Dac and amp stack connection

Apr 29, 2025 at 11:10 PM Post #2 of 5
On an amplifier the USB is just for firmware updates, not for audio. Which models do you have? Many DACs have Bluetooth input which is much easier on a phone.
A phone can plug into the USB port on a DAC, or BT, or an Apple USB to 3.5mm adapter, then a 3.5mm to double male RCA into the RCA inputs on the amplifier.
 
Apr 30, 2025 at 4:21 AM Post #3 of 5
Hello,
this would only work if the Dac had an RCA in which very few usually have.
Dac's only have digital inputs like Usb,Coax,I2S,Optical,AES.
The Dac usually has RCA outputs as well as XLR.
But what you can do now is the following,
connect the Dac to the amplifier via RCA or XLR, and if you want to use your Iphone as a digital source carrier, connect the Iphone to the Dac with this cable:
https://www.audioquest.com/de/products/forest-usb-c-b-digital-audio-cable
and control Tidal,Quboos,Youtube,Roon,ect... as a streaming provider with your Iphone.
Usb B is connected to the Dac, and Usb c to the Iphone.
Set the Dac in the output to USB as source.
The Iphone may still need to be set to forward the output.
You can do the same with the Ipad later if you want.
But there is no other possibility except the mentioned Bluethooth or that the Dac actually has a RCA in input, if so it would be possible to connect with a RrCA to 3.5 mm ds, but the Iphone must then also have a headphone jack for this to work.
 
Apr 30, 2025 at 12:53 PM Post #4 of 5
I appreciate all the information. It is extremely helpful. I got the urge and wanted to try a stack and bought a used one for 60 dollars. It's a topping d10s and the L30 I believe.

If I connect using USB B to USB C from the DAC to phone. Should I use a USB splitter? That way the phone can be charging while it's plugged in to the dac?

Also .. I am assuming that using an optical cable to USB c wouldn't work since it's spdif out on the DAC?
 
May 1, 2025 at 7:52 AM Post #5 of 5
Hello,
I don't know if it works with the splitter, you would have to try it out to see if it works.
An optical cable will not work, optical only works if both devices have this connection.
CD players, TV's, consoles usually have optical out, the Dac must then have optical in for it to work.
Smartphones and tablets do not have this.
Always try to go the direct route as far as the audio connection is concerned.
So that you don't encounter problems such as hum loops or something like that, which can often be the case with audio extractors.
With the Topping L30 I also remember to take care of the amplifier,
they have had an earthing problem during manufacture.
Many people have bought these and damaged their headphones with them, even really expensive ones like Zmf, Audeze ect.
Some have also put the headphones on and plugged them in and there was a bang that was very loud.
This is of course extremely unhealthy for the ears.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top