darwinSorry for the follow up as I'm new to the iOS ecosystem: so will iOS recognize the DAC automagically for all sounds or do I need to install an app/driver?
rdodevApple camera connection kit is the most reliable way. I tried a few microusb to lightning direct cables and they did not work with newer IOS versions.
rdodevIf you have good ears and decent headphones (or are accustomed to good speakers) I don’t think you should expect too much from your lighting port equipped iPhone. I’ve tried everything I can come up with on mine. Part of the SQ problem is with iTunes, but even with other better apps, software, and gizmos iPhones are still problematically noisy. (Macs are a little better but still not great). Better to use the phone or tablet as just a controller and send your content to your source over WiFi or through a server. But of course this is not a portable solution.
I maintain an open mind however; If anyone has found a way to make a portable apple device sound really good please inform. I like my iPhone habit but am about to switch to LG simply for the better sound. This would mean a compromise on a lot of functionality but sound is important.