High-resolution audio refers to sources like 96kHz or 192kHz, which contain more information than standard playback files, letting you hear sound closer to a live performance.
In this article, we’ll explain how to play high-resolution audio on your iPhone or iPad without degrading its original quality.
Both the iPhone and iPad have built-in DACs (digital-to-analog converters) that support playback up to 48kHz. This is sufficient for standard sources, but not for higher sample rates. The simplest setup might look like this:
Here, you’re simply connecting a speaker system or earphones/headphones directly. If the original source is high quality, you can still enjoy sound comparable to a standard CD.
As noted above, the iPhone/iPad’s built-in DAC tops out at 48kHz. By using an external device for digital-to-analog conversion, you can enhance your playback.
Here’s an example: the Uno by iFi (https://amzn.asia/d/3nqTjQz), which weighs only about 0.15 kg and can fit in the palm of your hand. External DACs for iPhone can be found on Amazon starting at around 9,000 yen.
iFi audio Uno PCM384/DSD256, around 14,000 yen, tested and confirmed to work
Check whether your iPhone/iPad uses Lightning or USB-C. If it’s USB-C, buy a DAC that supports USB-C. Connect your iPhone to the DAC, and then connect your headphones or speakers to the DAC’s output. After that, just press play! Once connected, the iPhone automatically selects the external DAC as the audio device.
Get the best audio quality with an iPhone->DAC->Headphones setup
The iFi Uno supports up to 32bit/384kHz playback, letting you experience NNTM’s source files at their highest performance. You’ll likely notice more realistic, textured sound when you listen.
For uninterrupted sleep, this iPad NNTM App + DAC + Speaker setup is a personal favorite
The combination of the iPad version of NNTM, a DAC, and the SONY SRS-XG300 speaker is my personal setup for bedtime. It helps prevent being woken by noises late at night or early morning, improving sleep quality.
Below is a summary of the three essential components you’ll need.
[1] NNTM
Download the app.
[2] DAC
iFi audio Uno PCM384/DSD256 https://amzn.asia/d/izWuBSi ¥14,300 (USB-C compatible, tested)
FiiO KA2 Lightning https://amzn.asia/d/0WxGNvf ¥10,431 (Lightning compatible, untested)
Radius RK-DA70C https://amzn.asia/d/iAGHnHQ ¥15,950 (USB-C compatible, untested)
EarFun UA100 https://amzn.asia/d/bygtI26 ¥8,990 (USB-C compatible, untested)
There are many other products available. Search “DAC USB-C” or “DAC Lightning” on Amazon.
Note that extremely cheap or compact devices might contain a DAC that performs no better than the one built into the iPhone, so be cautious.
[3] Earphones, Headphones, or Speakers
Most modern headphones or speakers will generally support high-resolution audio. Feel free to use your favorite.
SONY SRS-XG300 https://amzn.asia/d/6g076zO ¥26,500
For earphones, choose a model labeled “high-resolution compatible,” or check the specifications to ensure it supports playback at 96kHz or higher.
Other notes:
- The Apple EarPods included with iPhone are said to be incapable of achieving high-res performance due to their physical characteristics. If you’re particular about sound, choose a higher-end option.
- AirPlay or Bluetooth (including AirPods) is generally limited to 44.1kHz/16bit, so wired connections are recommended for maximum high-resolution performance.
