I'll be more specific: can you update the EC Mini to follow the CD table of contents as a Red Book CD player should do? That means that if a track has a pre-gap of 2s, there should be a 2s pause in playback between tracks, and if it's longer (as it is on some discs) it should be longer when playing back the disc. If there's no pre-gap, there shouldn't be a gap. And if there's audio in the pregap (as is the case for discs with a "hidden" first track) it should be accessible by rewinding from the start of index 1 of the track.
Also it depends on if you want to use it simply as a transport. The mini has a usb digital out while the CD80 has an optical out. I went with the EC Mini because I have a bunch of DAC's and plan to pair it with a few. I'm planning to test the USB Audio Out with a Qudelix 5K which I can easily EQ specific headphones and IEM's, the Topping E50 for desktop use, and my SR35 with Quad DAC and AK sound. Additionally if I need an optical output, which is generally for larger non portable devices, I can use a USB to optical converter, which are fairly inexpensive (see them online for about $20). Just don't know the compatibility yet of their USB audio out yet.
Can I connect to with my digital to a USB with that cable (like run through my computers, not for ripping but as a power source)?
No, because it's a USB to Optical Output. Optical does not have power run through it. However, the EC Mini has a separate USBC power input, according to the back of the unit. I am curios if I connect the USBC audio output to a dongle DAC if it powers the dongle like an Apple Dongle. THE Qudelix 5K it wouldnt matter so much because it has it's own internal battery. We shall find our when I get mine in!
Are you planning to keep selling this without a disclaimer that it doesn't play back CDs correctly?
I have C80. I am assuming it does have hapless.
No, because it's a USB to Optical Output. Optical does not have power run through it. However, the EC Mini has a separate USBC power input, according to the back of the unit. I am curios if I connect the USBC audio output to a dongle DAC if it powers the dongle like an Apple Dongle. THE Qudelix 5K it wouldnt matter so much because it has it's own internal battery. We shall find our when I get mine in!
After re-reading your post are you asking if you can just use the EC Mini as a sound card for audio output and input, while powering the EC Mini using just the USB C connector? Good question. I don't know. This is also cool because if it does audio both directions, with bluetooth receive and transmit, it can also be used as an outbound USB bluetooth receiver and transmitter for your computer as well.
Shanling, can you let us also know the USB Audio output bitrate and frequency 48K, vs 96k. If it's higher then that or if we are not able to change the USB Audio output it may have issues with a lot of USBC to optical converters. I believe there is a limit on how much optical can handle.
I can't use my computer as a source or to power my c80? I would need to run it through a amp/speakers, or Bluetooth speakers?
CD80/CA80 is powered directly from a power outlet.
There is an input for the ECMini, the Bluetooth receive. If the ECMini were to output audio through USBC and RCA out then this could replace something like the Fio BTA30 Pro. This allows people to send Bluetooth audio to their computer or a USB Dac to listen to sound from a device that transmits bluetooth like their phone. If you had included WIFI streaming and Roon compatability, OMG, this would have been my dream device as it would have become a CD player and streamer. Maybe next time.
