Asychronus USB to RCA DAC **TO BORROW**

EndersShadow

I am going to try something new and hook up a laptop to my car amps and just bypass my headunit.

This way I can play FLAC files via mediamonkey.

In how I need it setup I want to use a USB to RCA DAC, but I dont want to purchase one until I know the setup will work since I am working with extremely limited funds. I also plan to test it out with my current laptop before looking for a cheap dedicated one.

So I am hoping a Polkie might be willing to let me borrow theirs for a little bit to test out if this will work right and sound good.

I am looking specifically at the HRT Media Streamer and Musiland Monitor DAC's or something in that type price range. The HRT is ideal in that its USB powered so one less outlet needed for my car, but I know there are debates about the fidelity of a USB powered device over a dedicated PSU one.

Either way hoping someone local or close has one they would be willing to ship me for a couple weeks. If your Indy localish I am more than happy to drive to meet you wherever is good for you.

EndersShadow

I forgot to mention I would pay shipping both ways and insure the package for its full value.

newrival

Is there a reason why you're not just getting a media server/head unit that does all of this already?

EndersShadow

newrival wrote: »

Is there a reason why you're not just getting a media server/head unit that does all of this already?

Yup, i dont know of any that play FLAC files..... just MP3.......

Couple folks suggest just sucking it up and getting an Ipad but I wanna run with this first since I would hate having to convert and re-rate everything AGAIN..........

tonyb

EndersShadow wrote: »

Yup, i dont know of any that play FLAC files..... just MP3.......

Couple folks suggest just sucking it up and getting an Ipad but I wanna run with this first since I would hate having to convert and re-rate everything AGAIN..........

Converting files can be done with one click of the mouse, all of them at once,if you have the right program.

I don't get what your trying to do. Let me see if I have this straight. You want to be driving down the road and fiddle around with a laptop to play music in your car ?? Seriously ??

I have a 6 disc cd changer in my car and I just burn apple lossless files to cd's to play in the car. If 6 cd's isn't enough music to get me where I'm going, then I'm in the car too long.

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

Converting files can be done with one click of the mouse, all of them at once,if you have the right program.

I don't get what your trying to do. Let me see if I have this straight. You want to be driving down the road and fiddle around with a laptop to play music in your car ?? Seriously ??

I have a 6 disc cd changer in my car and I just burn apple lossless files to cd's to play in the car. If 6 cd's isn't enough music to get me where I'm going, then I'm in the car too long.

Would be using a Windows Media Center remote to go back and forth between songs just like you use your CD players remote. Would have a touchscreen monitor installed to display whats playing so I wouldn't be fiddling with the laptop while going down the road.

Basically if it works right I would put the laptop in the glove box and not ever really look at it since the 7 or 8" LCD would be my monitor and would be using a remote to change songs, or just use my finger on the touchscreen.

tonyb

Gotcha...you would think that a aftermarket head unit would be available that could do that in todays day and age. Seems like alot of trouble to go through to get flac files in the car.

newrival

EndersShadow wrote: »

Yup, i dont know of any that play FLAC files..... just MP3.......

Couple folks suggest just sucking it up and getting an Ipad but I wanna run with this first since I would hate having to convert and re-rate everything AGAIN..........

why would you have to re-rate it?
I understand the conversion, but you can make that all an automated process right onto an external HD. It would be pretty hands off. Additionally, why an iPad??? That seems like it solves none of the issues and has all of the cons as I understand you to see them.
-you'd definitely have to convert the files
-it won't be $300
-you'd be playing through a headphone jack. a poor one at that.
-no asynch usb connection

Also, do you really want to have your car all cluttered with all these wres and garbage? I don't want to rain on your parade but it sounds to me like you're spending 10 cents to save a dime.

There seem to be a few head units that play flac by kenwood and eclipse. the ones from eclipse accept HDs

something to think about i guess

EndersShadow

newrival wrote: »

I understand the conversion, but you can make that all an automated process right onto an external HD. It would be pretty hands off.

Also, do you really want to have your car all cluttered with all these wres and garbage? I don't want to rain on your parade but it sounds to me like you're spending 10 cents to save a dime.

There seem to be a few head units that play flac by kenwood and eclipse. the ones from eclipse accept HDs

Honestly I have already got 3 sets of RCA's running from the HU to the trunk, got 4 external crossovers mounted in the trunk already for my db6501 components, 2 amps, etc. I was planning on mounting the laptop in the glovebox which is locked 24/7 along w/ the USB DAC and re-using a set of RCA's in the HU now to port the signal back. With the exception of power which I could probably find a way to hide, there wouldnt be any more cables visible but for the USB Toucscreen's power cord and possibly VGA..

newrival wrote: »

why would you have to re-rate it?

Because my ratings will not transfer from the Zune software, or Windows Media Player which I would use for some of my library NOT in FLAC. Media Monkey has all the FLAC stuff.