Newbie needs HELP!

Are you basically wanting to charge your phone whilst connected to your dac? I've never actually connected my Iphone to my Vitus dac via USB, so i'm not sure if it would charge the phone whilst connected. I'd assume not though. Your dac should atleast be able to recognizse the phone as a source if connected to it's USB aux port?

@melbguyobe. Thx for your reply but no, I’m not trying to charge my phone. My phone doesn’t provide enuf power for the dac and I need a powered usb hub to do so. I’ve been using the charging port of the Apple camera C USB adapter which allows the dac to function but  forces me to charge my phone(at all times)- which I’d like to avoid being forced to do if possible. Anyone have a solution?? Thx

Looking at the specs, your dac has a switcher psu & power cable. So i’m baffled as to why you need to add a psu between your Iphone & dac, as normally the component schematic would be phone/Ipod/HDD - dac - amp - speakers. If you were using a pair of headphones on your laptop, all you’d need is an Audioquest Dragonfly Red or something similar & some good software like JRiver.

MEL- Interesting info. This message from Peachtree might shed some light for you:
Mike -

Since the XMOS USB circuit in the DAC•iT X draws its power from the USB bus, a powered USB hub needs to be used when connecting to the iPhone. (Sorry I failed to mention this in our communications!) If you wish to return the DAC•iT X we will send you a prepaid FedEx label.

Regards,
Russ

Hope that gives you a clearer idea; looks to me like the dac(which is a full size dac btw) requires add’l power. I’m just wondering if there’s a better option than my Apple lightening charging cable so I won’t have to be constantly charging/overcharging my phone whenever I listen to my headphones/dac. Appreciate your input very much. 

Personally Russ. I would look into Schiit Audio dacs which offer amazing cost/performance. Their products are designed and made in the USA, and are well reviewed. There is a range of full size dacs, both balanced and unbalanced depending on your budget and needs. They have multiple inputs incl: USB. And in the case of the Gungnir model atleast, it sounds like you wouldn’t need a USB hub. From their website - "Gen 5 USB: USB, Solved. Forget decrapifiers, regenerators, isolators, and all the USB dongles and boxes you’ve been told you need for USB sound. Our all-new Gen 5 USB input doesn’t require any of that stuff. It’s this simple: Gen 5 is USB, solved. Now standard on all our upgradable DACs, Gen 5 USB features full galvanic isolation via transformers, self-power for low noise and latching, and high-quality local clocking for both 44.1 and 48k multiples". Here is a link fyi - http://www.schiit.com/products

Thx but I’m EXTREMELY elated w my Peachtree dac; it’s analog(vinyl like) sound is phenomenal.  I was skeptical reading the unanimously fawning reviews, but happily surprised to find them to be absolutely true & accurate. The Peachtree  Dac itX performs FAR above its  price point. It’s not easy to find tho and I feel very fortunate to have acquired mine directly from Russ @ Peachtree. I encourage you, and anyone to audition this dac for themselves. Cheers, Mike

It sounds like what you want is a USB Power Bank. Specifically, you would power your usb hub via the power bank, and run whatever you needed powered through the hub. The power bank would also allow you to utilize a more stable DC current, compared to the AC coming from the wall.
Here's a power bank suggestion that should work:

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Charger-Anker-PowerCore-20100mAh/dp/B00X5RV14Y/ref=sr_1_4?s=wireless...

Hope that helps.

Oh yes. I believe you are correct Sir & that item should do the trick. Really appreciate your input & help. Thx very much. Cheers, Mike

@courant. One thing I truly hope I’m just not seeing- how can I use that power bank w my set-up ( iPhone 7 >Apple USB-C (camera adapter). USB-C output > dac usb input, & lightening charge cable>USB hub ( which now I’m using a standard plugged into AC outlet USB hub) without automatically charging my iPhone unnecessarily, and causing the dac to stop working? Thx for your help. Mike

You'll probably want to hunt down some form of USB Y Cable that splits power and data. Connect the power section to the hub as needed, and connect the data-only to the dac.

Suggested viewing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1BK-UtNhK4

https://www.startech.com/ca/Cables/USB-2.0/Mini/3-ft-USB-Y-Cable-for-External-Hard-Drive-USB-A-to-mi...

https://www.musicservertips.com/how-to-articles/iphone-digital-audio-output/

Beyond that, Google is your friend.

Hope that helps.

Absolutely helps. I’m just frankly amazed that this seemingly simple issue is this friggin complicated. Ha. Thx so much for your knowledgeable input. Cheers,  Mike

@mstrauss  You will benefit from using a 'reclocker' between your iPhone and your DAC. There are a number of options like the Sonore microRendu, Wyred4Sound Reclocker, SoTM, etc.

This will not only solve the problem you are trying to address, but also improve overall sound quality and musical performance. A true win - win with a small additional investment.

The 'reclockers' come with their own power supply, which can be upgraded to a linear power supply for even greater sound quality improvements. See how you like overall performance via the stock switch mode supply (wall wart) and decide accordingly. It is a worthwhile second future step. 

Whichever device you go with, check with Peachtree for compatibility (or the manufacturer of the reclocker).

Good luck.

If you don't already have one (I am assuming you do, given your question) you will need the iPhone 'camera adapter' or lightning to USB 3 adapter. 

@david_ten   Thx for pointing me to a reclocker, which I’ve heard before but without your direct and clear explanation/benefit. I’ll check your recco’s for compatibility and I assume they provide their own power AND enuf power for the dac as well? And yes, I’m currently using the newest version of Apple camera adapter(the one w 1 usb output & 1 lightening output). Thx again, Mike

You are welcome Mike. Most of the reclockers are plug and play, but sometimes there can be hiccups. You are probably fine ordering whichever brand ’speaks’ to you (without checking) since it will most likely work out of the box. Most (if not all) of the reclocker brands have return privileges.

The benefits from putting one in your chain are significant and immediately apparent. Additional improvements over a short break in time, as well.

All the best.

Yeah I’ve decided to go with the Wyred 4 Sound Recovery for $149 from the manufacturer (via Amazon) I  feel it’s an easy choice, if half the reviews are legit. Ha. Thx for your recco. I gotta good feeling about it, and as you pointed out, it also solves my initial problem. Any other ideas/suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Mike