Calyx PaT - The $99 Pocket Sized DAC/Amp for iOS, Android and computers

I figured this product deserves it's own page. I recently purchased one and really like it. More thoughts and information to follow.




The Calyx PaT features include:
Portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier

- Connections include Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices (with CCK)
- 16 Bit 48kHz resolution
- Controls for track skip forward and reverse as well volume adjustment - iOS only
- Plug and Play, no battery needed
- Chassis:CNC cut from an aluminum billet
- Laser imprint logos
- Colors available: Cyan, Gold and Red
- 2 micro USB OTG cables
- Net weight: 22g
- Dimensions: (HxWxD) 60mm x 32mm x 6.8mm
- 0.8v output
- Output Impedance 1.8 ohms

It should be noted the iOS controls not only allow you to skip tracks forwards and backwards but also allow you to seek/search within in a song by holding the buttons down. I've confirmed this on an iPhone 5S with iOS 8.2.

Where to buy (Authorized Dealers):
Tactiledevices : http://shop.tactiledevices.com/products/calyx-pat
Audio Advisor (not yet online but will sell over the phone)

Pic of my cyan PaT next to the HRT i-dSp:




Reviews:

http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Mobile/Calyx-PaT-Portable-USB-DAC-and-Headphone-Amplifer-Review

Reserved

Have you noticed any heavy battery drain with it?

mosshorn said:

Have you noticed any heavy battery drain with it?

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No, no excessive battery drain so far. In fact I haven't noticed anything above it's normal drain rate so far. But I've only had it a couple of days, so I'll know more in about a weeks time.

It cannot be understated how useful the buttons are on iOS. Especially being able to rewind and fast forward within a song- all without waking up the iphone.

Plus it sounds very nice so far. Quick observations between it and the i-dSp:
- i-dSp sounds just a bit fuller/weightier but also more smoothed over by a small amount.
- PaT, while sounding just a hair thinner sounds tighter, more articulate and nuanced. In other words more resolving.

Subbed.

PaT rocks. I will be posting a review soon.

It draws a little more battery when using it at higher volumes. With iems this amplifier is loud enough that I can keep the volume very low and battery drain is minimal and pretty much unnoticeable. With 300 ohm cans it requires more volume,and does make the battery drain a little faster than normal.

I love that this thing doesn't need to charge. I bought two extra batteries and a wall charger for my LG G3. I never need to plug in or use a charger. When one battery dies I just switch the battery and I'm back in business.

And yes, this thing drives 300 ohm cans with ease. I can't get my HD600 past 3/4 volume before it's too loud with my G3 and PaT. It sounds awesomesauce as well.

It's really a shame that controls doesn't work with android.

Does anyone know if there's any plans for a version that supports android as well?

peter123 said:

It's really a shame that controls doesn't work with android.

Does anyone know if there's any plans for a version that supports android as well?

Click to expand...

I assume this is an issue with the still somewhat limited OTG support of Android? I'm an iOS only user but curious to know if volume and track selection buttons can work with OTG and Android.

I'd be interested in that too. OTG has come a long way, as well as Android media control as well. I'm sure there is some way to control it. Either I will get this and wait on an AK Jr, or get an AK Jr

mosshorn said:

I'd be interested in that too. OTG has come a long way, as well as Android media control as well. I'm sure there is some way to control it. Either I will get this and wait on an AK Jr, or get an AK Jr

Click to expand...

If they can control it with the Fiio e18 others can also

Some Android owners need to hit Calyx up with this info!

I wonder if calyx could make an android app for it. That would be really cool

I just messaged the US distributor to see if he knew anything. This could potentially shake up the micro dac/amp market, especially if it doesn't kill your battery!

mosshorn said:

I just messaged the US distributor to see if he knew anything. This could potentially shake up the micro dac/amp market, especially if it doesn't kill your battery!

Click to expand...

I honestly haven't heard something transform a phone into a high end sounding dap like this PaT.

How does this compare to the Schiit Fulla or Fiio E10K?