More information from User Manual:
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Use with Linux In USB
Audio 1.0 mode the 851N will work with most Linux distributions, allowing the playback of audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. Newer Linux distributions (e.g. Ubuntu 10.04) support USB Audio 2.0 for which the 851N should be switched to USB Audio 2.0 to accept audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. For both cases because Linux distributions vary according to their creators’ choice of software components, including drivers, it is not possible to guarantee operation and Audio drivers may need to be loaded. ‘Class drivers’ for generic support of USB Audio Class 1.0 or USB Audio Class 2.0 devices may be available from the Linux community, we do not supply these.
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8. USB Audio In
A USB B type socket is fitted to the 851N to enable the playback of audio from a personal computer running either Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OS X operating systems, most Linux distributions are also suitable.Note: Always use a high quality USB connection cable certified as USB Hi-Speed. USB cable connections longer than 3m may result in inconsistent audio performance.