USB only DAC - dedicated PC required?

[Jame5]

I am using a USB only DAC, which takes its power supply through the USB lead. Am I stuck needing physical USB connection between PC and DAC, or is there an airport express-like product with USB connectivity?

If you have found a solution to this issue, I'd be very grateful to hear it. :?

James

 

[manicm]

What is your end-game? You want to go wireless?

 

[Jame5]

I want my laptop to be mobile whilst I'm listening to music, so either I find a wireless solution (without loss of sound quality) or buy a dedicated PC for hi fi use.

 

[Overdose]

Apple Airport Express/TV or Roku box.

Maybe consider a netbook for dedicated media streaming

 

[Jame5]

I wanted to continue using the USB only DAC. I don't think the USB on the Airport Express outputs audio.

 

[Overdose]

Then the dedicated computer streamer is about your only option.

 

[Jame5]

OK, thanks for the info.

 

[Ajani]

I am using a USB only DAC, which takes its power supply through the USB lead. Am I stuck needing physical USB connection between PC and DAC, or is there an airport express-like product with USB connectivity?

If you have found a solution to this issue, I'd be very grateful to hear it. :?

James

If I'm not mistaken, someone hacked the Squeezebox Touch to do just that: output a signal through its USB port. Other than that option, I believe you'd be stuck with using a PC directy connected to your DAC.

 

[nopiano]

James, regret I cannot help with your query but would value your views on the HRT as I'm contemplating their microStreamer. It seems to do both headphones and line out (unlike the more costly Dragonfly) and is significantly cheaper than the new Meridian (though this does 192).

 

[Fulci]

I think that you can play directly from a Synology NAS through the USB but you should confirm this.

 

[Jame5]

Nopiano, all I can tell you is that I'm delighted with the HRT's sound quality and feel that it was very good value for money. However, I've no idea how the microstreamer's sound compares to it, other than what I have read on here. Good luck!

 

[nopiano]

Nopiano, all I can tell you is that I'm delighted with the HRT's sound quality and feel that it was very good value for money. However, I've no idea how the microstreamer's sound compares to it, other than what I have read on here. Good luck!

Thanks a lot. I've now realised the Dragonfly can be used as a fixed line level output too, though it has just one socket, unlike the HRT microStreamer's two. Interesting that they are both from the USA!