Is any Ibasso, Cayin, Fiio, Hiby able to use an external DAC (Topping D90) and keep charging via USB-C ?

[newworld666]

I am actually using a Hiby R6pro in WIFI mode with Neutron as DLNA/UPNP renderer to be able to use the really advanced Neutron PEQ. Neutron seems to be the only one really efficient (even Qobuz) to my ears with 60 bands available if necessary (I use 10 to 12 depending the headphone), and keeping FLAC or DSD format in DAC out function to another more advanced DAC.

I use mainly mconnectHD on my iphone or Ipad as my interface between my Synology music server or Qobuz and the H6pro in hires mode included DSD with PEQ fully functionnal.

I would like to use soon an external DAC with the H6Pro and use it with an OTG USB-C hub + Topping D90 DAC (still to buy) + a Monolith THX887 as headphone amp + an Heddphone (to receive next week) when I am at home.
Of course, outside my home, the H6pro is still being used as portable gear (with an Ultrasone Ed15 Veritas for any trips, Neutron PEQ is used for Flac/Dsd files and Qobuz via BubbleUpnp + Iphone for internet connection).

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a way to get at the same time external DAC working and keeping the R6pro charging even if there is an external charger on the hub (I tried with my Sony WM1A as external DAC for the H6pro as a POC)
The H6Pro only can have a choice between charging via USB-C or use the WM1A external DAC out never together like I do when Hiby is used a Dac connected to my PC.

So, I am looking for a portable player that is fully compatible with Neutron (supporting Hires Audio and DLNA/Upnp renderer). It's really a pain to adjust the PEQ for the 3 Headphones I need to use (MDR-Z7M2 office, Ultrasone ed15 veritas (travel), and Heddphone at home but "staying free to move" from an armchair near the THX amp, a working desk far from the amp, or lying down farther from the amp, etc.
For the Heddphone, I will also use a 2000mv amp (32 Ohms) I already own (an Hifi PAS3+4.4mm) connected to the Hiby R6pro when I am not sitting near the THX 887.


Actually, Il seems that only those models can keep with Neutron Hires Mode beeing used to an USB-c External-Dac / Upnp/Dlna renderer but I now know, that the Hiby can't keep charging if external DAC is activated.

• iBasso: DX150, DX160, DX200, DX220
• Cayin: i5, N5ii
• FiiO: X5, X7, M6, M7, M9, M11
• HiBy: R6, R6 Pro

Any idea which model can help me to solve my issue ?
Otherwise, I will be stuck to connect the Hiby R6pro via the 4.4mm output directly to the monolith THX887... But I was expecting to move to a AK4499 and get some improvement (though I am not sure to ear any)...

 

[buonassi]

I couldn't find a way to get at the same time external DAC working and keeping the R6pro charging

have you considered using the SPDIF/COAX digital output on R6? It should be able to feed your external DAC a digital signal while keeping the USB port open for charging purposes. Most DAPs have some sort of SPDIF out - either optical or coax.

 

[newworld666]

have you considered using the SPDIF/COAX digital output on R6? It should be able to feed your external DAC a digital signal while keeping the USB port open for charging purposes. Most DAPs have some sort of SPDIF out - either optical or coax.

Actually I am looking to use the R6pro as a network renderer which can apply EQ through Neutron, and than transfer in the original file format (included DSD) to the DAC with no change in sampling rate.

If it's not possible to use the R6Pro with charging through USB, I will probably use an old standalone WIFI Intel NUC with neutron installed to do it.
What is pity, is to lose twice the time just to adjust the EQ with 2 Neutron on 2 different machines... one on the R6pro for moving inside the house and one with the NUC near the THX887 amp. I really would like to use only one portable Gear connected or not to an external DAC+AMp.

 

[yong_shun]

DX220 SPDIF or COAX out to DAC and you can still use the charging port.

 

[newworld666]

DX220 SPDIF or COAX out to DAC and you can still use the charging port.

Hiby can do it too... but basically, I hope to use DSD or flac format out of the R6Pro to be send to an external more powerfull DAC.
Otherwise, I can also use the 4.4mm balanced output of the hiby and send the sound to the Monolith THX 887 amp.

 

[yong_shun]

Hiby can do it too... but basically, I hope to use DSD or flac format out of the R6Pro to be send to an external more powerfull DAC.
Otherwise, I can also use the 4.4mm balanced output of the hiby and send the sound to the Monolith THX 887 amp.

I think if you are saying powerful, it should be referring to amp. Then the 4.4mm balanced line out can do the job.

 

[newworld666]

I think if you are saying powerful, it should be referring to amp. Then the 4.4mm balanced line out can do the job.

Sorry, I am not a native english language, but, I was thinking of a "better/newer performer" DAC with an AK4499 with new electronic around like the Topping D90, instead of the ES9028Q2M of the R6pro before sending the analogue sound to the TX887 amp, though I am not really sure there will be any real sound improvement in a Heddphone (to come) or my actual Z7M2, by doing this way (DSD or Flac) on my NAS => DLNA/Neutron on R6PRO => DAC D90 via USB => Analogue XLR on THX887 Amp => Balanced Heddphone by Hedd.
I just want to EQ the sound to my taste for 2 headphones with a minimum impact on the sound, more than get an absolute better sound overall.

 

[yong_shun]

Sorry, I am not a native english language, but, I was thinking of a "better/newer performer" DAC with an AK4499 with new electronic around like the Topping D90, instead of the ES9028Q2M of the R6pro before sending the analogue sound to the TX887 amp, though I am not really sure there will be any real sound improvement in a Heddphone (to come) or my actual Z7M2, by doing this way (DSD or Flac) on my NAS => DLNA/Neutron on R6PRO => DAC D90 via USB => Analogue XLR on THX887 Amp => Balanced Heddphone by Hedd.
I just want to EQ the sound to my taste for 2 headphones with a minimum impact on the sound, more than get an absolute better sound overall.

Ahhh I got it. No worries my friend. I am not a native english speaker as well. You are trying to tweak the sound signature by bypassing the DAC in your Hiby to D90 right? Then this totally make sense!

 

[newworld666]

It seems, I was a bit too early with my request as by waiting a bit more, some new DAP are coming like the Hiby R8, as those get an UBS-C output to an external DAC and a dedicated power input which will keep the R8 charging
Finally, I chose a SMSL M500 MQA as external DAC connected to the Monolyth THX 887... I had to take an OCKEL SiriusA PRO (Win10) to solve more or less my issue (DLNA Player + advanced PEQ send to SMSL M500)
But I still need be able to use with same parameters of PEQ and DLNA config a DAP and be able to sit anywhere in my home without being glued to the seet near the DAC+AMP.

Actually, It seems the future DX220 Max will also come soon with 2 USB-C input with one dedicated as charge input. Unfortunately iBasso doesn't offer a complete Google playstore like The Hiby R8 (though the Dx220 is compatible with Neutron Player).
Astell&Kern Kann Cube is definitely out of the race without being compatible with apps like Neutron Player (that app is able to have a direct advanced control of the USB-C port to communicate fully with the external DAC).

Now I have to wait some more time, but luckily, my search will soon have an end.

 

[newworld666]

Perfect even for the Fiio M11, I just found on Aliexpress a dock station with an USB-C port dedicated for charging and a USB-C Port for data input or output... I ordered one, and hope the output USB-C will transfer data to my brand-new external DAC SMSL M500 with an ESS pro chip and THX 887 amp !!!
I am really hoping it will solve my issue and no need top pay a crazy price for a Dx220 max or a Hiby R8 ... 25$ is perfect
In my home, I will be free to move or enjoy music connected with a good DAC+Amp, I will have access 2 microSD cards of the M11 with 2 Tb of DSD/Flac files and my NAS/Qobuz as a Dlna renderer with USB player pro or Neutron player (both with very good PEQ).

 

[newworld666]

I got it ... and no luck .. when we use DAC out (Data Out) function, the power is cut from the M11 and start powering the external device even if it's not necessary ...

I give up definitely tu use a DAP as main device for travelling or at home to be connected to external DAC and AMP via USB-C !!!