Hi Marcel,
I run Roon here with Raspberry Pi 4B based end points which convert ethernet to USB or SPDIF as needed for the particular dac or processor.
I have used similar devices in the past, the old link is dead apparently, but this search should work.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=USB+to+AES&_sacat=0
These are inexpensive, and I have not actually tried one. The ones I have owned were made here in the U.S. and cost a lot more money. I am not sure what they mean by "passive" since conversion to AES or SPDIF requires an SOC to do it. Perhaps they mean no drivers are required. You do not want a device that is not capable of isochronous transfers if you want to use higher sample rates and bit depths supported by AES/SPDIF.
Try to get a converter with transformer coupled AES output if you can identify such a candidate in order to reduce common mode noise from the computer. I also think that the XMOS SOC (208 or similar) is a pretty good performer but may require drivers in windows at the least.
Devices built around the Amanero USB to I2S interface are a good bet too.
I run Roon here with Raspberry Pi 4B based end points which convert ethernet to USB or SPDIF as needed for the particular dac or processor.
I have used similar devices in the past, the old link is dead apparently, but this search should work.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=USB+to+AES&_sacat=0
These are inexpensive, and I have not actually tried one. The ones I have owned were made here in the U.S. and cost a lot more money. I am not sure what they mean by "passive" since conversion to AES or SPDIF requires an SOC to do it. Perhaps they mean no drivers are required. You do not want a device that is not capable of isochronous transfers if you want to use higher sample rates and bit depths supported by AES/SPDIF.
Try to get a converter with transformer coupled AES output if you can identify such a candidate in order to reduce common mode noise from the computer. I also think that the XMOS SOC (208 or similar) is a pretty good performer but may require drivers in windows at the least.
Devices built around the Amanero USB to I2S interface are a good bet too.
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@kevinkr, I ended up purchasing one of those USB to AES Audio Adapter Converters from EBAY. The unit came with an OTG cable to go from USB-C to the USB-B cable into the converter. I am using a (digital) XML cable to go from the converter into my Lehmann DAC+ preamp (no USA as it's old-school).
The converter is supposed to support anything from 16/24/32bit and 44.1k-192KHz sample-rate. My Lehmann DAC+, although having a Crystal 24-bit chip, is not capable of 96kHz, so I am assuming it is just up-sampled from 44.1k (redbook). Regardless, the converter should be compatible with it...however, I can't seem to get any sound out of it when playing audio (i.e., Amazon Prime Audio) from my phone through it. I played around with the phone's developer options, but to no avail. I'm thinking of sending the converter back!
Any ideas of what to try? My goal is to just get this setup working and then send it (together with a nice Musical Fidelity power amp and Carver Amazing AL-III speakers to my buddy in LA. Said buddy is no audiophile, and as such wants to drive the system from his iPhone15, which has a USB-C port.
Thanks!
Marcel
The converter is supposed to support anything from 16/24/32bit and 44.1k-192KHz sample-rate. My Lehmann DAC+, although having a Crystal 24-bit chip, is not capable of 96kHz, so I am assuming it is just up-sampled from 44.1k (redbook). Regardless, the converter should be compatible with it...however, I can't seem to get any sound out of it when playing audio (i.e., Amazon Prime Audio) from my phone through it. I played around with the phone's developer options, but to no avail. I'm thinking of sending the converter back!
Any ideas of what to try? My goal is to just get this setup working and then send it (together with a nice Musical Fidelity power amp and Carver Amazing AL-III speakers to my buddy in LA. Said buddy is no audiophile, and as such wants to drive the system from his iPhone15, which has a USB-C port.
Thanks!
Marcel
What kind of phone do you have? Older Android phones require software (available in the google store) in addition to the OTG cable in order to connect to external audio devices.
Perhaps test it with a laptop or desktop computer and see if it works, and if it doesn't I would send it back.
I must have missed something earlier in the conversation as I did not realize we were talking about a phone as source. I have an iPhone 15 but have never looked into using it as a source although someone told me it works well. (I use it as a Roon remote amongst other things.)
Perhaps test it with a laptop or desktop computer and see if it works, and if it doesn't I would send it back.
I must have missed something earlier in the conversation as I did not realize we were talking about a phone as source. I have an iPhone 15 but have never looked into using it as a source although someone told me it works well. (I use it as a Roon remote amongst other things.)