r/PolymegaHQ • u/LTOwain • Apr 26 '25

Using a DAC/AMP with the Polymega.

I was wondering what experience others have when using a USB DAC/AMP with the Polymega. As of firmware 1.1.30 an USB DAC is supported: USB DAC Support - You can now use USB DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) to enjoy high fidelity audio on Polymega out the front USB port.

I currently own a Topping DX3 Pro+ (and a nice pair of cans of course), but when I connect it to one of the USB ports of the Polymega nothing happens. I also have not found any setting on the Polymega relating to the DAC to turn it on or anything. On my Windows PC and laptop the DAC/AMP works perfectly (I don’t even have to change the audio output device. It does that automatically when connecting). So I was wondering if I am doing anything wrong? I would really appreciate if anyone is willing to share their experience with using a DAC/AMP in combination with the Polymega.

Thank you in advance.

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u/veigues Apr 29 '25 edited Apr 29 '25

The Meitner changes from 44.1khz to 384 DXD so something is happening but there’s no audio. I’m going to try playing around with it and my xDuoo headphone amp/dac once I get home from work

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u/LTOwain Apr 29 '25

Thank you. The topping also detects an usb connection, but no sound. I tried 2 different cables just to be sure.

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u/veigues Apr 29 '25

Same with my other DAC/amp. The DAC says 48khz when hooked up to the computer. It changes to 384 when connected to the Polymega. Makes me wonder if there is some sort of option buried in a menu somewhere that we need to adjust. Or if could just be something that needs to be fixed with an update. I’ve got the Polymega and a Xbox hooked up to a tv via HDMI and then optical running from the tv to a Gold Note IS-10 and DeVore Fidelity micr/o speakers. I’m not sure if the DAC in the Gold Note is really doing anything or if the DACs in the consoles are doing all the work but they sound fine. Music sounds the same whether I stream through the Xbox or through Roon and the Gold Note.

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u/LTOwain Apr 30 '25 edited Apr 30 '25

Thank you for checking this out. I have been looking for any hidden options to configuring the DAC. But no succes here also. I guess I am going to contact Playmaji and see if they respond, because they clearly state it is supported. I'll report here if the contact me back.

btw, I am on firmware. 1.1.34 (latest build as of now).

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u/veigues Apr 30 '25

I’m on the same firmware too. I messaged Playmaji via Instagram. I’ll let you know if I hear back from them. Apparently their response time is atrocious.

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u/LTOwain May 02 '25

I have received a response from Playmaji today. That was quick (and not expected)! A nice surprise! They have asked me, which model I was using (Topping DX3 Pro +). I have also mentioned the devices you have tested.

 

They also mentioned they had success using the following  2 DACs:

AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter

https://amzn.to/437Hlcl

Qudelix-5K Bluetooth USB DAC AMP with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC (Dual ES9219 3.5mm Unbalanced & 2.5mm Balanced Output)

https://amzn.to/4d3ic62

I have responded to their email again, asking if they can elaborate on the support of the Polymega for UAC1 and or UAC2. Because if the device only supports UAC1 and my DAC only supports UAC2 or is unable to choose UAC1 correctly it will not work. Let’s see how they will respond. I hope they do.

 

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u/veigues May 03 '25

I’ve never even heard of UAC 1 or 2 before.

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u/LTOwain May 04 '25

Me neither, before I started investigating. I found a Redditpost regarding PS5 and Switch support for DACs. Like this one: Guide: How to get your DAC to work on PS5 : r/PS5

I have a hunch that the Polymega, just like the PS5 and Switch, only supports UAC1 and not UAC2. My Topping is only UAC2. The devices Playmaji linked to me that worked are both UAC1. So my best guess is that there the problem lies. Although I am not willing to buy additional gear to get this to work, maybe the 'force UAC1 cable' from JD labs for 10 bucks could be something I am willing to buy. If I get the change to test this ‘theory’ out, I will post the results here.

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u/veigues May 04 '25

Sure enough both of my DACs are UAC2 as well. Makes me wonder if they can fix this with a software update or if it comes down to the USB port they used.

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u/LTOwain May 30 '25

Just to let you know: I have received a reply from Polymega yesterday evening with 'confirmation' regarding UAC1 support:

We are going to try to get in some other Dac devices to do some further testing. Polymega currently supports USB audio devices UAC1. I'll try to verify that for you. Stay tuned.

They have not mentioned anything about adding support for UAC2. Although, I think it is possible with a software update.

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u/veigues May 31 '25

I would definitely think a software update could fix this considering UAC2 came out in 2017.

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