NDX/NDAC - Astell & Kern 70 Playback Possible?

George, the USB ports are for reading files off a memory stick or for linking playing back music from an iPod or iPhone. They do not connect directly to a computer in the same way as a USB DAC would do.  You would need a USB-s/pdif convertor.

If your AK70 is like my old AK100 II then it may have an s/pdif optical output via the 3.5mm socket.  Use that. 

Thanks Richard. Will try that route with the 70 and see what happens.

George

George, I have looked at the specs on the Ak70 and it doesn't look like there's an s/pdif digital out on it.  All it offers is digital out via USB, which I believe requires a USB DAC.  To connect to the Naim DAC or NDX DAC it looks as though you will possibly need a USB-s/pdif convertor such as an M2Tech, Gustard, Audiophilleo etc.. but best check with A&K to be sure.

Thanks again Richard. So, I've done a workaround - optical from the  AK70 3.5mm socket to NDAC optical. NDX sees it as a UPnP after switching AK70 output to NDX which I think it sees wirelessly. Still baffled by how this all comes together but, for sure, it works. Thanks again for the tips. I have a Gen 1 M2Tech as well which I used to use with a headless MacMini but it certainly wouldn't accept any cables that I currently have to connect to the NDAC or NDX.

George

Sound like you have two options to try - playing music via the AK70 > NDAC or via the NDX with your AK70 acting as a UPnP server.