USB Audio Output
USB audio output count identifies connections that send a digital audio stream to a compatible USB DAC.
These outputs serve the receiving audio device. A storage-drive port, service connector or device-mode input from a computer is a different function, even when the connector looks the same.
USB Audio Output — Streamer
On a streamer, this output sends supported network or file playback to an external DAC. Its format limits can differ from those of the streamer’s other digital connections.
Compare USB DAC compatibility, accepted formats and any bus-power requirements. Socket count does not establish available power or the highest output rate. A port used only for files or charging is not an audio output.
USB Audio Output — CD Transport
On a CD transport, this output sends the disc’s digital audio to an external DAC. The DAC performs the analogue conversion, while the transport provides a supported digital stream.
Compare USB DAC compatibility, accepted formats and any bus-power requirements. Socket count does not establish available power or the highest output rate. A port used only for files or charging is not an audio output.
USB Audio Output — USB Reclocker
On a USB reclocker, this output provides the USB audio connection toward a compatible DAC. Its role is distinct from the incoming connection receiving audio from the host source.
Compare USB DAC compatibility, accepted formats and any bus-power requirements. Socket count does not establish available power or the highest output rate. A port used only for files or charging is not an audio output.
USB Audio Output — Digital Audio Player
On a portable player, USB audio output sends music to an external USB DAC. This is the opposite direction from USB DAC mode, in which the player receives audio from a computer.
Compare USB DAC compatibility, accepted formats and any bus-power requirements. Socket count does not establish available power or the highest output rate. A port used only for files or charging is not an audio output.
USB Audio Output — Upscaler
On an upscaler, this output carries a supported processed audio stream toward the DAC. The highest rate the processor can generate may exceed the limit of this particular output.
Compare USB DAC compatibility, accepted formats and any bus-power requirements. Socket count does not establish available power or the highest output rate. A port used only for files or charging is not an audio output.
USB Audio Output — SACD Transport
On an SACD transport, this output feeds a compatible external DAC. Available output formats can depend on the disc or playback mode; SACD playback alone does not guarantee DSD transfer through this connection.
Compare USB DAC compatibility, accepted formats and any bus-power requirements. Socket count does not establish available power or the highest output rate. A port used only for files or charging is not an audio output.