What portable sources can go USB out to a DAC?
Nov 16, 2012 at 7:40 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 6

MrDowntempo

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I have a JDS Labs ODAC which sounds great hooked up to my PC. It's small enough to be very portable (especially since it operated off of USB power) but I don't have any portable device compatible with it. What portable devices support usb audio out so I can use it with my ODAC? I'm open minded to strange possibilities including DIY if need be. Large storage options are also a huge plus (whether its full SD, micro SD, or hell, even SATA or eSATA) 
 
Nov 16, 2012 at 8:20 AM Post #2 of 6
The Android-powered smartphone Samsung Galaxy S III can interwork with the ODAC:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/315#post_8707637
 
stock Galaxy S III > digital USB audio out  >> ODAC (i.e. Epiphany Acoustics E-DAC) >> Neco V3 amp
 
 

 
 
The Galaxy S III can have 16, 32 or 64 GB of internal memory storage.
More internal memory storage can be added with a 64GB microSDXC card.
External USB mass storage can also be added using a USB hub.
 
 
Sam’s Club Black Friday flyer shows 16GB Galaxy S III for 96 cents (+2 year contract):
http://phandroid.com/2012/11/07/sams-club-black-friday-flyer-shows-galaxy-s3-for-96-cents/
 

 
Nov 16, 2012 at 1:09 PM Post #3 of 6
Quote:
I have a JDS Labs ODAC which sounds great hooked up to my PC. It's small enough to be very portable (especially since it operated off of USB power) but I don't have any portable device compatible with it. What portable devices support usb audio out so I can use it with my ODAC? I'm open minded to strange possibilities including DIY if need be. Large storage options are also a huge plus (whether its full SD, micro SD, or hell, even SATA or eSATA) 

My two cents,
Even if you can connect the ODAC to a portable audio player (like the Galaxy III) that can interface with the ODAC's USB input.
Will that portable audio device also provide power to it?
And even if it could provide power, how much faster would it drain the battery of that portable audio device?
May not be worth it?
 
Nov 16, 2012 at 2:29 PM Post #4 of 6
I use my ODAC – Galaxy S III rig at work. And I never need to charge the Galaxy S III at work, probably because I don’t permanently listen to the music.
 
Smartphone gamers are used to bring with them a battery when they plan to play intensively games on the go.
 
By the way, a clean 5V provided by a battery improves the sound quality of the ODAC.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/165#post_8540151
 
Nov 16, 2012 at 7:11 PM Post #5 of 6
Interesting about power. I've got a portable battery and a powered USB hub. Seems like a bit of overkill portability wise but I'll play with it and see if it makes a difference. I'll give the powered hub a shot too when I'm at home with it. 
 
I won't be eligable for a new phone for a while but the S3 is nice. I use poweramp on my android 2.3 phone now, but it doesn't support USB audio and there are no 4.0 roms. I may consider getting something like one of those Chinese knock off PSPs that run Android 4.0 like http://www.yinlips.com/en/products/details.aspx?v=148 I'd be willing to use a vita or 3DS even if it could serve my purpose. 
 

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