Dumb question. I know the mini-plug passes a stereo signal because of it's shape. But to use it as an input (say a cd player), I really need to use it with a y connector, correct?

At least in my house the Predator is never far away from my laptop. I use the USB connector to connect it to my laptop. I have hi-res music files on my lapop and would not think of listening to them without my predator handy with my AKG K701 headphones. For me it is most relevant.

As far as I know you can't. The Predator is sealed and can't be opened. However my Predator is at least 8-10 years old and my battery is probably passed on. I found this link on our own Head-Fi link...

Depending what country you live in, here it is. https://ifi-audio.com/where-to-buy/europe/

You do know that the black label has a charging dock on the side to charge a cell phone?

I thought it was understood. Yes the entire unit amp/dac will work under USB power.

I already talked to Ifi service and they informed me that even if the battery is dead, as long as it is hooked up to an electrical device with a usb connection the dac will still function. Presently I have my ifi black label dac plugged into my Roon Nucleus.

That's why I mentioned my Fiio hi-rez player. Battery life for that is 10 hours, which is pretty long for me.

I'm not sure that is a real concern since most of the time it is plugged into a computer or other electrical device. Read this Head-Fi page for a good explanation...

Great thank you very much. That makes it easy on me. I don't always get to my audio mancave since I walk with a cane, since I will leave the Roon Nucleus on I can leave the black label in desktop mode always on too.

I am really embarrassed to ask this. The manual says it can USB power. It also says it can use battery power depending if the unit is turned on/off before connection. It also says that in battery power mode it will use battery power even if the usb charging cord is connected. When does the...

Thank you I never thought of that. Before I decided to attach it to my Nucleus, it was next to my equipment stand connected to a desktop computer that was always left on. The direct /Preamp switch was handy. When listening to the main system I would use the direct mode, but with headphones I...

I have an older set that I still like, AKG 701. I have an HDD in my Nucleus that has an ethernet connection to my router. I was planning on connecting it to my Pioneer blu ray player.

Great thank you I was worried how I could use it with my Nucleus without keeping it powered up. I have 2 dac's and the black label is the better one.

Will the Nucleus charge the IFI black Label dac if attached by usb connection?