topic Re: USB DAC on Z3 compact in Z Series

USB DAC on Z3 compact

rudolffischer — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:58:11 GMT

Hi all

I have used my Audioquest Dragonfly 1.2 DAC without any problems on my Samsung S4. With my new Z3 compact, the Dragonfly connects and plays 24bit/96kHz files, but the Z3 cannot control the volume of the Dragonfly. The volume is always at maximum.

Is the Z3 not compatible with the Dragonfly? Has anyone got this combination to work?

Thanks a lot

Re: USB DAC on Z3 compact

Uliwooly — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 03:38:45 GMT

I can't find any info on audioquest's website compatibility with android, it'll be wise to contact them directly

Re: USB DAC on Z3 compact

rudolffischer — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 07:23:19 GMT

I think I figured it out (google is your friend).

Restart the Z3 with the Dragonfly connected (via Y-OTG USB cable, so the Dragonfly is powered externally, not by the Z3)
Start USB Audio Player Pro
The Dragonfly will be detected
Even the Dragonfly hardware volume works (which does not work using the Sony Walkman app)

I noticed that the Z3 does not charge when power is connected to the Y-OTG USB cable. Is this normal, or should I use a different cable?

Re: USB DAC on Z3 compact

rudolffischer — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 08:24:11 GMT

found the following on USB OTG charging for the Xperias

http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Other-accessories/Home-Made-Dock-Station-with-HUB-OTG-mode-and-Charging/td-p/225558

That would explain why my (Samsung) Y OTG does not charge

Re: USB DAC on Z3 compact

dquilon — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:06:50 GMT

What you should use is a Magnetic Adaptor like the ones from Magnector on Amazon... I bought 2 of the newest, and they sent me 4 units (2 new, 2 old) and they are great for charging the phone without opening the flaps...

Also I charge the phone when plugged to a MHL cable and it charges faster than said connection. And it works when you are using the USB port as an OTG device. The magnetic port is one of the best features of our Xperias, its one thing that Samsung do not offer on their waterproof devices.

As an advice I would say that for Unplugging the magnetic adaptor, you should do it by separating them at an angle (as if you are breaking a cracker) because the magnet is pretty strong so I fear to have the connector pull off of my device.... its been previously posted here.

Re: USB DAC on Z3 compact

rudolffischer — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 18:49:49 GMT

I have now ordered two Magnector X cables and will try those. Seems the easiest way to do this.

Re: USB DAC on Z3 compact

rudolffischer — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 13:21:46 GMT

The Magnector cables have arrived and the setup works perfectly:

- Dragonfly DAC connected to Z3 through Sony EC310 OTG cable

- Z3 powered through Magnector X magnetic charging cable and Sony USB wall charger

Outstanding sound and the phone is charging while playing

Looks like a good solution.