[smilemantts]

 
I do know from first hand experience that the LG G2 works perfectly with no additional power source paired with the Resonessence Labs Herus DAC.

 
The Nexus 5 is based on the LG G2 so I will check out the Herus. Thanks.

 

[StanD]

   
I think you misread the article. What the author is saying is that none of the other DACs reviewed work with an iOS device without a powered USB hub except the HRT microStreamer.

Outside of the review, the FiiO E18 works with an iPod Touch 5G using the CCK cable without a powered hub.

 

[DanBa]

 
I think you misread the article. What the author is saying is that none of the other DACs reviewed work with an iOS device without a powered USB hub except the HRT microStreamer.

 
You're right.
As I'm no more interested in iDevices, I only browsed the article.
Following your remark, I read the article, and find the following interesting information:
 
" The MicroStreamer’s firmware can be updated over a USB connection to a Windows PC; a recent update brought a cool new feature: the capability to use the MicroStreamer with iOS devices. The iPad—and, as of iOS 7, the iPhone and iPod touch—unofficially support USB DACs via Apple’s Camera Connection Kit USB adapter or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, but only if the device’s power draw is 100 mA or less. The MicroStreamer’s version 1.2 firmware reduces power draw to 98 mA, making it the only bus-powered DAC I’ve found that works with a direct connection to an iOS device (more on iOS compatibility in a bit). This change in power draw also benefits people with Android devices that support USB On The Go."
 
=>
 
iDevices reject a USB DAC that requires more than 100 mA.
 
iDevices don't reject a powered USB hub, which requires only 100 mA (at the MaxPower time at the beginning of the USB connection).
 
External Hub: USB#VID_05E3&PID_0608#5&140b7e44&0&1#{f18a0e88-c30c-11d0-8815-00a0c906bed8}
Hub Power:               Self Power
Number of Ports:         4
Power switching:         Ganged
Compound device:         No
Over-current Protection: Global
 
Device Descriptor:
bcdUSB:             0x0200
bDeviceClass:         0x09
bDeviceSubClass:      0x00
bDeviceProtocol:      0x01
bMaxPacketSize0:      0x40 (64)
idVendor:           0x05E3 (Genesys Logic, Inc.)
idProduct:          0x0608
bcdDevice:          0x3298
iManufacturer:        0x00
iProduct:             0x01
iSerialNumber:        0x00
bNumConfigurations:   0x01
 
Configuration Descriptor:
wTotalLength:       0x0019
bNumInterfaces:       0x01
bConfigurationValue:  0x01
iConfiguration:       0x00
bmAttributes:         0xE0 (Bus Powered Self Powered Remote Wakeup)
MaxPower:             0x32 (100 mA)
 
 
A lot of Android devices, like the $40 Azpen A700 tablet, can work directly with any compatible standard USB DAC (i.e. maxpower required: 500 mA), because it can work with an ODAC that requires 500 mA.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/3465#post_9991738
 

 

[SV_huMMer]

  For Android are there any power-sipping DACs that work without a powered USB hub, similar to how the High Resolution Technologies MicroStreamer works with iOS devices without a powered-USB hub? Or is that an exclusive iOS feature (for now)?
 
http://www.macworld.com/article/2089224/usb-dac-review-six-compact-components-for-upgrading-your-computer-s-audio.html
 
I understand that bigger devices like the FiiO have both a DAC and amp, but I'm curious about whether there is just a tiny DAC like the High Resolution Technologies MicroStreamer that works with Android? 
 
I have a Nexus 5 and would like to stay in the Android world, but the prospect of using my smartphone with just a DAC and no powered USB hub is pretty appealing in terms of pocketability.

 
There are lots of such DACs and even DAC/Amps, but the outcome strongly depends on the Android device, namely on how much current it is capable of providing in OTG mode. And this varies greatly among different devices.
 
M2Tech HiFace DAC, GeekOut, Resonessence Labs Herus are just very few examples of many devices reported to be working with "strong" android phones (Galaxy S3/4/5, Sony Xperia Z/Z1 etc) without any hubs. With Nexus 5 YMMW...

 

[DanBa]

  Has anyone tried using an android phone with an aftermarket car stereo via usb yet? Android L is supposed to have usb audio. :\

 
To my knowledge, there are 3 main types of Android car USB audio:
1. Android device as storage device; car audio system as player - DAC - amp - speakers
2. Android device as storage device - player; USB DAC; car audio system as amp - speakers
3. Android device as storage device - player; car audio system as DAC - amp - speakers.
 
 

 
 
1. Android device as storage device; car audio system as player - DAC - amp - speakers:
 
Android phone as storage device >> regular USB cable >> car audio system: car audio player > car audio DAC > car audio amp > car audio speakers
 
The car audio system operating in USB Host mode provides power to the Android phone operating in USB Device mode.
 
http://www.cnet.com/news/using-your-android-phone-with-your-car-stereo-how-to/
 

 
 
2. Android device as storage device - player; standard USB DAC; car audio system as amp - speakers:
 
Android phone as storage device - player(s) >> USB OTG cable >> compatible USB DAC >> car audio system: car audio amp > car audio speakers
 
The Android phone operating in USB Host mode provides power to the standard USB DAC.
As often as possible, a USB OTG/ACA cable should be used so that the USB ACA-featured Android phone operating in USB Host mode is also able to be charged by a power supply at the same time.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/5430#post_10929191
 

 
 
3. Android device as storage device - player; car audio system as DAC - amp - speakers:
 
Android phone as storage device - player(s) >> regular USB cable >> car audio system: car audio DAC > car audio amp > car audio speakers
 
The car audio system operating in USB Host mode provides power to the Android phone.
This car audio DAC (i.e. Android-specific USB DAC) is obviously not compatible with PC or Mac. It is compliant with the Android Open Accessory protocol 2.0 (AOA 2.0).
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/2310#post_9458311
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/UnAssigned-Content/Android+Compatibility
http://www.jvc.net/cs/car/firmware/2014/aoa/index.html
 
 

 

[r4tr4tr4t]

  h1f1add1cted:
Thanks for the links - I like the look of your rig !
 
As for Android L working natively with USB dacs - I'll believe that when I see ( or hear ) it

 
"USB Audio support means you can plug USB microphones, speakers, and a myriad of other USB audio devices like amplifiers and mixers into your Android device"
 
source: http://www.android.com/versions/lollipop-5-0/
 

 

[dynacampjim]

r4tr4tr4t:

"USB Audio support means you can plug USB microphones, speakers, and a myriad of other USB audio devices like amplifiers and mixers into your Android device" 

Can't wait to taste those lollipops !

 

[DanBa]

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact & Cypher Labs Theorem 720:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/633511/pictures-of-your-portable-rig-part-xvi/14220#post_10956061
 
Xperia Z3 Compact with native USB audio >> Theorem 720 DAC/amp >> modded Beyerdynamic DT 1350 headphones
 

 
The Samsung Galaxy S3 / Note 2 / S4 / Note 3 can work with a Theorem 720 only when using USB Audio Player PRO (UAPP):
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/5460#post_10941244
Sony has the best compatible "native USB audio" for the time being at least from the Cypher Labs point of view.

 

[fusionsword]

Hi everyone, I tried a DAC/Amp hybrid (ibasso D2+) with a couple of android devices, and I have a few questions to ask the more experienced headfi-ers around here (I'm starting out in this hobby).
During the course of my pairing, I managed to successfully connect my Note 10.1 2014 and old Xperia SP, but failed to connect my Xperia Z1 as it stated that "Power consumption by devices is increased, therefore, all of them have been disabled. Please disconnect them and try reconnecting them one after another."
So I tried, but to no avail. I'm using the default Walkman app, phone is unrooted on 4.4.4. Does anyone have a solution to this?
In addition, for the devices that could be connected (Note 10.1 2014 and Xperia SP), I was able to control the volume from both the device and the volume know on the DAC/Amp itself. Does this mean the devices are not giving out a full digital output? If so, how do I rectify this?

Thank you very much

 

[Sundown]

   
To my knowledge, there are 3 main types of Android car USB audio:
1. Android device as storage device; car audio system as player - DAC - amp - speakers
2. Android device as storage device - player; USB DAC; car audio system as amp - speakers
3. Android device as storage device - player; car audio system as DAC - amp - speakers.
 
 

 
 
1. Android device as storage device; car audio system as player - DAC - amp - speakers:
 
Android phone as storage device >> regular USB cable >> car audio system: car audio player > car audio DAC > car audio amp > car audio speakers
 
The car audio system operating in USB Host mode provides power to the Android phone operating in USB Device mode.
 
http://www.cnet.com/news/using-your-android-phone-with-your-car-stereo-how-to/
 

 
 
2. Android device as storage device - player; standard USB DAC; car audio system as amp - speakers:
 
Android phone as storage device - player(s) >> USB OTG cable >> compatible USB DAC >> car audio system: car audio amp > car audio speakers
 
The Android phone operating in USB Host mode provides power to the standard USB DAC.
As often as possible, a USB OTG/ACA cable should be used so that the USB ACA-featured Android phone operating in USB Host mode is also able to be charged by a power supply at the same time.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/5430#post_10929191
 

 
 
3. Android device as storage device - player; car audio system as DAC - amp - speakers:
 
Android phone as storage device - player(s) >> regular USB cable >> car audio system: car audio DAC > car audio amp > car audio speakers
 
The car audio system operating in USB Host mode provides power to the Android phone.
This car audio DAC (i.e. Android-specific USB DAC) is obviously not compatible with PC or Mac. It is compliant with the Android Open Accessory protocol 2.0 (AOA 2.0).
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/2310#post_9458311
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/UnAssigned-Content/Android+Compatibility
http://www.jvc.net/cs/car/firmware/2014/aoa/index.html
 
 

 
I was hoping for #3 but also able to use pandora and have all sounds from the phone come over to the stereo just like iOS'. I'm debating on getting a newer Android phone or getting a new iPhone based on what I can use in my vehicle. USB storage is great, but I'm too lazy to add or switch songs out and that's where Pandora kicks in. Bluetooth audio is just terrible quality. I have yet to hear APTx though. I wonder if that is any better. 

 

[DanBa]

   
I was hoping for #3 but also able to use pandora and have all sounds from the phone come over to the stereo just like iOS'.
 

 
It's the case.
"An accessory that connects with Android over USB connection must use the Android Open Accessory (AOA) protocol version 2.0. This version of the AOA protocol is supported on Android 4.1 (API Level 16) and higher. Once an Android device connects to an accessory that supports this protocol, the Android system treats it as a standard audio output device and routes all audio to that accessory."
http://source.android.com/accessories/audio.html
 
 

 

[spitf1r3]

I can confirm that the New Samsung Galaxy Note 4 works with Fiio Andes with OTG cable with stock music player. However when the display turns off the sound is heavily interrupted.

 

[DanBa]

Hi everyone, I tried a DAC/Amp hybrid (ibasso D2+) with a couple of android devices, and I have a few questions to ask the more experienced headfi-ers around here (I'm starting out in this hobby).
During the course of my pairing, I managed to successfully connect my Note 10.1 2014 and old Xperia SP, but failed to connect my Xperia Z1 as it stated that "Power consumption by devices is increased, therefore, all of them have been disabled. Please disconnect them and try reconnecting them one after another."
So I tried, but to no avail. I'm using the default Walkman app, phone is unrooted on 4.4.4. Does anyone have a solution to this?
 

 
How about reset your Xperia Z1?
 
 

In addition, for the devices that could be connected (Note 10.1 2014 and Xperia SP), I was able to control the volume from both the device and the volume know on the DAC/Amp itself. Does this mean the devices are not giving out a full digital output? If so, how do I rectify this?

Thank you very much 

 

As the iBasso D2+ USB DAC/amp has an analog volume control feature, it can be digitally analog volume controlled or digitally digital volume controlled (i.e. digitally controlled by the Android operating system software or by the music player software).
 
http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/Intro/SQ/VolumeControl.htm
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/3030#post_9771761
 

 
The digital volume control shall be set at full volume if it is not used.

 

[fusionsword]

How about reset your Xperia Z1?


As the iBasso D2+ USB DAC/amp has an analog volume control feature, it can be digitally analog volume controlled or digitally digital volume controlled (i.e. digitally controlled by the Android operating system software or by the music player software).

http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/Intro/SQ/VolumeControl.htm
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/3030#post_9771761




The digital volume control shall be set at full volume if it is not used.

I can't afford to reset my phone considering I've used it for quite a while haha, but thanks for the heads up. Will check those links

 

[carpler]

Some time ago I bought a galaxy s3 to use it only as a music player, in combination with a Fiio E18 DAC.
A few days ago my smartphone broke and so I'm using the S3 as well as my phone.
Since I entered the sim and also activates the voice connection + data, the smartphone has become particularly unstable: the system is full of lag and even listening to the music I have several breaks.

I was thinking then install a custom rom to have a more fluid and stable smartphone.
But of course I do not want to lose compatibility with the USB DAC.
So I ask here if you could tell me a rom that takes care even the audio portion: okay any one or not?
Thanks so much!