Posted by analog guy (A) on October 16, 2006 at 20:52:39

Hi!

I'm considering the DAC 2.1 kit and am particularly intrigued by the USB input.

I have an Apple Airport Express which has an analog output, a digital optical output, and USB + Ethernet connections. Naturally, the analog output leaves something to be desired, and there aren't too many alternatives for an Audio Note DAC as the digital optical output is a TOSLink connection (and a mini one at that!).

Can I use the USB connection as an input to the DAC, or is it only for input/output of data?

The only alternative may be to use some type of outboard jitter control device, which could convert the TOSLink signal to coax/RCA...but I'd prefer to avoid this extra step.

Thank you!

• Interesting. Here's an alternative that does not exist - Frihed89 06:36:19 10/26/06 (0)
  In Reply to: DAC 2.1 USB question posted by analog guy on October 16, 2006 at 20:52:39:

  Wouldn't it be nice if someone took an NAS device, added a CD or DVD drive and AES/EBU and SPDIF outputs to the ethernet and wireless outputs?

  If you know of such a device let me know. It could be a source for an AN Dac, or any Dac for that matter.
  
  

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• Re: DAC 2.1 USB question - Robert_Rourke 16:06:38 10/17/06 (2)
  In Reply to: DAC 2.1 USB question posted by analog guy on October 16, 2006 at 20:52:39:

  The usb is an alternative input for the digital signal. If your IPOD has a digital usb out, then it connects directly to this input jack.
  
  

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  • Re: DAC 2.1 USB question - analog guy 20:37:55 10/17/06 (1)
    In Reply to: Re: DAC 2.1 USB question posted by Robert_Rourke on October 17, 2006 at 16:06:38:

    Thanks for the reply. To be clear, I'm not trying to connect my iPod to the DAC but, rather, to stream music from my PC to the Apple Airport Express to the DAC. Currently, I stream music from my PC to the Airport Express and use the analog output of that device.

    I was able to do some research, and I found that the USB port on the Airport Express only supports communication with a printer. :(

    There is a mini optical digital output, though. I would presumably have to get a mini cable to TOSlink, then a device to conver the TOSlink signal to RCA/coax, for input into the AN DAC. Argh. Could be more connections/trouble than it is worth.

    Thanks!
    
    

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    • Re: DAC 2.1 USB question - DRCope 06:45:45 10/18/06 (0)
      In Reply to: Re: DAC 2.1 USB question posted by analog guy on October 17, 2006 at 20:37:55:

      Oh man, what a doggone PITA! I was thinking of doing the same thing as a "convenience" source, but I'm not willing to forgoe quality altogether (ie - listen to Apple's idea of a DAC.)

      I guess Apple's commitment to music is only i-deep. Too bad.

      
      Keep your ears and your mind open.
      
      

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