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Schiit Modi 3 with Google Pixel 3

Good evening to you all. I have just purchased a Schiit Modi 3 to add to my system. I do stream most of my music using Tidal and was seeking to improve the quality with this outboard DAC. My Parasound preamp does not have a built-in DAC. Sadly my music source (laptop) just died. I'm now trying to figure out how to stream Tidal from my Pixel 3.  It's my only option right now. I've tried going directly from the USB-c port on my phone to the micro USB on the Schiit Modi but it comes through with very distorted sound. I have used the dongle as that only allows a headphone jack output and I don't think there's a cable for 3.50 headphone to micro USB. I'm unclear whether or not I can go directly out of the USB-c on my phone directly to the Modi or if the phones built-in DAC is interfering with the Modi..??? Or something else perhaps.  Thank you in advance! 
icarus12
sonicjoy
146 posts
 
Yes in addition. It cleans up the usb signal feeding the dac a more pure signal to work with. Check the reviews linked on there web site. Very positive! I just got my cable and an trying to learn how to configure the phone to output audio over usb. Let you know how it goes. Im learning about this just now myself. Been researching it for a week now.
sonicjoy
146 posts
 
Though its not needed and can be added later. They are having a special on them right now though. $125. Reg $200.
sonicjoy
146 posts
 
Alright I'm still working through this. I found out that we need what's called an "O.T.G usb cable" stands for "On The Go". Its different than just an adapter cable. I just ordered one this morning after doing some more research. I tried using my $150. Audioquest Carbon usb C to male usb B adapter cable but it doesn't work. Now I have to return it. Just ordered a cheap OTG adapter cable form Amazon. Will see if I can make that work before trying to find a better quality cable. My Wyred 4 Sound Recovery came today also. I'm really hoping I can make this work. I have not heard of anyone else trying this so it's an experiment for me. Stay tuned.
icarus12 OP
24 posts
 
Thank you for your feedback. I too just ordered an audioquest USB to micro cable with the Dragontail adapter to go from the USB A to C for my Pixel 3 output. I'm curious as to why yours didn't work..?? I've been using the supplied cable that came with the Modi 3 DAC and an iFi adapter in the interim and it's working just fine (although the supplied cable probably is not great quality). Are you suggesting that there is some difference between the audioquest cable you're trying to use and the OTG cables?  Or, was your audioquest carbon cable just a wrong fit/type?  Thank you 
sonicjoy
146 posts
 
It's my understanding that OTG cables are different somehow. EJ at Wyred 4 Sound even mentioned that I would probably need an OTG cable. That was before I had even heard of OTG cables.  Not understanding the difference I went ahead and ordered the AQ Carbon that I now have no use for.

But with the AQ cable there was no comunication with the phone and DAC. It seems the OTG cable activates the "audio over usb" output from the phone whereas the standard usb cable does not. Computer stuff is so complicated sometimes! Anyway me OTG cable should be here tomorrow (Mon) and I will post how it goes.
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