Many find sound quality improves using a purpose built audio device instead of a computer. As to your original post .. sorry to say I can't help you with your particular issues (not a Windows guy and I don't ever wire my Android phone to the DAC).
I also have the Pagoda and it works great with my Bluesound Node 2, Chromecast Audio, and Sonore microRendu. It also worked just fine with my Mac mini when I tried it. I'm trialing Amazon Music HD and streaming two ways:
I also have the Pagoda and it works great with my Bluesound Node 2, Chromecast Audio, and Sonore microRendu. It also worked just fine with my Mac mini when I tried it. I'm trialing Amazon Music HD and streaming two ways:
- Bluesound Node 2 - nice sound quality up to and including 24/192. Unfortunately the Amazon implementation is very rudimentary.
- Sonore microRendu - running Shairport (AirPlay emulator) in conjunction with Amazon's iOS app on my iPad. Works well and sounds great. Honestly, I think this implementation sounds better than the Node 2 despite the AirPlay limitation (24/48).