for this. Is there a guide or thread you might recommend?
My wife has a Galaxy Tab A. She listens to Spotify, on headphones, through an Audioquest Dragonfly hooked up with their dragontail cable. It sounds very good. I compared the sound to the same setup on a Chromebook laptop, and the Samsung sounded better.
This is not to suggest that you go with the Dragonfly. I tried that on my system (integrated amp & speakers) using a 3.5 to RCA splitter, and it wasn't good.
As far as I remember, the Dragonfly worked right off the bat, no problems. It might be just as easy using the Modi.
This is not to suggest that you go with the Dragonfly. I tried that on my system (integrated amp & speakers) using a 3.5 to RCA splitter, and it wasn't good.
As far as I remember, the Dragonfly worked right off the bat, no problems. It might be just as easy using the Modi.