USB-C DAC connection

TL;DR

USB-C DAC is a direct digital audio connection from a computer, phone, or tablet to a DAC using a USB-C cable. Modern DACs achieve bit-perfect hi-res playback via USB-C. Superior to Bluetooth for hi-res sources.

USB-C DAC means connecting a source (computer, phone, iPad) to a DAC using a USB-C cable. The USB link carries digital audio bit-perfectly – the DAC does all conversion.

Advantages

  • Bit-perfect – no wireless compression
  • Hi-res support – up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD256
  • No latency issues (audio + video sync just works)
  • Standard USB-C works with iPhone (15 series+), iPad, Android phones, all modern laptops

How to use

Plug in the USB-C cable, select the DAC as your audio output in system sound settings. Music apps that support ASIO/WASAPI/CoreAudio automatically use the DAC.

Popular USB-C DACs

AIYIMA A80, FiiO K11, Fosi DS3, AIYIMA D20. Most modern DACs have USB-C.

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