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How to Connect DAC's USB Port to Ethernet Cable

My DAC is a Bricasti M21. I would like to try streaming native DSD256 files using the DACs true 1-bit DSD.

Music is currently streamed using Audirvana on my android phone from a network switch using the DACs ethernet port with an ethernet cable. The DAC can only stream DSD256 files using its USB port. I’d like keep the ethernet connection to stream other file types and Qobuz. I can switch to the DACs USB port using the remote when I want to listen to DSD256 files.

The computer with the DSD256 files is downstairs and the Bricasti is upstairs. How do I add a cord from the network switch in the music room to the DACs USB port? Do I need a separate box in the music room that converts the network ethernet signal to a USB signal or can I use a USB-B to ethernet adapter?

I already contacted the manufacturer, but the person I talked with said they have never tried this before.

bigby
mahler123
3,362 posts
 

There are some fairly small streamers out there that will handle DSD. iFi would be the first place I would look at. The OP said he doesn’t want a large box in that system-I get that- and I haven’t heard the greatest feedback about the company - but if he only needs it to play DSD files it might be worth taking a flyer, particularly if he has a return policy.

Another small footprint solution might be a MacMini. He would have to verify that a MacMini can handle DSD. Also the last time I owned one , over a decade ago, I had to attach a monitor to it, which I wall mounted to save space. However I would think that it should be possible to control with an iOS app on a portable device

devinplombier
164 posts
 

If you're going to be using a computer for streaming, it should be stripped down in terms of hardware and functionality. An apple product won't let you do that, it will fight you every inch of the way. Also, apple does not support flac natively... In 2024... Apple is the last brand/platform an audiophile should consider.

 

bigby OP
155 posts
 

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions.  I didn't realize how complicated this is.  I'm going to wait until after the holidays and take it up again.

Kind regards,

Alan

devinplombier
164 posts
 

@bigby 

It looks like your M21 DAC only supports DSD over PCM (DoP), and then only up to DSD128. If you wish to play files DSD256 or higher without downconversion, it does not look like your current DAC will support it.

Also, the USB-Ethernet dongle you linked to in your first post only supports USB 1.1 and is likely not adequate for the use you have in mind.

 

bigby OP
155 posts
 

@devinplombier - After checking with the manufacturer, it supports DSD256 over USB playing without down conversion on the M21 with the MDX board.

 

I'm not going to use the dongle. 

 

Thanks for your feedback!

 

 

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