How to use external DAC with Android?

What is an external DAC?

A DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is a device that converts digital audio signals into analog signals that can then be amplified and played through headphones or speakers (Source: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-benefits-of-using-a-USB-DAC-to-improve-sound-quality-on-your-computer-or-mobile-device). The DAC takes audio files in digital formats like MP3, FLAC, or WAV and converts them into an analog audio signal that your headphones or speakers can play.

Most Android devices have a built-in DAC, but it may be lower quality. An external DAC connects to your Android device via USB-C or USB-A and takes over the digital-to-analog conversion, bypassing the built-in DAC. This allows the audio signal to be converted to analog with higher fidelity before being amplified. External DACs use higher quality components than built-in smartphone DACs, resulting in better sound quality.

Using an external DAC with your Android device can provide benefits like improved audio resolution, reduced noise/distortion, and the ability to drive high-end headphones. If you listen to high resolution audio or care about audio quality, an external DAC can be a worthwhile upgrade over your smartphone’s built-in conversion.

Why use an external DAC?

The main reason to use an external DAC (digital-to-analog converter) with an Android device is to improve audio quality over the smartphone’s built-in DAC. Smartphone manufacturers often cut corners with audio circuitry to save costs, resulting in mediocre sound. An external DAC bypasses the smartphone’s audio processing and converts the digital signal to analog directly. High-quality DACs use superior components and designs to deliver much better audio fidelity.

Another key reason is to bypass limitations of the smartphone’s audio hardware. Many Android devices lack support for high-resolution audio formats like FLAC, ALAC, or DSD. The built-in DAC may only process 16-bit/48kHz at most. Connecting an external DAC with 32-bit/384kHz support can unlock the ability to play high-res audio. Dedicated audio circuitry in external DACs also provides lower noise levels and distortion compared to integrated smartphone DACs.

In summary, external DACs lead to much improved audio quality over a smartphone’s limited built-in circuitry. Audiophiles who care about hearing music the way it was recorded will benefit greatly from adding an external DAC to bypass limitations of smartphone audio hardware.

Choosing an External DAC

When selecting an external DAC to use with your Android device, there are a few key specifications and features to consider:

Important specs:

• Bit rate – This refers to the amount of data processed per second, measured in kilobits per second (kbps). For high-resolution audio, look for a DAC that supports bit rates of 32-bit or higher.
• Sample rate – Expressed in kHz, this determines the number of audio samples captured per second. Aim for 192 kHz or above.
• Output impedance – Lower impedance allows for better transfer of current, resulting in improved audio quality. Look for under 1 ohm.

Wired vs. wireless:

• Wired DACs typically offer higher quality audio, but wireless models provide more convenience and portability. Consider your priorities.

Budget and features:

• Entry-level USB-C DAC dongles start around $10-50, while audiophile-grade desktop DACs can cost $500+. Determine how much you’re willing to spend.
• Consider device compatibility, controls, and extra features like headphone amps, EQ settings, etc. The more you spend, the more advanced features you’ll get.

For Android-specific advice, check out guides like this one.

Setting up the connection

Connecting an external DAC to your Android device is straightforward. Most external DACs designed for use with smartphones connect via the USB-C or microUSB port.

Simply plug your DAC into your phone’s USB port using the appropriate cable. Make sure the DAC is powered on if it has its own battery. Once connected, your phone should automatically switch to outputting audio over USB.

Some DAC devices may require installing a companion app or driver from the manufacturer before they function properly. Refer to your DAC’s documentation to see if any additional software is needed and install it if required. Fiio and Audioquest are examples of brands that offer apps to configure settings and modes on their DAC products.

In most cases, connecting via USB and ensuring any supporting software is installed is all that’s needed to start using your external DAC. Audio output will automatically be routed through the DAC as long as it remains plugged in and powered on.

Sources:

https://www.hifivision.com/threads/apple-music-to-launch-lossless-streaming.84562/page-19

Enabling USB audio output

To enable audio output through a USB DAC on Android, you first need to locate the setting to change the audio output to USB. On many Android devices running Android 10 and above, this can be found in the Sound or Audio settings. There will often be an option like “Audio output” or “Audio source” where you can select USB audio.

However, some Android devices may not have this setting available by default. In that case, you may need to install an app like USB Audio Player Pro to unlock USB audio output capabilities. This app has a setting to enable USB audio routing to allow any audio to be sent through the USB port to your external DAC.

So in summary, first check your Android settings to see if USB audio output is already available as an option. If not, installing USB Audio Player Pro should allow you to enable this functionality.

Getting audio output via DAC

After connecting your external DAC and enabling USB audio output, the next step is to get audio playback working through the DAC. To test this:

1. Launch your preferred music app, like Spotify, Tidal or Google Play Music. The music should automatically play through your external DAC rather than the phone’s internal DAC.

2. Play a track and listen closely using your headphones. You should hear the music come through clearly in high quality.

If you don’t hear any audio from your external DAC, there are some troubleshooting steps to try:

– Go to your phone’s Settings > Sound and confirm the music app is set to use the USB audio device. You may need to change the audio output from Phone Speaker to USB.

– Try different music apps and audio sources like Youtube to isolate the issue.

– Restart your phone and external DAC. Also try reconnecting the USB cable.

– Check for updated USB/DAC drivers and firmware for your Android device and external DAC.

– As per the Reddit thread, use USB Audio Recorder PRO app to test connectivity.

If you still can’t get audio output through the DAC, your device may not be fully compatible. You can search for solutions specific to your phone model and external DAC.

DAC Specifications to Look For

When choosing an external DAC for your Android device, there are certain technical specifications to look for in order to ensure you get the best audio quality possible:

High Bit and Sample Rates for Hi-Res Audio: Look for DACs that support high-resolution audio with bit rates of 24-bits or more and sample rates of 96kHz or higher. This allows the DAC to play back high-res audio files beyond CD quality. For example, the FiiO BTR5 2021 supports up to 32-bit/384 kHz decoding ¹.

Low Output Impedance: A lower output impedance (under 1 Ohm) helps the DAC better drive various headphone impedances without altering the frequency response. The iFi Go Blu has an ultra-low 0.5 Ohms output impedance ².

Important Audio Formats Supported: Look for support for lossless formats like FLAC, ALAC, etc. as well as popular formats like AAC and MP3. The Helm Bolt DAC supports DSD, DoP, PCM, DXD, DST, MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, etc. ³.

Top picks for Android DACs

Here are some of the best DAC options for Android phones at various budget levels:

The FiiO Q1 II is a great budget option with good sound quality and useful features like bass boost and volume controls. For higher quality audio, the Hidizs S9 Pro provides studio-grade balanced output at a reasonable price.

At the premium end, the Chord Mojo 2 offers exceptional audio performance comparable to desktop DAC setups, while the Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt focuses more on decoding high quality streaming audio.

FAQs about external DACs

External DACs allow you to bypass the internal DAC of your Android device and output higher quality audio. However, using an external DAC with Android does come with some common questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using external DACs with Android devices:

What Android versions are compatible with external DACs?

Most modern versions of Android from Android 5.0 and up support USB digital audio output, which allows you to connect an external DAC. However, some manufacturers may disable or limit this functionality, so check your device specifics. The Audio Player app in Android 10 and 11 includes built-in support for USB output to external DACs.

Do I need an OTG adapter?

Most likely, yes. Nearly all Android devices will require a USB OTG (On-The-Go) adapter cable to connect an external DAC. This allows your device to act as a USB host. Choose an OTG cable that suits your device’s USB-C or microUSB port.

Will my Android device provide enough power?

Make sure to choose an externally powered DAC, as most mobile devices cannot provide enough bus power over USB for a DAC to function properly. External power eliminates this issue. Some units may also support charging your phone over USB while in use.

What music apps support external DACs?

Most major Android music apps like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music support external DAC playback. However, you may need to enable USB audio routing in your device settings for system-wide support. Individual apps may also have settings to select USB audio output.

How do I know if my DAC is working?

Check that your device recognizes the DAC, often labeled as an audio device in settings. Confirm that audio plays properly through connected headphones or speakers. You should hear improved audio quality and volume compared to your device’s headphone jack output.

The future of Android audio

With the launch of Android 10, Google has focused on improving audio functionality and quality on Android devices. Features like high-resolution audio support, low-latency audio, and USB digital audio allow Android devices to deliver superb audio reproduction.

Looking ahead, emerging audio standards and technologies will likely further enhance the Android audio experience. Qualcomm’s new aptX Adaptive codec is designed to dynamically adjust bitrate based on the demands of the content, optimizing audio quality and robustness (source).

USB-C audio is also poised to improve Android audio quality. USB-C headphones and DACs can leverage the digital USB connection to deliver bit-perfect output up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution (source). As more headphones adopt USB-C connectivity, users can expect audiophile-grade listening without a 3.5mm adapter.

Looking further ahead, lossless Bluetooth audio codecs may emerge to wirelessly transmit CD-quality or hi-res music to headphones. Spatial audio is another exciting frontier, with immersive formats like Dolby Atmos being adapted for mobile use. The future certainly looks bright for Android audiophiles!