Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Using Explorer 2 with iPhone 6 and headphones

Hi guys,

I want to be able to stream Tidal to my iPhone 6, bypass the Apple DAC, and use an Explorer 2 to headphones. I've done a bit of searching on the web but I do not have a clear idea of what docking device or other connection will allow me to do this. I've read something to the effect that Apple's lightening to USB camera adapter will do the trick but what I read did not state explicitly that the Apple DAC would be bypassed. I am also not clear about power requirements for the Explorer2 running off USB.

Thanks for any ideas.

I would like to do the same however I see two problems:

You would be powering the Explorer from the phone and the phone would need to be told by the Explorer what is required of it (to output a digital signal). As the Explorer is not designed for this it ain't gonna work.

The answer is a device in the middle that would power the Explorer and get the digital signal from the phone and pass on.

As far as I know there isn't currently anything like that and it would start to be more trouble than it's worth.

Sony do some great portable digital DAC's/headphone amps they are expensive but will do what you want out of the box.

I think when the Explorer came out, it was found to be possible to use it with iPhone/iPad using a Camera Kit connector, and a powered USB hub. Googling the forum will find you details on that. I bought the Camera Kit connector to try it out but never actually got around to it. Anyway it's hardly an elegant solution.

If you want good sound while walking around, best off getting an Astell&Kern/Sony ZX-1/Pono.

I don't want to use the set up for walking around. It is for my office at work. I can't install Tidal on my work PC without going through the IT department and I don't want to fight that fight. So that is why I thought Tidal on iPhone might just work.

Thanks.

So the wife has got me B&W P7's for Christmas and I'm now thinking of an Explorer 2 but as it will be used with an iPad and iPhone only I would like to know if going down this route is practical?

I'm thinking of a battery powered USB hub to power the Explorer. Has anyone tried using either the Teac or Onkyo Hi Res apps to do away with the cck?

If this don't pan out a Sony PHA 2 is my other choice but then no MQA

Any thoughts recommendations.

You already opened your Xmas present!?

Anyway, I'm still interested in this set up but do not know if it will work. I sort of want to get the Explorer2 but prefer to know if it will work before buying it.

No just know what's coming

Agreed I really hope there is a way to get it to work without too much fuss.

I am sceptical that this will work, but have not tried it. Unfortunately I do not have the lightning to USB adapter, otherwise it would be easy to try.

You could check the iFi solution as an alternative to the Explorer 2.

Hi, Has anyone tried this yet?

As for in my car I am looking for an external DAC solution. I have a USB and 3.5mm jack connection to choose from.

It looks to me that if I connect a USB Y-cable (split data and power, the USB from the car feeding the DAC) the Explorer2 may work... or it may not... that is the question?

Or, alternative, the AnK K10 or Onkyo AC HA200 are an option altough I wonder how Onkyo will cope with MQA (thinking that Onkyo goes MQA).

Any thoughts?

Cheers!

Bump question

JaapJan,

Does the car USB operate an audio output? In my car I'm fairly sure it's just a power socket, but haven't checked.

What car is it (you're going to say Bugatti Veyron, aren't you... )?

In the end I got an E2 to use with my PC. You have to install a Meridian USB driver on the PC. I was told by my dealer that there is no such driver for an iPhone or iPad so it won't work. As for using it in your car, I'm not sure but would there be a way to install the Meridian USB driver into your car system?