I know there are hundreds of pages of posts on USB DACs already, but wonder if someone else may have been in my position before and have some suggestions. I have GSIII I9300, and am looking for a USB DAC setup for the car. I'm not unhappy with the Wolfson output, but two cords are a pain in the rear. So I would like to have a USB DAC to hide in console >> Aux input of car (Scion XB.)

So I am looking for...

USB DAC compatible with GSIII
Wolfson quality
Not too crazy expensive -- don't want to be mad if valet guy steals it
Ideally, with power outside of USB (or low power so phone will still charge)

Any suggestions? I have not yet bought a DAC, so please be gentle with me.

Not sure will this fit you, but have you check out the V-MODA VERZA?

Well... $600 I would be pretty pissed if it were stolen by the valet so not quite. But thanks for the input!

"The $43 Galaxy S3 + Car Stereo Upgrade for WAaaY better sound quality!"
http://www.head-fi.org/t/639883/the-43-galaxy-s3-car-stereo-upgrade-for-waaay-better-sound-quality
 
A list of 100 USB DACs compliant with the Galaxy S III from some $ to $2280:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/2610

Quote:

baroninkjet said:

Well... $600 I would be pretty pissed if it were stolen by the valet so not quite.

But thanks for the input!

Click to expand...

True, but:
 

• You can just take it with you.
• Don't valet.

I read the $43 thread earlier. That is what I am aiming to do, only not sure that the Behringer is the best choice. I started in on the DAC list, and found that for many it took several steps/searches to even find out what they cost. Was hoping I might find some kind soul who had walked the car-DAC path before me so I don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Thanks, everyone!

Hey Sir,
Wondering what you settled on?
 
I am assuming a new head was out of the question - other wise that would solve it.  There are many HU's at or under 200$ that will pull the digital signal off your phone and charge at the same time.  I was fixated on a phone to amp solution, but once I start adding an external DAC, it seemed as expensive and no that much less of a hassle to swap out the head unit. 

A lot of water under the bridge... The problem with replacing HU is you often lose use of BT phone controls built in to car. I opted for a wire.