Smartphone+portable DAC into car stereo

[bbbiker800]

Hi all - this may be stretching the use of our forum but I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has used a DAC in a car to improve sound. Situation is that I have a oneplus2 android marshmallow phone that I stream via Bluetooth to the cars stereo (BMW). Music comes from offline Spotify. Now I'm wondering if it's possible and therefore worthwhile to connect the phone via USB to a portable DAC and input that to the car USB. So anyone done such a thing ? Was it better ? And what DAC did you use ?

Many thanks Richard

[Stratmangler]

Your car's USB input is looking for some kind of USB storage device.
It will not handle analogue audio signal.
Does your car have an analogue audio input?

[bbbiker800]

Hi Chris - yes it has an USB audio interface plus an aux-in which seems to be. 3.5mm jack socket. Thanks Richard

[Stratmangler]

Have you got an existing DAC with USB input that you can connect your phone to?
See whether or not the phone can give what your asking for?
If the phone doesn't see a USB DAC then you're snookered before you start.

If not then you're stuck using an analogue cable from the headphone jack (assuming that there is one) into the aux input of the car stereo, or do what you've been doing and streaming over Bluetooth.

[WAD62]

Have you got an existing DAC with USB input that you can connect your phone to?
See whether or not the phone can give what your asking for?
If the phone doesn't see a USB DAC then you're snookered before you start.

If not then you're stuck using an analogue cable from the headphone jack (assuming that there is one) into the aux input of the car stereo, or do what you've been doing and streaming over Bluetooth.

I have an iFi Nano USB DAC that I can use with my Samsung S4, your phone will need to have USB host capabilities, and you'll need an OTG USB cable assuming your phone supports it...however despite the DAC being battery powered, USB streaming drains the phone's battery rather quickly.

I confess I haven't considered using it in car, however if you were running it into a hifi, or mixing desk, it might be worth the effort, but I'd suggest that for a car it's more trouble than it's worth...

I tend to use a USB drive with some of my files on it...

[Stratmangler]

I have an iFi Nano USB DAC that I can use with my Samsung S4, your phone will need to have USB host capabilities, and you'll need an OTG USB cable assuming your phone supports it...however despite the DAC being battery powered, USB streaming drains the phone's battery rather quickly.

I confess I haven't considered using it in car, however if you were running it into a hifi, or mixing desk, it might be worth the effort, but I'd suggest that for a car it's more trouble than it's worth...

I tend to use a USB drive with some of my files on it...

You have highlighted my reservations about adding an external DAC, and the bit in bold is the very first thought I had on the subject.

[Yomanze]

Are you downloading your playlists in "extreme" quality? If not this is an immediate upgrade in sound quality, for free.

[struth]

Kinda agree. Why go to all that effort and cost then stick it in a tin can

[bbbiker800]

Yes I'm using extreme quality. The thing with a oneplus2 is that it sports a USB C and that needs a connector. I have an audiolab m-dac so might play with that as u suggest. Obviously I was hoping for a quality improvement rather than upgrading the car stereo and speakers - big cost that one ! Tbh there aren't any cheap options for a car DAC on eBay to test. I was hoping someone had done it. But seems that it might not be worth the aggravation.