Apple Music question

[Bozzz]

I have an old iPad. If I hook it up to the Ultra’s usb connection with a lightning to usb cable will I be able to play Apple Music in high res? Or is the usb not able to do that? Thanks.

 

[d6jg]

The USB is not configured as an audio input on Ultra - it is an audio output or for file system input.

Try a Lightning to USB (Camera Converter Kit) with a separate USB DAC into the Ultra's line inputs OR a USB DAC that also has optical out. e.g. https://hifimediy.com/product/sabre-9018-uae23hd-usb-dac/

 

[jjue1979]

You may want to try to use Lightning to HDMI to use the HDMI port or Lightning to USB to USB DAC to Optical, assuming that the DAC has optical out.

 

[d6jg]

You may want to try to use Lightning to HDMI to use the HDMI port or Lightning to USB to USB DAC to Optical, assuming that the DAC has optical out.

Lightning to HDMI won't work. The Ultra only works with HDMI ARC (typically TV)

Lightning to USB -> USB DAC with Optical out is best option as I posted above

 

[Burnside]

You may want to try to use Lightning to HDMI to use the HDMI port or Lightning to USB to USB DAC to Optical, assuming that the DAC has optical out.

The HDMI port on the Ultra is for an ARC connection to a TV, you can’t just connect any old HDMI port

 

[jjue1979]

Lightning to HDMI won't work. The Ultra only works with HDMI ARC (typically TV)

Lightning to USB -> USB DAC with Optical out is best option as I posted above

Oops, my bad

 

[Bozzz]

You may want to try to use Lightning to HDMI to use the HDMI port or Lightning to USB to USB DAC to Optical, assuming that the DAC has optical out.

Interesting will try

 

[QuarryHunslet]

The set up below definitely works, and comprises,

Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
A generic USB A to USB C Adapter (mine is a USB 3.1 10GB)
USB C to SPDIF Optical Output Adapter with 192kHz/24bit DAC

Edit: Plus an SPDIF Optical Cable to your Ultra

 

[Bozzz]

That might work. Apple makes things so damn hard

 

[QuarryHunslet]

That might work. Apple makes things so damn hard

There's no might about it, I have used that set up with two different iPhones, and just the USB C to SPDIF Optical Output Adapter with 192kHz/24bit DAC with three different iPads, and a Mac Studio.

 

[Bozzz]

There's no might about it, I have used that set up with two different iPhones, and just the USB C to SPDIF Optical Output Adapter with 192kHz/24bit DAC with three different iPads, and a Mac Studio.

I’ll give it a go

 

[QuarryHunslet]

It should be pointed out that using this method will not give you any album art on your Ultra screen, or in the WiiM Home app.

The following screenshots show a Hi-Res Lossless tune in the Apple Music app, and what you see in the WiiM Home app Now Playing screen.

 

[Chopin]

Since I've accepted that at least for WiiM and Apple Music a full HD suitable solution is really not in sight I found a method for what I call my digital chain. The WiiM is connected via coaxial to a DAC, and a refurbished as good as new 13" iPad Pro is connected via USB to the DAC. Both further via RCA to my amp.
Right, an iPad Pro is even refurbished not a cheap solution when used only for Apple Music. But it works without BT or AP and I have the music in the theoretically highest possible quality. The Pro is now only used for Qobuz.

 

[Bozzz]

There's no might about it, I have used that set up with two different iPhones, and just the USB C to SPDIF Optical Output Adapter with 192kHz/24bit DAC with three different iPads, and a Mac Studio.

All that will go to the optical in on the ultra correct?

 

[adias]

Since I've accepted that at least for WiiM and Apple Music a full HD suitable solution is really not in sight I found a method for what I call my digital chain. The WiiM is connected via coaxial to a DAC, and a refurbished as good as new 13" iPad Pro is connected via USB to the DAC. Both further via RCA to my amp.
Right, an iPad Pro is even refurbished not a cheap solution when used only for Apple Music. But it works without BT or AP and I have the music in the theoretically highest possible quality. The Pro is now only used for Qobuz.

An iPad Pro is not required. An iPad 10th gen with USBc works just as well.

 

[Chopin]

An iPad Pro is not required. An iPad 10th gen with USBc works just as well.

The bigger 13" screen was the decision maker. But of course it is a bit of an overkill.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

All that will go to the optical in on the ultra correct?

Yes, I don't have an Ultra, but use it with the optical in on my WiiM Amp.

 

[Bozzz]

Yes, I don't have an Ultra, but use it with the optical in on my WiiM Amp.

Ok cool. Thanks for your help

 

[d6jg]

You would have thought that someone would manufacture a direct Lightning to Optical interface. Audiophonics did for a while but now discontinued

 

[Bozzz]

That would be great. Murphys law I guess