I'm Stuck: Lightning Out to Coaxial In

[Pete2]

Hi guys. New to digital audio, and I'm stuck. I want to connect an iPhone 14S source (Lightning out) to my Yamaha A-S301 integrated that has coax, optical, or RCA in. I want to first try the onboard Yamaha DAC to see how it sounds to my 65-year-old ears before buying an external DAC. I can't figure out how to connect the Apple's Lightning out to the Yamaha coaxial in. I can use the Apple USB3 adapter to get me to USB-A but then I need to go from USB-A to coaxial. There are a couple converters (e.g. SMSL PO1000) but they cost $75, so if I spend $75 I might as well just spend another $100 and get an iFi Zen3 and just use that, since it accepts USB-C input. Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions!

 

[kyuu]

USB to SPDIF Transmitter

HIGHLIGHT [Output SPDIF Audio from USB Port] - Cubilux USB SPDIF Adapter turns the USB port of your computer into a powerful source of high-quality optical audio signal transmitter. Note: This device is designed for transmitting audio ONLY, NOT for receiving/inputting audio signals. [Stereo...

www.cubilux.com

 

[SMc]

Hi guys. New to digital audio, and I'm stuck. I want to connect an iPhone 14S source (Lightning out) to my Yamaha A-S301 integrated that has coax, optical, or RCA in. I want to first try the onboard Yamaha DAC to see how it sounds to my 65-year-old ears before buying an external DAC. I can't figure out how to connect the Apple's Lightning out to the Yamaha coaxial in. I can use the Apple USB3 adapter to get me to USB-A but then I need to go from USB-A to coaxial… Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions!

It won’t help you with the Yamaha DAC but you could try an Apple lightning dongle with the appropriate 3.5mm to RCA adapter to see if the result is acceptable.

Or stream to a WiiM Mini to use its optical output.

I

 

[Pete2]

<snip> you could try an Apple lightning dongle with the appropriate 3.5mm to RCA adapter to see if the result is acceptable.

Thank you - that dongle actually has a built-in DAC in the Lightning end. I've tried that and it works OK but that DAC is pretty rudimentary so I'm looking for an option to provide better sound quality.

 

[Pete2]

USB to SPDIF Transmitter

HIGHLIGHT [Output SPDIF Audio from USB Port] - Cubilux USB SPDIF Adapter turns the USB port of your computer into a powerful source of high-quality optical audio signal transmitter. Note: This device is designed for transmitting audio ONLY, NOT for receiving/inputting audio signals. [Stereo...

www.cubilux.com

Thank you! I will try that one if I can't find an adapter to coaxial. It's my understanding that coaxial is better sound quality than S/PDIF.

 

[Roland68]

Thank you! I will try that one if I can't find an adapter to coaxial. It's my understanding that coaxial is better sound quality than S/PDIF.

I would recommend a significantly higher-quality and better-developed DDC, such as the inexpensive SMSL PO100.
You should be able to find it on sale for under $40/€40.

SPDIF is the same connection as Toslink and coaxial; only the transmission medium is different.

 

[john61ct]

It's my understanding that coaxial is better sound quality than S/PDIF.

Product category is "DDC" USB to Coax

Coax vs TOSlink, both are S/PDIF

some output both, Douk Audio U2 / Pro

SMSL PO100

...

these are Coax only

XMOS 192kHz is the high-quality input

SMSL 100PRO

Hiby UC-10

M2TECH HiFace Two R

DIYINHK DXIO PRO3Z is pricey

 

[linuxfan]

I can't figure out how to connect the Apple's Lightning out to the Yamaha coaxial in.

For digital audio output from an iOS device you need the official Apple Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter, of which there are 3 different models ...
or an Apple-licensed third-party equivalent cable, denoted by the term "MFi certified".

I can use the Apple USB3 adapter to get me to USB-A

No, that won't work. Generic lightning-to-USB cables do not support USB-audio. See above.

Of course this gets you USB-audio output - which is fine for many/most DAC's, but your Yamaha A-S301 has only S/PDIF input, so you also need a USB-to-S/PDIF converter - like the SMSL PO100 you mentioned. The older (non "Pro") model can be had for around US$40.

There are a couple converters (e.g. SMSL PO100) but they cost $75, so if I spend $75 I might as well just spend another $100 and get an iFi Zen3

Yes, it's probably better putting those funds towards a DAC. But ZEN DAC 3? Have you browsed this forum? The budget champions are Topping E30 II lite and SMSL SU-1.

And at the end of it all, you will end up with your (expensive) smartphone being physically tethered to your hifi system.
This is 2026. Think streamer.