20 meter between PC <> DAC

[hyperknot]

Hi, how would you recommend connecting a PC with a DAC which is 20 meters away?

AFAIK, I have two options:
- active USB 2.0 cables
- Toslink cables

With both solutions I'm worried about if there is degradation in jitter and also bit-loss.

Also, for the Toslink cable, I'd need to basically buy a USB-DAC or a DAC like device which is converting from USB to Toslink. Do you have any recommendations for such devices? From what I found they are almost as expensive as "real" DACs, so it's a bit pointless at that point.

 

[IAtaman]

Hi, how would you recommend connecting a PC with a DAC which is 20 meters away?

AFAIK, I have two options:
- active USB 2.0 cables
- Toslink cables

With both solutions I'm worried about if there is degradation in jitter and also bit-loss.

Also, for the Toslink cable, I'd need to basically buy a USB-DAC or a DAC like device which is converting from USB to Toslink. Do you have any recommendations for such devices? From what I found they are almost as expensive as "real" DACs, so it's a bit pointless at that point.

Probably best solution would be to get another mini PC close to the DAC and stream the digital audio data to the mini PC over WiFi in my opinion.

 

[fpitas]

They make USB extenders, although I have no experience using them.

 

[HarmonicTHD]

Wifi if possible.

 

[Doodski]

- active USB 2.0 cables

What active cables are you possessing? What are the range specs? Non-active USB cables go to about ~15 feet as per ~spec.

 

[hyperknot]

They make USB extenders, although I have no experience using them.

That's what's inside an active USB cable, isn't it?

 

[Matias]

A WiiM (Pro) streaming files from the PC by Ethernet or WiFi?

 

[fpitas]

That's what's inside an active USB cable, isn't it?

Lol probably. I'm an RF guy, I just buy this stuff.

 

[hyperknot]

What active cables are you possessing? What are the range specs? Non-active USB cables go to about ~15 feet as per ~spec.

Here is the first find for it on Amazon.de:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/deleyCON-Printer-Amplifier-Repeater-Computer/dp/B07Q4QC7NH/?th=1

 

[Multicore]

Remote KVM.

 

[hyperknot]

The 20m version has 2 signal amplifiers:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/deleyCON-Active-Printer-Scanner-Multifunction/dp/B09HCHV26X/?th=1

 

[Doodski]

Here is the first find for it on Amazon.de:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/deleyCON-Printer-Amplifier-Repeater-Computer/dp/B07Q4QC7NH/?th=1

That active cable should work but it's ~5m too short?

 

[hyperknot]

That active cable should work but it's ~5m too short?

I linked the 20m version above which has 2 signal amplifiers, but I'm really curious about how is the data transmission over this distance. Best would be to verify the digital output of the DAC via an optical input board and compare for bit perfectness.

 

[voodooless]

something like this will work:

https://www.amazon.com/Club3D-Optical-Unidirectional-65-62ft-Adapters/dp/B091Q5PG7W/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2417HHRB853YE&keywords=optical+USB+20m&qid=1700074359&sprefix=optical+usb+20%2Caps%2C235&sr=8-4

 

[Doodski]

I linked the 20m version above which has 2 signal amplifiers, but I'm really curious about how is the data transmission over this distance. Best would be to verify the digital output of the DAC via an optical input board and compare for bit perfectness.

If it will do a printer and all the other things listed at the 20m cable webpage then it'll do audio.

 

[Lambda]

There are many active USB over RJ45 converters.
They usually work but i would strongly advice on also getting an USB Idolator with this length.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

So it might be cheaper to go Toslink

You Should relay not connect the grounds over a usb cable over a length like this.

 

[Blumlein 88]

I've used the USB extenders up to 25 meters. No problems even at 192k rates. Might not work if the DAC is usb powered.

 

[Balle Clorin]

Hi, how would you recommend connecting a PC with a DAC which is 20 meters away?

AFAIK, I have two options:
- active USB 2.0 cables
- Toslink cables

With both solutions I'm worried about if there is degradation in jitter and also bit-loss.

Also, for the Toslink cable, I'd need to basically buy a USB-DAC or a DAC like device which is converting from USB to Toslink. Do you have any recommendations for such devices? From what I found they are almost as expensive as "real" DACs, so it's a bit pointless at that point.

Why do you need a PC to control the music or be connected to the Hifi?
Use Tidal and stream it, Or Roon to stream all stored music from a network connected hard disk . Control all from an app on your phone or IPad

 

[TurtlePaul]

Best would be to verify the digital output of the DAC via an optical input board and compare for bit perfectness.

Not required. If the USB is dropping packets you will hear drop outs. If you hear the music with no immediately audible anomalies then the signal is perfect.

 

[RayDunzl]

USB 2.0 Active Extension Repeater Cable (A-A M/F), 20M (65 ft.) | Eaton

USB 2.0 Active Extension Repeater Cable (A-A M/F), 20M (65 ft.)

tripplite.eaton.com

50 meter is the longest, so 20M should be good.

I think I have a 10 meter working here.