USB-- Is it digital, analog or both

[Slanski62]

Could someone tell me whether USB outputs a digital or analog signal? Many DACs now have a USB input. But other devices such as headphone amps that are pure analog (I assume) also accept USB in. So when I'm using my computer as a source to feed my integrated amp with with a built-in DAC, how do I know I'm sending it a digital signal and not a crappy analog signal from the computer's DAC? Thanks for any help.

Steve

[Ludo]

Could someone tell me whether USB outputs a digital or analog signal? Many DACs now have a USB input. But other devices such as headphone amps that are pure analog (I assume) also accept USB in. So when I'm using my computer as a source to feed my integrated amp with with a built-in DAC, how do I know I'm sending it a digital signal and not a crappy analog signal from the computer's DAC? Thanks for any help.

Steve

USB is 100% digital. Regular speed sends data at rates up to 12Mbps and high speed goes up to 480Mbps. Devices which have USB inputs for audio must have an on-bard DAC to perform the digital to analog conversion.

Louis