Want to connect my laptop wirelessly to my DAC via the USB-B port but don't know how

[rigger67]

Hey all
Apologies if this is covered elsewhere, but as the title says I'd like to connect my laptop wirelessly to my DAC and the only free port is the USB one, which has a USB-B socket open on the back of the unit.

I don't really know where to start ..

I've tried trawling the net for some info and looking at different things on Amazon and eBay but I'm more confused than I started now.

Surely there's a little black box somewhere for a few quid that'll let me do the job ?

Any advice would be gratefully received :)

[Tim]

Might need a bit more info Paul on your actual equipment? I take it your DAC is just a straight input only, no Bluetooth or WifI etc? So what exactly have you got and what do you want to do - stream music from your laptop I'm guessing? Looking at your signature your DAC is just USB, Optical and Coax in - is that still current?

One solution would be a Bluetooth receiver which you plug into your DAC, via Coax/Optical, then you need to connect to that via Bluetooth to your laptop. If it doesn't have Bluetooth, you'll need a dongle for the laptop.

Another way would be something like a Raspberry Pi on your network, attached to the DAC with a HAT board (https://www.hifiberry.com/products/digiplus/) (Hardware on Top), which will stream music across the network from your laptop. Not 100% sure about this, just believe you could.

Or you could look at Sonos for a bridge (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sonos-BRIDGE-Expand-Wireless-Hi-Fi/dp/B000YGIJ62), you might need more than just this though. I get the impression you want a cheap small box solution and I can't think of anything, other than my first suggestion. Maybe others can help? The below won't work as it's RCA into the HiFi, but have a look for something similar that receives Bluetooth and sends it out via Optical or Coax - not sure you'll get a USB one, but you never know? Just gives you an idea what you are looking for.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Streaming-Wireless-Receiver-Speakers/dp/B01CZVCYU0

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41FlV0g6N-L._SY450_.jpg

[struth]

Probably a chromecast audio would be all you'd need or a similar miracast. Dlna stream via network

[Tim]

Yeah that should work Grant, I've just bought one actually to see what it's like streaming Spotify into my DAC via Toslink - just need a Toslink cable now.

[brian2957]

:popcorn:

[Tim]

Hahaha, that made me chuckle Brian.

[struth]

Works well. From pc you cat cast straight from chrome browser. Chrome canary is better. Bluetooth wise if going that route get aptx 4.1 or 4.2. 5 will be out soon but might be pricy. Sound quality from 4.2 is excellent

[rigger67]

Thanks for the replies so far :)

Yes, everything in my signature is accurate.
The laptop does have bluetooth.

How about the odd occasion when I want to play something "live" from VirtualDJ or MediaMonkey ?
Can I still do that through the bluetooth link without using a Chrome browser ??

[struth]

If your pc has blutooth then you initially just need a receiver but all blutooth is not equal sound wise although they will work with each other it will be at the lowest rated one. If that doesn't worry u then just get a receiver that has an optical out to your dac

[struth]

Avantree Bluetooth USB Music & Talk Adapter, aptX Low Latency, for PC, Mac, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Driver-Free, Long Range Wireless Audio Dongle Transmitter, for VOIP, Movie, Games [2 Year Warranty] https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G3J1I5M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9FnNAbXX9YPBB

This is ideal for your transmitter. Gives class 1 performance.

For a receiver these are the best

Avantree Oasis LONG RANGE Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver, aptX Low Latency, Optical RCA 3.5mm Audio, VOICE & DISPLAY, BYPASS for TV Speakers [2-Year Warranty] https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N2VKCO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9JnNAb5GZ439R

[Tim]

That should do nicely Grant :)

[Sherwood]

Yeah that should work Grant, I've just bought one actually to see what it's like streaming Spotify into my DAC via Toslink - just need a Toslink cable now.

or an adaptor for a standard optical cable

[Sherwood]

Thanks for the replies so far :)

Yes, everything in my signature is accurate.
The laptop does have bluetooth.

How about the odd occasion when I want to play something "live" from VirtualDJ or MediaMonkey ?
Can I still do that through the bluetooth link without using a Chrome browser ??

I have one of these I no longer use that will meet your needs. Will play anything that will play on a bluetooth enabled device through your hifi (either analogue rca or optical digital)

http://www.belkin.com/th/p/P-G3A2000/

PM me if interested.

Geoff

[rigger67]

Grant and Geoff - you're a pair of gents :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::c lap::clap:


Thanks very much for your help.

I'll go through all this, have a think and come up with a plan.
Much obliged to you both and everyone who's replied.

I love this place :)