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

Showing 6 responses by bigby

@audphile1 I download DSD128 files to my PC using NativeDSD Music. Before downloading, you can select the format. I want to try their DSD256 format.

 

The DSD128 files sound pretty good, but I have to listen more to tell if there is a difference from Qobuz.

 

@hgeifman  I'm going to give it a try next week when I get the parts in.

@vinylshadow  - The files I'm going to try are from NativeDSD Music. They are "True DSD" recorded in 256 (unless from analogue tape) so no up sampling.

@mahler123 -  I looked at some.  I just don't want another box in my music room or the process of returns.   If I can't get the cables to work, then I may be forced to go  the separate box route.

@lalitk - I already stream DSD128 over ethernet to the M21. DSD256 files have to be over USB.

@rbstehno - The USB port on the M21 is galvanically isolated.  The isolation should keep out nasty signals that contaminate DACs.

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 - 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!

 

 

@mahler123   I added the ifi Stream to use the USB input. Worked perfect first time.  Thanks for the suggestion.   So far, it seems DSD256 sounds better than DSD128 for classical and jazz music.