OP, how about using a DAP with a micro SD coax-connected to your CD9?
I downloaded high-res files and...
My best player is my Audio Research Ref CD9.
The Reference CD9 incorporates four digital inputs: Asynchronous USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink. All inputs handle 24 bit / 192k resolution.
I recently downloaded a few albums in FLAC and WAV files that I would really like to play via the CD9.
But how?
Try 1. I purchased some 700MB TDK CDR, with a view to burning the tracks onto the discs to become standard cd's.
But, as you know, traditional cd players, esp this one, ONLY play Redbook cd's. And the files of these cd's are .CDDA. So I started to convert the files using an online service and it delivered me a .cdda file. All good, I guess.
Then I went to 'test it' by trying to play the single .cdda track I had back on my Mac. Nothing would play it. Nothing. Not VLC, Not Apple Music. Nutz. Test 1. Fail.
Probably, I need to convert whatever the CDR will hold, probably 18-20 tracks and then burn them onto the CDR, run over and insert into the cd9 in the living room, and push play...
Now I am thoroughly sick of thinking about what will it take to play these great tracks through the CD9.
As far as the digital inputs in the CD9, the only media player I have right now is a spare Apple Macbook Air that I could probably use. I have a nice USB cable... but the MBA is not an ideal and potentially noisy digital player. It is what it is... I also have an Apple 4K tv not in use, if that helps?
Does anyone have any thoughts about driving this pursuit to completion? Especially how this can become a longer term solution for all my digital files to play through this analog (and DAC) CD9 unit?
The options seem endless yet the experience is also start-less! Oh, I do have my LG tv optical connected to the CD9 to play Tidal, not too badly.
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@eagledriver_22 do you have a dap in mind? I sold my onkyo dap… yeah as long it has a digital output it’s worth the experiment 👍 |
I am using a Fiio X7 MKII and a Fiio M9. Actually, M11S, M11+, M15S or M17 are on the market. There are many DAP's of other brands which will do nicely as well (Astell&Kern, Shanling, iBasso), provided that they have digital out. If you will use the DAP mainly as a transport, you don't have to spend a fortune on the DAP (but you could can if you want to) A new product is the Fiio R7 desktop transmitter Depending on your eyesight, you may want to look for a DAP with a large display. In addition, you could stream Quobuz via DAP to your CD9 if the DAP allows downloading of the corresponding app. Second hand might be ok as well. If battery life should be below average, you could run the DAP using wall power or a powerbank. Hope this help.
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I play hires FLAC from my MAC on occasion. I play from VNC, but there's probably a better way. The DAC is connected via USB, but I've also used this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077D4GDPF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The above provides a TOSLINK output in the 3.5" connection - similar to how older MacBook Pro's did. You'll need to open Applications->Utilities->Audio MIDI Setup to set the bitrate/depth you want the interface to operate at. This is necessary for the device and the USB to DAC connection. If using USB, the DAC may appear by its name or may come up as "Speaker" or some other generic term. Short of a cable and a free download, you have everything you need, IMO. |
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