Sony Support

Article ID : 00155955 / Last Modified : 11/04/2018Print

Frequently Asked Questions for USB DAC

    NOTE: This article only applies to specific products. Please check the Applicable Products at the bottom of this article.

    Sections in this answer:


    ・Connecting to devices


    Q1: What is necessary for high-resolution (hi-res) playback from a Walkman using a USB DAC?

    A1:

    • For AP Region:
      The WMC-NWH10 (USB conversion cable with hi-res audio output, sold separately) and a USB cable (USB A plug-USB micro B plug) are necessary.
      A Walkman that supports hi-res output through USB is also necessary.

    • For United States, Canada, Latin America and EU Regions:
      For how to connect to a Walkman, contact Support.

     

    Q2: What is necessary for high-resolution (hi-res) playback from an Android smartphone using a USB DAC?

    A2: A USB OTG cable and a USB cable (USB A plug-USB micro B plug) are necessary.
    A hi-res application that allows hi-res data to be output through USB and an Android smartphone that supports hi-res output through USB are also necessary.
    To check whether your device supports hi-res output, refer to the specifications of your connected device.


    Q3: What is necessary for high-resolution (hi-res) playback from an iPhone using a USB DAC?

    A3: An adaptor (sold separately) and a USB cable (USB A plug-USB micro B plug) are necessary.
    A hi-res application that allows hi-res data to be output through USB is also necessary.

    NOTE: No particular cable is recommended.


    ・Playback specifications


    Q4: Is native DSD playback possible by USB DAC?

    A4: Yes, it is. (DSD 2.8MHz/1bit and 5.6MHz/1bit are supported)
    For native DSD playback, a device and an application that support native DSD playback are necessary.
    To perform native DSD playback, check the settings and specifications of your playback device and application.

     

    Q5: The listed bit depth is 32bit, but can 32bit files be played back?

    A5: The sampling frequency and bit depth that are listed for this product indicate the types of files that can be input.
    32bit files are played back in 24bit.

     

    Q6: Is gapless playback supported?

    A6:     Yes, gapless playback is supported. If the file format, sampling frequency, and bit depth of the songs before and after the song being played all match, then there will be no gap in playback.

     

    Q7: Can the time alignment be adjusted during DSD playback by USB DAC?

    A7:     Yes, it can. However, the sub output cannot be adjusted.

    NOTE: The time alignment can be adjusted for Front Lch & Rch and Rear Lch & Rch during DSD playback.



    ・Troubleshooting

    • Connections


    Q8: My Android smartphone is not being recognized by USB DAC.

    A8: Check whether the audio output setting on your connected device is set to USB.
    To check the setting on Xperia, follow the steps below.

    NOTE: The display is different depending on the Xperia model. Also, some models may not have the setting.

    1. Select Settings.
    2. Select Xperia Connectivity.
    3. Select USB Connectivity.
    4. Confirm with Detect USB device.


    • Charging


    Q9: The device connected to the USB-DAC (USB micro B port) is not being charged.

    A9: A connected device cannot be charged from the USB micro B port.
    Devices can only be charged from USB1 or USB2.


    • Operations


    Q10: Songs cannot be operated from the unit.

    A10:     During playback using a USB DAC connection, songs cannot be operated from the unit.
    Operate songs from the connected device.

    IMPORTANT: Never perform operations while driving.


    • Sound


    Q11: No sound is output by USB DAC.

    A11:     Depending on the situation, check different items. Check the following items according to your usage situation.

    - 1. If performing Bluetooth pairing during USB DAC playback:
    The audio output of the connected device may have switched from USB DAC to Bluetooth audio.
    If sound is not output from USB DAC, check whether the audio output of the connected device is USB.

    - 2. If connected by Bluetooth:
    The audio output of the connected device may be Bluetooth.
    If sound is not output from USB DAC, check whether the audio output of the connected device is USB.

    - 3．If using an Android smartphone:
    Re-confirm the orientation of the USB OTG cable and the USB cable.
    For details refer to the connection guide in the instructions.

    - 4．If connected to Walkman/Xperia by Bluetooth:
    Disconnect from Bluetooth.

    - 5．If no sound is output from the product when it is connected to a computer:

    Check the following items.

    • Restart your PC.
    • For a Windows computer, install the “Sony USB Device Driver” if you have not already.
    • Switch the SOURCE on the product OFF/ON again.
    • Confirm that the computer is connected correctly.
    • Try connecting to a different USB port on the computer and see whether it is recognized. If it is recognized, there may be a problem with that USB port.

    - 6．If no sound is output when using Media Go for playback:

    Check the following steps.

    1. Go to Tools in Media Go, and select Preferences.
    2. Select Audio Output.
    3. Select ASIO Device.
    4. Select Sony ASIO device, and press the OK button.

     

    Q12: When playing back DSD by USB DAC, there is no sound from OPT output.

    A12    : Audio output from OPT is not possible during DSD playback by USB DAC.

     

    Q13: There is noise between songs.

    A13    : Check the settings on the playback app.


    ・Error displays/Messages

    Q14: A device is connected, but No device is being displayed.

    A14: I    f the screen of the connected device turns off or if the device enters sleep, the signal from the connected device may be cut, and No device will be displayed.
    Make sure that the connected device is on and operational.
    Operations differ depending on the device being connected, so refer to the instruction manual for your connected device.