DAC setup - at my wit's end!!

[pdes]

Until recently, with my S22 Ultra connected to my Audiolabs DAC. I had brilliant sound through my amp/hifi. I use a toslink adapter as I found that the sound directly fed to the DAC via the usb-c kept popping and faltering. Suddenly, the popping and faltering has started when using the optical connection. It seems that the sampling rate will not lock on to the DAC. I have spent many days looking for solutions and have made many config changes and tried many third party apps to get the phone and DAC talking again but I am lost now in the myre with no connection at all. The link and DAC perform perfectly with a PC but my TAB S8 with the same firmware will also not work. Therefore I can only assume that this is an android problem. I would really appreciate any advice and phone settings that are known to work with a DAC as I have probably messed up a setting somewhere. Thanks.

[johnz237]

Hi! Welcome to the samsung members community!


Try these recommended options: * USB Audio Player PRO (UAPP): A paid app often praised for bypassing Android's limitations. It supports various streaming services and local files. * HiBy Music: A well-regarded free alternative for high-res audio and DAC compatibility. * Onkyo HF Player: A free app known for excellent sound reproduction, though its interface might be less modern. * Neutron Music Player: Another paid option praised for sound quality and bit-perfect output. hi-res support and DAC handling. * Tidal: If you use Tidal, its Android app has good Within these apps, look for DAC output, sample rate, or "bit-perfect" settings and experiment.

1. Developer Options Deep Dive:
Android's "Developer options" hold advanced settings that might impact audio. First, enable them: Go to Settings > About phone > Software information (path may vary slightly). Tap "Build number" repeatedly (usually 7 times) until "Developer mode enabled" appears. Confirm with your PIN/password if needed. Access "Developer options" in your main Settings menu (usually at the bottom).
Within "Developer options," look for "Audio," "USB Audio," "HD Audio," "Bluetooth Audio," or "Output" settings. Crucial checks include:
* "Disable absolute volume": Toggle this (often Bluetooth-related, but some users report broader effects).
* "Bluetooth Audio Codec," "Bluetooth Audio Sample Rate," "Bluetooth Audio LDAC Codec": While Bluetooth-focused, look for similar non-Bluetooth options (sample rate, audio format). Experiment if found.

Important notes: Experiment with caution. Developer options are intended for developers, and changing the wrong setting can cause unexpected behavior or instability. Research before changing: Always research a setting before changing it to understand its potential impact.

Select USB Configuration: Even with optical, this might be relevant. Try "Audio Source" if available.

"HD Audio": Check for this (common on older Android versions) and toggle it.
Caution: Changing Developer options can affect device stability. Change one setting at a time, test, and revert if issues arise. If unsure, leave settings at default.

2. General Sound Settings Review:
Outside Developer options, check your S22 Ultra and Tab S8's regular sound settings:
Sound Quality and Effects: Disable enhancements like Dolby Atmos or equalizers to rule them out.

Separate App Sound Output: Ensure media apps output to the correct audio source, not phone speakers.

3. Audio Player App Investigation:
Many apps are designed for high-resolution audio and external DACs.

4. Hardware Checks:
* Optical Cable and Toslink Adapter: Visually inspect the cable for damage. Ensure the adapter is firmly plugged into your device, and the cable is secure in both the adapter and DAC. Try a different cable if possible.

5. Software Updates and Rollback (Last Resort):
* System Updates: Ensure your S22 Ultra and Tab S8 are on the latest software. Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.

[pdes]

Wow. Thanks so much for this. I bought USB player Pro but had no success. I'll work my way through the other suggestions and report back. Cheers

[pdes]

Thanks again for the info and suggestions.  I have worked through the list but have still had no luck.  Using other apps and looking through the Developer Options, I can report the following findings which may give the more technical folks a clue.

1) "HD Audio" is greyed out in Developer Options.  The bluetooth options addressed it the note from Big Cheese are also greyed out.

2) No matter which app I use, the "Media Output" list in the swipe-down menu only ever shows "earphones" when the DAC is connected (via the Toslink adapter)

3) The connection to the DAC via the same USB-C and adapter cable is OK as it works perfectly from a PC output.

4) The DAC (Audiolabs M-DAC) shows "Locked" when switched to the "OPT" input.   

I hope this points to something!

Thanks again.