So you can't play files at the unsupported frequencies. Note: some USB DACs that works are unable to process some sample rates (192khz max but no 88.2 or 176.4 Khz support), it depends on the USB chip and number of clocks installed. The Antelope Zodiac is a powered desktop DAC, it will works up to 384Khz with drivers, but also up to 96Khz driverless and it has a powered USB port, so it'll works without the need for a USB Hub.
The iBasso D7 portable USB DAC/Amp isn't powered and iPad is unable to power it, but it works driverless at USB 1.1 specs, so adding a USB powered Hub it works. The M2Tech Young DAC is a powered desktop USB DAC, but it works only with drivers, so it won't work with iPad/CCK USB out. If the USB DAC provide power via its USB port, but does not works driverless up to 24bit/96Khz it WON'T WORKS. Without a dedicated iDevice DAC be careful since not any USB DAC/Amp powered unit works, it still could miss Point 1) A) (do not provide power via its USB port, so a USB Hub in the middle is necessary) or Point 1) B) (it won't work driverless at USB 1.1 specs). There are a lot of other dedicated DACs for iDevices, but they're limited at 16 bit / 44.1 KHz. Sony PHA-1 (DAC/Amp combo) officially supports up to 24/96, but without digital out can't be tested with an external DAC able to display bit/freq. IFi Nano iDSD (DAC/Amp combo) tested and confirmed with DSD too!!!Ĭypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo (DAC only) officially supports 24 bit for iPad only (see page 7 of the FAQ not the manual), but needs to be confirmed by users, testing its own digital coax out to an external dac able to display bit/samples effectively received.ĬEntrance HiFi-M8 (DAC/Amp combo) officially supports up to 192Khz, but I think only 96Khz for iPad, without digital out can't be tested with an external DAC able to display bit/freq. Points 1) A) & B) are solved with a dedicated 24bit/DSD DAC made for iPad/iPhone : by specs it'll have a USB powered port and will work driverless.
Capable software still needs to be configured properly.įor portability On The Go we need a portable battery powered high storage wi-fi UPnP/DLNA server (500GB+) with its budled server software capable of 24 bit-perfect wi-fi streams.įor portability at home there are more choices since wi-fi routers, high storage and lots of different servers are common. Most software (server or app) will not work or will downsample data to 16/44.1 regardless of settings.
Some modern DACs work only with drivers even with lower resolution files, so they are USELESS here.Ģ) USB OUT connection via Camera Connection Kit (older iPads) or the newer Lighting to USB Camera Adapter.ģ) Specific configuration of server software to bit-perfectly send streams.Ĥ) Specific player app for iOS to bit-perfectly receive streams.
If its USB port do not provide power, we need to add a powered USB Hub in the middle.ī) don't require a driver to work at USB 1.1 specifications (up to 24bit/96Khz). To successful bit-perfect stream at least 24bit/96Khz files without downsampling to 16bit/44.1Khz in any point in the chain specific hardware and software configurations must be followed:ġ) The 24bit/DSD USB DAC must have two features: Since iOS 7 both iPad and iPhone are now able to receive bit-perfect wi-fi streams up to 24/192Khz PCM or DSD, with older iOS only iPad could do it (without jailbreak).
ANYTHING must be selected and setted up properly to succeed. IPad and iPhone have limited storage capacity, if you plan to use an app which plays only local stored files (stock player or Flac Player for usopported format) you'll limit your music collection, especially with big 24 bit or DSD high-resolution files.Īdding storage to the dock out connector isn't an option either since then you can't use USB OUT to output digital files to an external DAC.ĪLWAYS REMEMBER: Any point in the chain could cause problems or downsample data, so you'll not receive a bit-perfect stream but just a downsampled to 16bit 44Khz version of your original higher resolution file.Īny piece of hardware, software, their settings, iOS version, files types, iDevice used. Internet connection or router not necessary. IPad or iPhone with no jailbreak and no DIY hardware mods.īoth Server and player easy to setup with at least cover arts and auto play next features (gapless not indispensable). High storage capacity (500GB+) to save big high-definition files.
The targets for 24 bit or DSD bit-perfect streaming in a portable setup:Ĭompatible USB DAC/Amp (not any DAC will works regardless of price or recent release) battery powered or powered via battery powered USB Hub. Which configuration works without downsampling? IPad and iPhone bit-perfect wi-fi streaming of 24bit or DSD files using high storage capacity in a portable setup: