Thanks to all for your advice. My fallback plan is to use a dedicated headphone amp connected to the MC200's RCA analog outputs.

The reason for my USB connection inquiry was to leverage the Explorer. If possible, I figured I would connect it to the MC200 for "in hotel" listening and then take it with me for use with my PC laptop while traveling.

As I understand it I don't need to connect the MC200 to a computer/laptop. I think that I can simply connect the MC200 to a wireless router and select music via the iPad interface. Of course I won't be able to import new music or get updates that way, but my assignment is temporary.

MC200, Aqua La Scala DAC, Conrad Johnson CT5 pre/LP70S amp, Verity Audio Parsifal Ovation speakers.
Shunyata Hydra power conditioner, Asst. Shunyata, Nordost, & Siltech cables.