Sony Support

Article ID : 00149089 / Last Modified : 02/05/2016Print

Frequently Asked Questions about the USB DAC Amplifier

    NOTE: This article only applies to specific products. Please check the Applicable Products at the bottom of this article.

    Sections in this answer:


    ・Connecting to devices


    Q1: What is necessary for high-resolution (hi-res) playback from an Android smartphone using a USB DAC Amplifier?

    A1: A USB OTG cable and a USB cable (USB A plug-USB micro B plug) are necessary.
    A hi-res application that allows hi-res data to be output through USB and an Android smartphone that supports hi-res output through USB are also necessary.
    To check whether your device supports hi-res output, refer to the specifications of your connected device.


    Q2: What is necessary for high-resolution (hi-res) playback from an iPhone using a USB DAC Amplifier?

    A2: An adaptor (sold separately) and a USB cable (USB A plug-USB micro B plug) are necessary.
    A hi-res application that allows hi-res data to be output through USB is also necessary.

    NOTE: No particular cable is recommended.


    ・Playback specifications


    Q3: Is native DSD playback possible by USB DAC?

    A3: Yes, it is. (DSD 2.8MHz/1bit and 5.6MHz/1bit are supported)
    For native DSD playback, a device and an application that support native DSD playback are necessary.
    To perform native DSD playback, check the settings and specifications of your playback device and application.

     

    Q4: The listed bit depth is 32bit, but can 32bit files be played back?

    A4: The sampling frequency and bit depth that are listed for this product indicate the types of files that can be input.
    32bit files are played back in 24bit.

     

    Q5: Is gapless playback supported?

    A5:     Yes, gapless playback is supported. If the file format, sampling frequency, and bit depth of the songs before and after the song being played all match, then there will be no gap in playback.

     

    Q6: Can the time alignment be adjusted during DSD playback by USB DAC?

    A6:     Yes, it can. However, the sub output cannot be adjusted.

    NOTE: The time alignment can be adjusted for Front Lch & Rch and Rear Lch & Rch during DSD playback.



    ・Troubleshooting

    • Connections


    Q7: My Android smartphone is not being recognised by USB DAC.

    A7: Check whether the audio output setting on your connected device is set to USB.
    To check the setting on Xperia smartphones, follow the steps below.

    NOTE: The display is different depending on the Xperia model. Also, some models may not have the setting.

    1. Select Settings.
    2. Select Xperia Connectivity.
    3. Select USB Connectivity.
    4. Confirm with Detect USB device.


    • Charging


    Q8: The device connected to the USB-DAC (USB micro B port) is not being charged.

    A8: A connected device cannot be charged from the USB micro B port. Devices can only be charged from USB1 or USB2.


    • Operations


    Q9: Songs cannot be operated from the unit.

    A9:     During playback using a USB DAC connection, songs cannot be operated from the unit.
    Operate songs from the connected device.

    IMPORTANT: Never perform operations while driving.


    • Sound


    Q10: No sound is output by USB DAC.

    A10:     Check the following items according to your usage situation.

    - 1. If performing Bluetooth pairing during USB DAC playback:
    The audio output of the connected device may have switched from USB DAC to Bluetooth audio.
    If sound is not output from USB DAC, check whether the audio output of the connected device is USB.

    - 2. If connected by Bluetooth:
    The audio output of the connected device may be set to Bluetooth.
    If sound is not output from USB DAC, verify that the audio output of the connected device is set to USB.

    - 3．If using an Android smartphone:
    Re-confirm the orientation of the USB OTG cable and the USB cable.
    For details, refer to the connection guide in the instructions.

    - 4．If connected to Walkman/Xperia by Bluetooth:
    Disconnect from Bluetooth.

    - 5．If no sound is output from the product when it is connected to a computer:

    Check the following items.

    • Restart your PC.
    • For a Windows computer, install the “Sony USB Device Driver” if you have not already.
    • Switch the SOURCE on the product OFF/ON again.
    • Confirm that the computer and product are connected correctly.
    • Try connecting to a different USB port on the computer and see whether it is recognised. If it is recognised, there may be a problem with that USB port.

    - 6．If no sound is output when using Media Go for playback:

    Check the following steps.

    1. Go to Tools in Media Go, and select Preferences.
    2. Select Audio Output.
    3. Select ASIO Device.
    4. Select Sony ASIO device, and press the OK button.

     

    Q11: When playing back DSD by USB DAC, there is no sound from OPT output.

    A11    : Audio output from OPT is not possible during DSD playback by USB DAC.

     

    Q12: There is noise between songs.

    A12    : Check the settings on the playback app.


    ・Error displays/Messages

    Q13: A device is connected, but No device is being displayed.

    A13: I    f the screen of the connected device turns off or if the device enters sleep, the signal from the connected device may be cut, and No device will be displayed.
    Make sure that the connected device is on and operational.
    Operations differ depending on the device being connected, so refer to the instruction manual for your connected device.