HT201712: Uses for the USB port of AirPort Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express

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bentoronto

Q: I have a DAC with a USB input and AES/SPDIF coax output (which plugs into a processor that likes that AES signal and runs natively at 48/96k). Which of themany new and old Apple boxes can send music to a USB port and on to my DAC?

I have a DAC-like device with a USB input and AES/SPDIF coax output. You see, the device plugs into a processor that likes that AES signal (and saves one stage of DAC that way). BTW, the processor runs natively at 48/96k. Which of the many new and old Apple airport or TV boxes can send music to its USB port and so drive my USB DAC-like device*?

 

Mostly the Apple boxes take iTunes and stream it either to an audio output or, in the case of older Airport Express boxes, to a SPDIF-optical jack. But I want to use a USB all-electric all-digital path.

 

Thanks.

 

*It's not really converting anything much, so not putting the audio signal through a stage of D/A... just converting the USB signal to SPDIF-coax.

Airport Express and Apple TV, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), best quality sound

Posted on Oct 18, 2015 9:20 PM

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Q: I have a DAC with a USB input and AES/SPDIF coax output (which plugs into a processor that likes that AES signal and runs natively ... more

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  • by bentoronto,

    bentoronto bentoronto Oct 18, 2015 9:27 PM in response to bentoronto
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    Oct 18, 2015 9:27 PM in response to bentoronto

    I should add that (at least in the near future, as soon as I buy it), I'll be using a DAC-like device that is self-powered (Gustard U12). I think some (but not all) of the Apple boxes are unwilling to power USB-jack powered USB downstream devices.

    Ben