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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
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,685 posts
 

Using a  USB-B to ethernet adapter (actually it is an RJ45 to USB B Receiver) is not likely to properly convert the signals into USB at the DAC unless the computer is sending the signals from its USB output via a complementary USB A to RJ45 Transmitter.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,164 posts
 

@bigby I own M3.
the network card in the Bricasti is capable of DSD128 native. To use Bricasti native DSD processing set DSD setting to NDSD. You will be streaming DSD128 via network and the DAC will handle it. 

Otherwise if you have and want to play DSD256 files you need a streamer or computer connected to the M21 via USB. There’s no other way that I know of. You sure your DSD files are 256?
 

hgeifman
2,238 posts
 

+1, The Bricasti M21 DAC can stream DSD files up to 128 via an Ethernet connection, functioning as a DLNA-compliant media renderer. It supports various digital inputs, including Ethernet, which allows for seamless integration with networked audio systems.

>> However, it does not support streaming DSD256 files over Ethernet; the maximum for Ethernet is DSD128. For DSD256 playback, USB input is required.

Ethernet to USB adopters are available on Amazon but I have no info on the signal quality of the format conversion.

FYI:  USB-to-Ethernet adapters can provide reliable signal quality, but performance varies based on the adapter type. USB 2.0 adapters support speeds up to 100 Mbps, while USB 3.0 and USB-C adapters can achieve up to 2.5 Gbps, offering better stability and speed for demanding applications. However, using a USB adapter may introduce some latency compared to built-in Ethernet ports, though many users report minimal noticeable differences in typical internet applications. Overall, the quality of the adapter and network conditions will significantly impact performance.

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