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Computer Connections

The Wonders of USB on PC, Mac, and Linux

"Connecting to a computer" usually means "connecting via USB." Computers can make excellent sources, so here's how you get connected to them.


Connecting to a Windows Computer

USB: You can connect our DACs to Windows machines using USB. Windows 10 and 11 require no drivers for any of our DACs. To use USB, you'll need a USB A-B, USB A-Micro, USB C-B, or USB C-Micro cable, depending on the DAC. Check your DAC before buying!

Fancy USB A-B Cable

USB A-Micro

USB C-B

USB C-Micro


Analog: 
You can connect a preamp or headphone amp to your computer via the headphone or line-out jack. Most computers have a 1/8" stereo jack, and our gear uses RCA inputs, So you'll need a cable like this one:

 
Important: Please note that this output may have 6dB less output than typical line-level sources like DACs, so they may not get you to full volume.
 

Connecting to a MacOS Computer

USB: You can connect our DACs to Macs with USB. To use USB, you'll need a USB A-B, USB A-Micro, USB C-B, or USB C-Micro cable, depending on the DAC. Check your DAC before buying!

Fancy USB A-B Cable

USB A-Micro

USB C-B

USB C-Micro


Optical
: Some older Apple computers also have optical digital output via the headphone jack (as well as some PC motherboards.) To use it, you'll need a cable like this:

1/8" to Standard Toslink Cable


Analog: 
You can connect a preamp or headphone amp to your computer via the headphone or line-out jack. Most computers have a 1/8" stereo jack, and our gear uses RCA inputs, So you'll need a cable like this one:

 
Important: Please note that this output may have 6dB less output than typical line-level sources like DACs, so they may not get you to full volume.
 

Connecting to a Linux Computer

USB: Our DACs work with any Linux distro that supports UAC2 (USB Audio Class 2). However, you may require additional player software, and we cannot provide deep technical support for Linux. Cable-wise, it's the same as PC or Mac:

Fancy USB A-B Cable

USB A-Micro

USB C-B

USB C-Micro


Analog: 
You can connect a preamp or headphone amp to your computer via the headphone or line-out jack. Most computers have a 1/8" stereo jack, and our gear uses RCA inputs, So you'll need a cable like this one:

 
Important: Please note that this output may have 6dB less output than typical line-level sources like DACs, so they may not get you to full volume.