Does anyone know if it's possible to use an android device (like a cell phone) to output a DIGITAL music signal (via USB or HDMI) to a DAC? Better yet, has anyone been successful at doing so?
There are a few DAC's/Docks (e.g. pure i20) that work with the apple products to feed a DAC but I know of none for android devices.
There are a few DAC's/Docks (e.g. pure i20) that work with the apple products to feed a DAC but I know of none for android devices.
Android - yes. But depends upon the USB SPDIF converter and your android device. Some are not compatible. With HDMI output - yes of course.
Win8 tablet. - not sure. If they have HDMI output then it will be possible.
Win8 tablet. - not sure. If they have HDMI output then it will be possible.
It depends on the android device and OS that's on the device...some ports do not have the USB driver needed to stream audio while others do.
I have done this using Android cell phone and offboard DAC.
Phone is Galaxy S3 and DAC an iBasso D12. You need a USB OTG cable for this set up. It makes for a lovely portable rig. But has a couple of limitations:
1. Interference from cell phone will sometimes cause loud noise on output - you probably know the type of digital garbled hash I mean. I use this set up sometimes when on a long journey with headphones and the noise can be quite disturbing. When in Airplane mode it is not an issue.
2. The battery drain (on the cell phone) is rapid, even though DAC is self powered. The USB cable occupies the charging slot so unless you have a powered hub the battery will drain quick time.
I don't think digital audio is available on all cell phones. I seem to remember USB OTG was a feature added to Jelly Bean and enabled digital audio out. There are a number of developers who have hacked the operating systems for other devices to enable this functionality on other non-supported devices.
Other than the cell phone interference, the sound output is great for headphones.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.