August 16, 2019 Candice Song

9 Common connection types of Digital Audio Player | DAP101 - Part 5

Many digital audio players can be expanded in a modular way to connect to set up either wired or wireless ways. A lot of additional kits is offered (by normally high-end manufacturers, eg. iBasso, Fiio, Shanling, Colorfly, etc.) - such as balanced-out kits, or specific headphone amps reserved for ‘hungry’ headphones (we mean high-impedance units of course). Things can go a lot further than that allowing audio professionals to turn their DAP in a fully-equipped ultra-high-end field audio recorder by adding A/D (analog to digital) conversion and support for external condenser microphones and recording. Don’t be surprised if the location audio for the next Star Wars flicks is captured on such or similar devices - the audio quality on offer is nothing short of staggering.

Balanced vs unbalanced connections

Balanced and unbalanced connections are often referred to as pro and semi-pro respectively. Using a balanced output may have a positive effect on audio performance, and it’s important to mention that the balanced circuitry takes place after the point of conversion from digital to analog audio. In short, the effect of using balanced connections is to provide a better signal-to-noise ratio. The slightly theory-heavy explanation is that balanced outputs offer an impedance-balancing (between the individual wires) effect on the connected cable, resulting in a better transference of the audio signal.

Better than what you might ask?

Well, unbalanced outs, naturally. In the real world, spaces with lots of wiring and/or light dimmers are notorious for affecting unbalanced connections, causing ground loops and hums to audio equipment. This is really when balanced outputs can come handy and act as effective hum-destroyers. Balanced connections found on portable audio equipment require the so-called 4-point plugs TRRS jacks (Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve). They have the same shape as regular small headphone jacks (3.5mm) but are either slightly smaller (2.5mm) or in very few instances slightly larger (4.4mm).

Types of digital audio players ports

1. Stereo mini-jack (1/8" / 3.5mm)

Headphone out, Analog

Often unmarked on consumer audio equipment such as smartphones, laptops, etc. Since it is so common or labeled with headphones symbol or as "line out". Computers and other equipment sometimes use the Microsoft-Intel color-coding scheme, especially when there are multiple input/output plugs.

2. Stereo mini-jack 2.5mm (Balanced, with a 4-point, TRRS).

Line out, Analog

A jack that is smaller/thinner than the regular headphone jack, featuring tip/ring/ring/sleeve ending, or a 4-point connection on its end. The 2.5 mm were similarly popularized on small portable electronics. They were also used for low-voltage DC power input from wall adapters. On very rare occasions you may see two 2.5mm balanced outs - splitting the stereo feed into two mono feeds: left (L) and right (R).

3. Stereo mini-jack 4.4mm (Balanced, with a 4-point, TRRS).

Line out, Analog

Commonly found on Sony products with balanced outputs. A jack slightly larger than the regular headphone jack, featuring tip/ring/ring/sleeve ending, or a 4-point connection on its end.

4. Optical (3.5mm)

Digital

Same as above but with an ending of the same size as a minijack (3.5mm) but a carrying a stereo digital audio (as found on some Mac computers).

5. USB (micro B, mini, c-type)

USB connections are the most common way of linking an external DAC to a computer. Depending on the size of the interface, different types of USB plugs may be present.

6. USB (micro B) OTG (on-the-go)

Digital Protocol

These are regular USB connections which can link a DAP to an external DAC. This would, of course, be a unit which features even higher resolution DACs!

Wireless connections of digital audio players

1. Bluetooth connection

Bluetooth is a wireless connection standard that allows for the exchange of data over short distances. With its support of Bluetooth, most DAPs can transmit the SBC/aptX/aptX HD/LDAC/LHDC Bluetooth format as well as receive certain formats. The DAP's high-performance Bluetooth radio ensures you can transmit signals further with stronger overall signal strength, so nothing can get in your way of enjoying quality wireless music. Until 2019， Rare DAP featured Bluetooth 5 which has enough bandwidth at 2Mbps – double that of Bluetooth 4.2 – to support two sets of wireless devices at the same time.

2. DLNA connection of the digital audio player

DLNA is designed to act as a bridge between your various bits of kit, so you can watch a film from your PC on your big-screen TV, play music from your DAP on your stereo, or send shots from the family photo album to your wireless printer via your tablet. Think of it as a kind of home cloud: it shouldn't matter where your music is or what device you're currently holding; with DLNA, whatever you want should come to wherever you are and whatever you're using. So does some digital audio players- Shanling M5s

3.Airplay

Do you have so much music that you can't even fit them into the largest micro-SD cards? Then simply play them via AirPlay for iOS devices for the ultimate inconvenience.

10 Best Portable Digital Audio Players under $1000 for Audiophile | Hifigo

Common audio connectors

A digital audio connector, also known as audio jack, headphone jack or jack plug, is a family of electrical connectors typically used for analog audio signals. The connector is cylindrical in shape, with a grooved tip to retain it. In its original audio configuration, it typically has two, three, four and, occasionally, five contacts. Three-contact versions are known as TRS connectors, where T stands for "tip", R stands for "ring" and S stands for "sleeve". Ring contacts are typically the same diameter as the sleeve, the long shank. Similarly, two-, four- and five- contact versions are called TS, TRRS and TRRRS connectors respectively. The outside diameter of the "sleeve" conductor is 6.35 millimeters (1⁄4 inch). The "mini" connector has a diameter of 3.5 mm (0.14 in) and the "sub-mini" connector has a diameter of 2.5 mm (0.098 in).

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Comments

Claus Koefoed - May 21, 2020
I have been looking for your information. The Fiio M15 manual says TRSS. Can you confirm that the 4.4 mm on M15 is a Pentaconn TRRS connection, Thanks Claus

At point three, for the 4.4 mm it is suggested that the plug is TRRS.
But, this plug is called a Pentaconn for the reason that it has 5 connections.
The plug is TRRRS. While the Sleeve is not used.
Information can be found here:
http://www.diyaudioblog.com/2016/02/headphone-connectors-pins-pinouts-for.html

Rene - January 29, 2020
Hi,

At point three, for the 4.4 mm it is suggested that the plug is TRRS.
But, this plug is called a Pentaconn for the reason that it has 5 connections.
The plug is TRRRS. While the Sleeve is not used.
Information can be found here:
http://www.diyaudioblog.com/2016/02/headphone-connectors-pins-pinouts-for.html