[NCRob]

Is this possible if plugged in USB? Does the HK system accept hi res through USB?

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by NCRob

Is this possible if plugged in USB? Does the HK system accept hi res through USB?

Despite your iPhone supporting regular lossless 24bit / 48kHz, CarPlay and Wireless CarPlay will convert down to 16bit / 44.1-48kHz which is the lowest tier of lossless support and sends the signal to the head unit as:

- Wired CarPlay sends 16b / 44.1-48 LPCM
- Wireless CarPlay transcodes and sends 16b / 44.1-48 as compressed AAC-LC

To listen to songs at sample rates higher than 48 kHz, you need an external digital-to-analog converter.

For Hi-Res audio, I plug my Fiio M17 into the USB port and enable Vehicle mode and play Hi-Res DSD256 audio that's stored on my microSD. Otherwise I'll use my iP12Max or S21 Ultra to listen to downloaded Apple Lossless or Tidal Masters and connect to HK via USB.

[NCRob]

Originally Posted by Auricom

Despite your iPhone supporting regular lossless 24bit / 48kHz, CarPlay and Wireless CarPlay will convert down to 16bit / 44.1-48kHz which is the lowest tier of lossless support and sends the signal to the head unit as:

- Wired CarPlay sends 16b / 44.1-48 LPCM
- Wireless CarPlay transcodes and sends 16b / 44.1-48 as compressed AAC-LC

To listen to songs at sample rates higher than 48 kHz, you need an external digital-to-analog converter.

For Hi-Res audio, I plug my Fiio M17 into the USB port and enable Vehicle mode and play Hi-Res DSD256 audio that's stored on my microSD. Otherwise I'll use my iP12Max or S21 Ultra to listen to downloaded Apple Lossless or Tidal Masters and connect to HK via USB.

Very Helpful!

[edtreo]

X5 doesn't have an auxillary analog input so external DAC will not work unfortunately unless you are able to hardwire an analog input to X5's audio system.

Also, we need the specs on X5's internal DAC as well as that may be a limiting factor when direct input through a digital player or storage media.

[jsmonet]

I've played a bit going between dropping flac onto the local hdd, streaming lossless from my phone, and wireless streaming (aac) and can honestly say that unless you're parked, the deteriorating impact of road noise, however little, on SQ is enough to reduce the difference in perceived quality to diminishing returns. I can hear it, but it's not a compelling enough difference to bother plugging my phone in.