If your music is stored on a laptop, a portable DAC is a must. Your headphones will thank you
Anyone who listens to music from a laptop or desktop will likely notice an improvement in sound quality by ditching the built-in DAC and headphone output. Portable devices including DAC and headphone amplifier take on the processing task sound signal, ensuring the highest possible quality. We're testing four affordable portable models that can radically enhance your PC music enjoyment.
In human language
DAC
A digital-to-analog converter turns digital information into an analog signal; the amplifier and speakers create sound from it. Any digital device is equipped with a DAC.
Asynchrony
An asynchronous USB port allows the DAC to control the flow of information, improving sound quality; in other cases it is done by the computer.
Audioengine D3
The D3's aluminum body, assembled with tiny screws, feels very durable and resists any attempt to bend it. Turning what at first glance seems like a simple USB flash drive into a nice-looking hi-fi component is no easy task, but Audioengine has managed to do it.
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Thanks to its small aluminum body, Audioengine is very similar to a flash drive - to complete the picture, only a cap is missing
It's a shame, however, that it doesn't come with the same aluminum cover to protect the USB connector when it's not plugged in or in your pocket. However, the D3 is equipped with its own woolen case - so at least the DAC will be warm in the long cold winter.
In addition, the kit includes a short but clear installation guide and a cable with an adapter that will allow you to connect headphones with a 6.3 mm plug to the 3.5 mm output. We tested the D3 with AKG K550 over-ear headphones and Klipsch X7i in-ear headphones.
HD audio support
The Audioengine DAC is compatible with Mac and Windows computers; unlike some other models, it does not require an additional driver for Windows. Like AudioQuest DragonFly v1.2, the D3 accepts files up to 24-bit/96 kHz “as is”; formats high resolution with 24-bit/192 kHz sampling, the computer will have to first re-encode it to 24/96. The D3 also allows asynchronous data transfer from a computer's USB output for improved sound quality.
There are two tiny indicators on the front of the device. The outermost one glows blue if Audioengine is processing recordings with a sampling rate of 88.2 kHz or higher; otherwise it remains dark. The near white LED indicates that the DAC is turned on and ready to receive data.
Unlike the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS, the D3 is not equipped with a volume control - as is the AudioQuest DragonFly v1.2. You will have to control it using a program that plays music.
Detail and strength
D3 manages to extract a decent amount of detail from a WAV copy of Eminem's Bad Guy. The device prefers direct, unsophisticated sound. The dark bass notes strike with sufficient force; The claps scattered throughout the song are delivered precisely and clearly - although the emotion of Eminem's voice is not recreated as convincingly as AudioQuest.
We would have liked more fine detail and a more complete development of note textures. The lack of sophistication of the sound slightly reduces the joy of listening.
Lily Allen's Christmas cover of "Somewhere Only We Know" shows the focus and expressiveness of the singer's graceful piano work and soft voice, but the overall sound is less natural and authentic than the DacMagic XS. In addition, it is inferior to that of DragonFly in the quality of conveying the subtlest nuances and emotional content of the song.
Audioengine's design isn't bad, but it fails to fully capture the listener's attention and leave a lasting impression. And considering the price - not the lowest among the test models - the D3 doesn't have much of a chance.
Price: $250
Grade: 3
BEHIND: Pleasant, weighty sound; workmanship; good detail
AGAINST: The sound lacks purity, detail and dynamics; price
VERDICT: The sound is generally not bad, but competitors have it better and the price is lower
Figures and facts
- Add. inputs:No
- Outputs: 3.5mm
- Dimensions (H×W×D):6.5×2×1 cm
AudioQuest DragonFly v1.2
When it was introduced in 2012, the DragonFly made a splash. AudioQuest has taken two traditional hi-fi components - a DAC and a headphone amplifier - and combined them into a convenient, compact package with excellent sound.
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Externally new model indistinguishable from the first, although in fact it is DragonFly v1.2. The difference can be detected by the sticker on the case, as well as by the color of the ring around the headphone output (it used to be black, now it is grey). In addition, there are several new lettering and logos.
However, a lot has changed inside. In an effort to further improve sound quality, the company has shortened the signal path between the DAC chip and the analog output, and also redesigned internal source nutrition.
The list of DragonFly stats has not changed; it's still asynchronous, compatible with PC and Mac, and volume control will have to be done on the playback device. Files with sampling rates up to 24-bit/96 kHz DragonFly are played “as is,” while high-resolution formats with 24-bit/192 kHz parameters have to be re-encoded by the computer to 24/96.
Color coding
We've always really liked the design and construction of the DragonFly; it has a solid weight to it, and the matte black finish is very nice to the touch. The logo glows in different colors to match the characteristics of the files being played: green - 44.1 kHz, cyan - 48 kHz, amber - 88.2 kHz, and magenta - 96 kHz.
Just listen to a couple of songs and you will see that the openness, spaciousness and detail of the sound of the first version of DragonFly is fully preserved, but it has acquired additional purity.
The new DragonFly reveals even more detail and is equipped with increased dynamic power. The performance is closer to the original than before.
"Up Is Down" from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack has a big sound - powerful, rhythmic and dynamic - and DragonFly easily conveys all these qualities to the listener. In the WAV version of this composition, the strings exhibit a natural fluidity, and the horns combine with percussion to create a dynamic, explosive finale.
Luxurious tempo and rhythm
DragonFly boasts impeccable rhythm and accurate transmission of tempo rhythms. Calvin Harris's upbeat dance tune "Under Control" showcases groovy enthusiasm and an equally upbeat tempo; Listening to it instantly improves your mood.
LFs delight with density and depth; it highlights rapper Jay-Z's confident and compelling performance of Empire State Of Mind - both in a CD-quality copy and streaming from Spotify. The drums hit sharply and powerfully, their attack is clearly defined, as are the piano notes on background. Alicia Keys' voice comes out a little less soft than in the Cambridge Audio version, but the transparency and detail are higher in the DragonFly.
The great thing about in this case- a combination of amazing sound quality with a truly tempting price. DragonFly's successful flight continues!
Price: $350
Grade: 5
BEHIND: Incredibly clear and detailed sound; luxurious dynamics; amazing rhythm; spectacular design;
AGAINST: For this price - nothing
VERDICT: The first version was wonderful, but the quality of the new one is even higher
Figures and facts
- Add. inputs:No.
- Outputs: 3.5mm
- Max. Sampling:24bit/96kHz
- Dimensions (H×W×D):6.2×1.9×2.1 cm
Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS
Cambridge Audio already has two excellent DACs - DacMagic 100 and DacMagic Plus; however, they are both fairly large desktop devices that are mains powered. The ultra-portable DacMagic XS is miniature and USB powered.
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Don't judge the size by the photo; in life DacMagic XS is much smaller: 5 cm high, 3 cm wide, 1 cm deep
This is one of the most inexpensive components in its class, but you can’t tell from the appearance of the DacMagic XS: stylish compact body, nice finish. It is slightly wider and thicker than the DragonFly and Audioengine models, but the build quality is very high; This DAC makes a very good impression.
There are few connectors here: only a microUSB input on one end, which is used to connect to a computer using the included cable, and a standard 3.5 mm headphone output on the other.
A single LED indicates the sampling rate of the input signal: when receiving files with a frequency of 44.1 bit/48 kHz it glows blue, with 88.2/96 it glows green, and with 176.4/192 it glows purple. It also shows the volume level.
Very easy to use
If, when playing music through AudioQuest and Audioengine DACs, the volume has to be controlled from the computer, then Cambridge Audio has its own controls - round “+” and “-” buttons. If you press both at once and hold for a few seconds, they switch the DAC from USB 1.0 to USB 2.0 mode. In the second case, DacMagic XS is capable of receiving a stream in the original high resolution - 24 bit/192 kHz. USB 1.0 mode is limited to 24 bit/96 kHz (PC users need to download the driver from the Cambridge website for this).
USB 2.0 mode has another advantage: the sound quality in this case is usually higher. Even a standard 16-bit/44.1 kHz CD copy of Lady Gaga's "Do What You Want" performs better in USB 2.0 mode: more focused, stable and confident, with lots of finely organized detail.
The Cambridge DAC imparts pleasant weight and energetic dynamics to the composition; Precise, agile and well-developed bass forms its foundation. DacMagic's pleasant tonal character helps soften the sound of overly harsh or bright recordings. If you're used to listening to music from your laptop or desktop through the headphone output, you'll instantly feel the difference with DacMagic.
Soft, full-blooded sound
Higher resolution files are even more pleasing to the ear. Kate Bush's 50 Words For Snow at 24/96 sounds sophisticated and intricate; Cambridge demonstrates enviable meticulousness and special care in recreating vocals, which are characterized by natural warmth and fullness. The recording of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Minor Op.58 is no less admirable.
However, it seems to us that the AudioQuest DragonFly has a slightly clearer sound, as well as slightly higher detail and quality of dynamics.
The Cambridge Audio DAC easily beats out competitors from Fiio and Audioengine; its main problem is the AudioQuest DragonFly with its new ultra-low price. It costs only $150 more, and many buyers will choose to pay a little more for a significant increase in sound quality.
Price: $200
Grade: 4
BEHIND: Excellent tonal character; pleasant sound; support for 24/192 formats; quality of finish
AGAINST: Detail and dynamics are not ideal
VERDICT: DacMagic XS is very good and perfect for those who can't afford to spend more
Figures and facts
- Add. inputs: Micro USB
- Outputs: 3.5mm
- Dimensions (H×W×D):5.4×3×1 cm
- Weight:100g
Fiio E17
Externally, the Fiio E17 looks more like an MP3 player than a compact headphone amplifier with a DAC. However, it is portable enough to carry in your pocket and is generally in the same class as the DragonFly and D3 models.
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Having a screen is good; a device with a display is much more convenient on the road, as well as during initial setup
Lots of features
The E17 immediately scores a few points thanks to its very high level of equipment for this price category. Firstly, it has a small OLED display. Whereas on other devices in this class, sampling rate data is limited to (often incomprehensible) color coding and miniature LEDs, here you can simply look at the display - and at the same time clarify the name of the song.
The mini-USB port for connecting to a computer USB port works via USB standard 1.0, so Fiio is capable of receiving streams up to 24bit/96kHz. Files in 24/192 format can be fed through the dedicated digital input E17 using a coaxial cable and the included adapter. The optical input is only compatible with 96 kHz.
In addition, you can also receive a signal from another source, such as a CD player, using the Fiio's built-in DAC, and then send it to an amplifier or a pair of powered speakers.
Speaking of amplifiers, on the bottom edge of the E17 there is a special connector for connecting to the Fiio E09K desktop amplifier. A 3.5mm input for a smartphone or MP3 player allows the Fiio to be used as a headphone amplifier.
A CD copy of the song La La La by Naughty Boy with 16/44 sampling is perceived as high quality and convincing; Fiio's pleasant tonal character is more soothing than aggressive.
When listening through the AKG K550 headphones, the strings sound soulful and delicate, and the bass is quite energetic, allowing them to convey the cheerful tempo of the music.
The higher sample rate version of the Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter shows a noticeable increase in detail, and the Fiio copes well with the increased resolution. Keith Richards' guitar solo is heard quite sharply and clearly, although it is inferior in dynamics and emotionality to the DragonFly and DacMagic XS models.
Not the most transparent sound
We would also like greater purity of reproduction: while the DragonFly reveals the composition, giving it volume, transparency and detail, then the E17 is meticulous enough to give the listener a general idea of the music - but it cannot convey the subtlest nuances that make the performance exciting. strength.
The sound gets better after setting the volume on E17 to maximum, and on the source ( MacBook Pro) to a slightly lower level. The result is increased volume and improved dynamics, but not enough to disturb the class leaders.
The composition Royals by singer Lorde is performed well, but the bass lacks a little power and purpose. Fiio fails to recreate the dynamics and scale of a recording as fully as, for example, DragonFly.
In theory, Fiio is quite good; the list of its functions and characteristics can impress fans of good sound. However, the sound quality is noticeably inferior to its closest competitors. It is acceptable - and nothing more.
Price:$225
Grade: 3
BEHIND: Pleasant, non-aggressive sound; balance and detail; equipment
AGAINST: The sound isn't the most energetic or exciting; lacks transparency and depth of elaboration
VERDICT: E17 is universal and versatile, but in terms of quality it is far from the leaders
Figures and facts
- Add. inputs: 3.5 mm, optical/coaxial digital, mini USB
- Outputs: 3.5mm
- Max. Sampling:24bit/192kHz
- Dimensions (H×W×D):9.6×5.5×1.5 cm
- Weight:112 g
Let's sum it up
Winner AudioQuest DragonFly $350
A new version DragonFly costs a third less than the first, and sounds even better; It seems to us that today competitors simply have nothing to oppose
The cute and compact AudioQuest DragonFly DAC with excellent sound flies to success on the wings of the wind.
We feel a little sorry for the Cambridge Audio DacMagicXS, which lost its fifth star as a result of the collision with the winner; If you can spend $200 and not a cent more, the DacMagicXS is a very good option - it has high quality workmanship and unusually refined sound for its price range.
But the cost difference with the AudioQuest DAC is not that great, but the quality difference is definitely much greater. The new version of DragonFly v1.2 is even better than its excellent predecessor.
With a noticeable reduction in price, sound quality has increased to the same extent; the music delights with its extraordinary purity and amazing detail, and the dynamic capabilities of the DragonFly cannot be compared with any model in this class.
Fiio E17 performed quite well. It is slightly larger than its competitors, but is equipped with additional and very useful features. Its sound is more cautious than exciting; we would have liked more richness and spice - but we shouldn't judge too harshly, given the price and equipment.
And finally, Audioengine D3. The sound quality is roughly the same as the Fiio: quite good, but not amazing. With a rather inexpressive sound, this is the most expensive model in the test; so we were forced to give it only a C.
BEFORE THE PURCHASE
File Permission
IN technical specifications It's easy to get confused. Many of the test participants accept formats with sampling up to 24 bit/96 kHz via USB, but do not support 24/192. How important this is to you depends on your collection. If you buy tracks on iTunes or rip them from a CD without compression, then 96 kHz is more than enough for you. If you prefer the highest resolution recordings, make sure your DAC understands them.
COMPLETE THE SYSTEM
This couple will help DragonFly's talents to fully reveal themselves
Laptop
Apple MacBook Pro from $1200
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We love the ease of use of the MacBook Pro and the convenient interface for storing music.
Headphones
Philips Fidelio M1 $250
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Warm and natural sound with an amazing amount of detail.
Difficult decision or comparing warm with soft?
Any search and tossing in attempts to improve the sound usually begins with the feeling that the usual music system somehow “doesn’t play.” For seasoned music lovers, this feeling only means new expenses. Beginners often limit themselves to purchasing good ones. If the result does not meet expectations, you have to look for other ways to improve the sound of the music.
Headphone Amplifier
If the sound source is not powerful enough to drive your headphones, the first thing that comes to mind is buying an external amplifier.
Amplifiers built into smartphones or portable players are often no different high quality. On the one hand, in order to increase the overall performance of the gadget, engineers are forced to choose more energy efficient, but less powerful amplifiers. On the other hand, built-in solutions cannot always provide stable sound without introduced distortion.
In this case, a discrete amplifier designed specifically to output a high-quality audio signal may become the desired alternative. At the same time, compact external amplifiers provide not only the necessary sound volume in the headphones, but also the proper sound stability.
And this is where a problem awaits headphone amplifier users. Moreover, it is not connected with the amplifiers themselves. Amplifiers connected to the headphone output jack deal with the analog signal in the form in which it was converted by the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) built into the smartphone (player or sound card). Manufacturers rarely spend money on high-quality DAC chips, preferring to install inexpensive low-bit chips. The result of the operation of weak DACs can be simplistically described by the following image:
IN general case Brightness, expressiveness, or even some of the details will be lost. After such a transformation, even the highest quality headphones and amplifier will not save the music.
This is why it often makes more sense to purchase an external digital-to-analog converter.
External DAC
Digital-to-analog converter - a device that converts digital signal into a stream of electrical impulses for reproduction in acoustic devices.
In the chain “Signal source – DAC – Amplifier – Acoustics”, the final sound quality depends on each component. The DAC thus bears at least a quarter of the responsibility for what ultimately reaches the listener's ears. That is why it is important to ensure that the audio path contains a high-quality device that converts binary code into an analog signal.
With DACs built into consumer devices, the situation is similar to amplifiers. Energy efficiency and optimization of dimensions force manufacturers to install compact components that do not meet the challenges of outputting detailed sound. In addition, not all users need their phone (or laptop) to “play.” As a result, lovers of high-quality sound are forced to consider purchasing additional peripherals.
Fortunately, the market for portable external DACs is wide. Even in the realities of a crisis and a sagging national currency, you can choose a decent solution that is affordable. Whether for iPhone or Mac. All you need is to be able to connect the device via a USB interface.
For example, not long ago we visited two devices from Fostex. One of them is an external DAC Fostex HP-A3, built on a microcircuit AKM AK4390. This model, at a relatively low price, has everything a demanding music lover needs. The HP-A3 produces very detailed, precise and very dynamic sound. In addition, its charms include the presence of a small amplifier, sufficient for use with low-impedance headphones.
To drive large high-impedance phones, you will need to equip your system with an additional amplifier or use a universal solution.
Harvester
In the same review we looked at the older model Fostex HP-A4. It can be classified as a so-called combine - a device that combines both a DAC and an amplifier in one housing.
The HP-A4 digital-to-analog converter is based on a 24-bit chip PCM1792A and natively supports DSD audio conversion. Well, the amplifier power should be sufficient for most high-impedance headphones.
It is worth noting that buying a combine harvester will not necessarily be a compromise decision. Most often, the manufacturer selects components in such a way that the DAC and the amplification path, if not an ideal pair, at least match each other’s characteristics. In addition, instead of two separate devices, you get one, and sometimes quite compact one.
In my opinion, the only drawback of combined solutions is the impossibility of replacing a separate amplifier or DAC in the path if the sound produced by the system does not correspond to the desired result.
In this case, it is worth considering the purchase of individual components of the audio path, which will entail more serious financial investments.
Instead of output
Unfortunately, when it comes to quality sound, there is no known correct answer. There is no ideal combination of devices, and sometimes it is impossible to achieve this ideal. In choosing the appropriate solution, you can only trust your own hearing.
Thanks to Fostex for the amplifiers and DACs provided.
Given the growing popularity of Android technology, it is not surprising that its manufacturers have begun to pay more and more attention to high-quality sound. Many flagship models this year have support for high-resolution audio playback, but it’s almost impossible to fit everything needed for high-quality sound into the body of a smartphone (even a large one, as is usually the case with Android products). Therefore, for those who want to get the maximum sound level from their Android smartphone, Fiio has introduced the E18 external DAC.
For many, many people, the path to quality sound began with Fiio products. This was primarily due to their portable DACs combined with a headphone amplifier: E7, E17 and E07K. The low price and good sound quality of these devices allowed Fiio to revolutionize the portable audio market by lowering the prices of devices with good sound.
Briefly, what it is and why it is needed. Fiio E18 works as a portable digital to analog audio converter and headphone amplifier. What are DACs and why are they needed, and why are such devices needed in a portable version? - I talked about it in this review, so if you don’t understand the purpose of the device, read them.
Of course, Fiio used the already developed elementary base in their devices of various levels. For example, the E07, E17 and X3 player shared a similar DAC and amplifier chipset. Against this background, the E18 looks like a step aside, since Wolfson DACs in the new model have given way to PCM from . This step is very bold, not all companies decide to make such a change, what was the result?
- Output power:> 300 mW @ 32 Ω
- Supported frequencies: 32 KHz, 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 96 KHz
- Supported bit depth: 16 bit and 24 bit
- Harmonic Distortion:
- Signal to noise ratio:> 106 dB
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 KHz (± 0.2 dB)
- Recommended headphone impedance: 16 Ω – 150 Ω
- Battery: 3500 mAh, Li-Pol
- Dimensions: 130 mm × 66.2 mm × 14.6 mm
- Weight: 162 g
Packaging and delivery
A white box made of thick cardboard with a photo of the device that has become familiar over the past few years. On one of the ends there is a sticker with a code to check the originality of the product.
The package includes everything you can dream of. The amplifier itself in the case occupies a central place in the package, in addition to it you will receive:
- 4 rubber rings for attaching E18 to regular and large size smartphone,
- feet that you can stick on the E18 to keep it from being scratched when using it on a tabletop,
- short audio cable with two angled 3.5 mm connectors,
- adapter cable for connecting S/PDIF,
- a pair of cables for connecting smartphones via USB OTG,
- a pair of cables to connect the E18 to a computer.
I would like to make a special mention of the case: Fiio sent pseudo-velvet to the dustbin of history and made a case with a slightly narrowed top with an elastic band, which makes it much more convenient to use.
As you can see, the scope of delivery is the maximum possible.
Design and management
In the appearance of the E18, there is also a noticeable departure from the traditions established by the E07 and E17. The new portable "combine" is more similar to the E12 amplifier. The screen and digital volume control disappeared, the device itself became noticeably larger. The E18 is almost identical in size to the iPhone 5, which is quite a lot, although compared to modern Android smartphones this DAC looks almost elegant. The increased size primarily contributed to the installation of a very capacious 3500 mAh battery, which allows the E18 to operate for 12 hours in DAC + amplifier mode or all 25 hours with just the amplifier. The developers also perfectly understand the problem of the owners modern smartphones, so the E18 can charge your phone when needed.
Externally, the E18 is very similar to the E12, with the exception of a decorative silver stripe at the top. The same thin body with bevels on the sides, the same black aluminum with transverse texture stripes. Over the years, Fiio has made great strides in the area of build quality, and the E18 is no exception - the gold-plated connectors are located strictly in the center of the device, there are no seams or joints, the switches and controls are clearly fixed and move tightly enough to prevent accidental operations.
All controls and interfaces are located at the ends of the device. At the top there is a volume control combined with a switch, a headphone output jack, a universal line-out/input jack, a bass boost switch and a gain switch. On the top right side there are three playback control buttons that allow you to switch tracks without using the screen of your smartphone. Best of all, they work even when the E18 is connected to a laptop running OS X. At the bottom you will find two micro USB sockets, an operating mode switch and a coaxial output socket. Instead of a display screen, 4 small LEDs are used: three show the battery charge level, one serves as a power-on indicator.
Of all the controls, the two sockets at the bottom and the switch between them are the most interesting.
There are two Micro USB connectors on the bottom panel of the device, as Fiio made a very wise decision and separated charging the device and connecting it via USB to the computer. The fact is that the 5 volts that are supplied to power a device via USB are often not very well filtered, and using them to power an audio device leads to noise. In E07 and E17, this was solved by turning off device charging through the menu, which is not very convenient. The E18 went further and made a separate connector for charging: firstly, it is simpler than a switch in the menu, and secondly, separating the power and signal into separate cables is the right solution from a sound point of view. By the way, in addition to USB, you can use a high-quality power supply with a USB connector for charging.
The switch at the bottom is responsible for the mode in which your E18 will connect to smartphones: either as an external DAC, for those devices that understand audio via USB OTG, or as Charger, it is impossible to perform these two functions simultaneously. By the way, be careful not to connect the E18 in power bank to the computer: it still won’t be able to charge the laptop.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- Apple MacBook Pro 15″ early 2011
- Decibel as a player
- Recordings in lossless formats
- Audio-GD NFB-6 as an amplifier
- Headphones: AKG K702, Philips Fidelio X1, Fischer Audio FA-003W “Non-profit”
To ensure compatibility with Android devices, the E18 uses a Tenor Te7022 chip as a USB controller, and a well-proven PCM1798 chip as a DAC. The DAC can handle signals up to 32 bit/192 kHz, but due to the limitation of the Te7022, the E18 only supports 24 bit/96 kHz (which, however, is more than enough for a portable device). If connected to Android, everything will be limited by the capabilities of this OS, and, most likely, the DAC will operate in 16 bit/44.1 kHz mode. The amplifier is built on a combination of OPA1642 and two LMH6643, which gives approximately the same output power as the E17. The traditionally low output impedance of the device allows it to be used without problems with multi-driver “armature” headphones, which are usually sensitive to this parameter.
To begin with, I evaluated the E18 in DAC mode, thanks to Fiio for adding a line output to the E18 (in previous models this required a tricky adapter). Here the new chip is fully revealed. Like most DACs based on Ti chips, the E18 has a sound with a slight bias towards warmth, with an emphasis on bass and close mids. This produces a punchy and energetic sound that is great for most genres of music. You will have to “pay” for this by some reduction in the airiness and lightness of the upper frequencies. Personally, this seems like a reasonable deal to me, but personal taste comes into play here, and only the individual buyer can decide whether such an exchange is interesting for him.
I also listened to the E18 in amp mode. This is how it can be used with most equipment that does not understand USB OTG. In this mode, the E18 performs quite at the level of its closest competitors, and in some ways even surpasses them. Low level of self-noise (black background), good control of most headphones (with the exception of tight dynamic and isodynamic models), neutral delivery without unnecessary deviations in one direction or another. There is a bass amplifier traditional for Fiio technology, which increases the frequency response in the area up to 1 kHz, with a maximum of +6 dB in the region of 50 Hz. This bass boost can often add missing density to the music, especially in cases of poor recording quality.
Also, without the slightest problem, the E18 works as an external DAC when connected to a computer, with good player, working with the device in Hog Mode, the sound is very detailed, with good drive and energy.
The device copes very well with interference from the phone (not surprising for a device that is supposed to be worn on the back of a smartphone): with low gain and medium sensitivity of the headphones, they are not audible; on sensitive headphones or with high gain, interference becomes slightly audible, but at a quite tolerable level level.
conclusions
A very interesting device: a new driving sound for Fiio technology (although this change may not be to everyone’s liking), rich functionality, long operating time, good design and build quality. Add to this the affordable price of $160, and we get a very interesting device. There are not so many compact DACs with Android support now, and their price tags are noticeably higher, but as was the case with the Fiio X3 player, competitors will catch up and present their vision of the device in this price segment, although by then Fiio engineers will already be working on something new.
One of the most affordable smartphones for the audiophile. Asahi Kasei AK4962 digital-to-analog converter, loud and high-quality stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos equalizer for fine tuning sound. And most importantly - only 24 thousand for a smartphone that sounds better than the flagship Samsung or iPhone!
The following can be said about the sound: a rich “middle”, in which low and high frequencies remain “scenery” and fade into the background. In “slow tracks” such a sound, as they say, touches the soul, in musical tracks in general it gives out new details where you expect to hear only the monotonous drone of a bass guitar or sounds produced by a synthesizer.
The speakers are booming and loud - without a hint of “bass”, but with a very spacious and correct sound at any volume due to the well-coordinated work of high (“tweeters”) and mid-range (melody, vocals) frequencies. In general, those who appreciate the sound in modern mobile phones will love the Axon 7 mini even despite its shortcomings.
But this model, I must say, has enough shortcomings - while the AMOLED display is of high quality and does not raise any questions, then the old Snapdragon 617 processor runs the system shell and applications without enthusiasm, “I just can’t.” The cameras are also not of good quality and are approximately equal to those in mobile phones, which are half the price. The autonomy of the musical ZTE is also not encouraging - it’s good if it lasts until the end of the day. But the Axon 7 mini charges quickly - Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 support helps out.
Highscreen Boost 3 SE Pro
Can a Russian smartphone sound better than American, Korean and Japanese competitors? It turns out that maybe Boost 3 cannot be called a comprehensively developed smartphone, but the sound in the headphones of this unsightly-looking model is impressive.
You can say that the ESS9018K2M DAC itself is not ultra-cool to sing its praises, but it is not the size that matters, but the skill, as experienced young ladies say. So, about the skill: Highscreen managed to deliver the audio stream so that Android did not spoil it along the way (well, Google didn’t count on the fact that the “green robot” would be used by people who need better sound than in audio tracks on YouTube!). Boost 3 SE also pleases with the absence of automatic “improvers” piled on top of the system - all the power of the ADA4897-2 amplifier is available immediately in the audio player, and it can be controlled directly. So much so that if you overdo it, it won’t take long for you to go deaf! But beginners will not get to such settings, and experienced guys will be able to adjust the sound to suit themselves in such a way that “nothing else is needed.”
Highscreen Boost 3 SE Pro
True, in other respects Boost 3 is not a luxury, but a means of transportation. Cheap in appearance, with a voracious old processor, a cheap screen, a low-quality speaker, terrible cameras, an audio player as terrible as my life... Apart from the sound, the only cool thing about this model is its autonomy (do you, old people in the mobile industry, remember about the famous smartphones - long-lived Boost series?), and everything else barely costs 17 thousand rubles, with the Xiaomi Mi5 still alive. But Boost 3 is inexpensive, repairable, and very popular with audiophiles for its permissiveness in sound tuning and its detail in headphones. It will not go unnoticed.
Meizu Pro 6 Plus
The fastest smartphone with high-quality sound. Long-suffering model Meizu Pro 6 at first “didn’t take off,” because instead of the long-awaited Samsung processors, the Chinese were forced to install the ten-core, hot, power-hungry and not flagship-level MediaTek Helio X25 (aka MT6797T). It didn’t turn out very well - the smartphone, of course, sounded good, but it was frustrating due to its heating, poor battery life and did not shine in games.
Pro 6 Plus was released only at the end of 2016, when the palm in terms of speed had already been taken over by Huawei with its 6-inch shovel. Therefore, make a breakthrough at the level of the old Meizu Pro 5 (with a record fast processor, like the Galaxy S6, but with better sound and faster performance) the new product failed.
Meizu Pro 6 Plus
Yes, and the devil with it, with performance - it is at the level of Snapdragon 820, that is, it is cool enough to feel at ease even with a Quad HD display on board. Another thing is important - we have a rare smartphone in Russian retail that is capable of playing games equally well, taking high-quality photos, and when you get tired of all this, delighting with high-quality sound in headphones.
Compared to the smartphones already mentioned in this article, the Pro 6 Plus does not sound as passionate, “high-calorie” and hysterical, but the ESS ES9018K2M DAC is clearly superior to all audio processors integrated into your Snapdragons, and the ADI AD45275 amplifier “pumps up” even massive headphones. If you want figurative comparisons, Meizu Pro 6 Plus is similar to a sports SUV - it is capable of “piling” on the asphalt and kneading dirt. With such versatility, no one cares that UAZs, like Highscreen, are able to impress the owner to a greater extent off-road.
Vivo X7 Plus
Just don’t say “what kind of miracle is this?” - Vivo is super popular and loved in China. In Russia, only a select few know about it - enthusiasts who do not hesitate to tinker with the firmware in order to Russify it or add Google services to smartphones developed by the Chinese for the Chinese.
However, today we are talking about sound and what smartphones can provide in addition to this very sound. The Vivo X7 Plus offers the AK4376 DAC, a converter that was designed to take into account compromises regarding power consumption, power handling and other nuances in smartphones.
That is, don’t expect the “we sacrificed everything to make the sound cool” concept from the X7 Plus - this model is just about how to take a little bit of everything and create a balanced smartphone.
So - Full HD AMOLED display, 4000 mAh, thin metal body, 4 GB random access memory and a steep $590 (~35 thousand rubles) for a “Chinese phone” with good sound. Impudence? Maybe, but there is an opinion that millions of Chinese cannot be wrong.
ZTE Nubia Z11
If you are not Chinese and are not going to buy some kind of Vivo only for patriotic reasons and an imaginary balance of characteristics, here is the coolest audiophile mobile phone of our time. The second ZTE on our list? Yes, but what can you do if Samsung and Huawei are not interested in high-quality sound in smartphones (at least until 2017), LG is not able to bring the sound of its V10/V20 to a competitive level, and HTC almost always puts the BoomSound nameplate on the model with a standard (albeit seasoned with equalizer) Snapdragon “under the hood” or, at best, content with a discrete DAM made by Qualcomm?
A DAC (or digital-to-analog converter) converts digital code to pleasant music. There is a DAC inside your phone and in your laptop, but if you want to enjoy really high-quality sound, then it is better to get an external converter.
What is the best portable DAC?
Chord Mojo. Even though this DAC looks like a weird little device with round buttons, that doesn't stop it from being far ahead of the competition.
That's because it comes at an affordable price and allows you to breathe new life into your digital music without any complicated manipulations.
In this rating, we selected only portable converters that are powered by a laptop or have a built-in battery. But they all have one thing in common - they are great for improving the sound quality of your digital music players and smartphones. Almost all portable DACs have built-in headphone amplifiers.
All models significantly improve the sound quality of your digital files, but if you listen to music with streaming service Spotify or CD, make sure you select the highest quality. After all, the better the initial quality, the better the converter can work.
It is also worth paying attention to the quality of the headphones used. Don't even think about buying a portable DAC if you have a low-quality headset.
Rating: Best Portable DAC for Headphones
Best DAC: Chord Mojo
Rating: ★★★★☆
Having nothing to do with trendy colors, the massive all-metal Chord Mojo is an excellent converter with a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA processor that is capable of handling any audio files from 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz in PCM, WAV, AAC, AIFF, MP3 and FLAC.
It's quite expensive for a portable DAC, but it doesn't perform much worse than its big brother, the Chord Hugo, so after a while you'll realize that the Chord Mojo is a bargain.
It's easy to use, has a nice feel to it, and is made entirely from aircraft-grade aluminum. It doesn't have a display, but you can see if the device is working via the power button. It lights up red for 44.1 kHz, green for 96 kHz and white for DSD. It has similar features to Explorer 2. However, to connect to an iPhone via USB, you will need an adapter for the Lightening cable, which you will have to buy separately.
The most beautiful DAC: Oppo HA-2 SE
Rating: ★★★★☆
If you're not willing to spend that much on a Mojo, but at the same time you don't want to sacrifice style for sound, then the Oppo HA-2 SE is the perfect compromise that offers exceptional performance as a headphone amplifier. And among other things, this DAC looks very stylish, because its body is decorated with luxurious genuine leather.
The HA-2 SE can handle high-quality music files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, allowing you to enjoy highly detailed, dynamic sound. The device has a button to boost the bass if you lack it, but at the same time, this is its only weak link, since the bass in this case will not be very clear.
The connectivity options are impressive, the DAC offers USB port for your MacBook, microUSB connector for smartphones on Android based, and a 3.5mm input for almost everything else, and Oppo also includes a cable for each port.
The battery here is 3000 mAh, from which, by the way, you can also charge your smartphone. It lasts for 7 hours when working with digital data, and for 13 hours when playing back analog signal, which is quite enough to please even the most picky music lover.
Best Wireless DAC: Astell & Kern XB10
Rating: ★★★★☆
This 23g Cookie-Sized Bluetooth DAC Adds Capability wireless communication– you can enjoy 5 hours of music playback, you can also adjust the volume, control music playback, answer calls, but thanks to the built-in 24-bit DAC, you can also listen to high-quality music... but only if you have an aptX-compatible player or telephone.
As we already mentioned, the streamer is equipped with a 192 kHz/24-bit DAC and an analog amplifier, which, regardless of the size of the file being played, will improve the sound of your track. If you like to listen to music loudly, this tiny device will help you do that, even if you stream low-quality mp3s through budget headphones.
Get yourself an aptX-compatible high-quality player, such as Astell & Kern KANN, and good wired headphones (the XB10 can even work with quite serious models, and even has a 2.5mm jack), and you will feel the difference.
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Price: 11,700 rub.
Designed to dramatically improve the sound quality of your laptop, this aluminum-framed DAC is USB-powered and has a 3.5mm analog input for connecting your headphones. It can handle high-quality files up to 24bit/192kHz and is the first of its kind to support MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, which breaks original recordings into smaller files that are easier to download and stream, but which have best quality than on CD.
Currently, the best way to listen to MQA files is through a Tidal Premium Hi-Fi account, and using Explorer 2. But you get exceptional detail that goes beyond regular streaming quality.
Obviously, the sound quality of streaming files will be slightly lower if you listen to music from Spotify or iTunes, but it is still quite a noticeable difference compared to the normal sound of your laptop.