Cheaper way to play hifi sound...

[heydre]

I would like to use a portable DAP (M11, R5, or M6) for its quality DAC, digital out, portability, and possibly a better UI (instead of UConnect) for easier browsing/sorting/random play through my car stereo. BUT I'm trying to avoid using the head unit aux input for DAC or buying a $1k amp that comes with a DAC and optical input.

I'm seeking quality playback of my FLAC files...is there a cheaper way to get the digital output of a DAP hooked up to the truck stock stereo system WITHOUT using the aux input, spending $$$ on an amp, or doing BT over the air?

Thanks...

 

[Turin]

What are you trying to accomplish? If you're trying to avoid using the truck's DAC the aux input is the only way I know of because it's the only analog input I'm aware of. I doubt there are any unused ones hiding behind the head unit. Depending on the player you could connect it via USB — that should be equivalent to an optical connection but would mean using the truck's DAC. Personally, I put my digital audio files (MP3, FLAC, etc.) on a flash drive and plugged it into a USB port. It sounds plenty good on my system (HK).