[Hyde00]

From what I’ve gathered the pixel v1 is the best but probably hard to obtain unless I pay more online which I’m not willing to do.

I need one that has no hiss, has plenty of power, well build, no bigger the the apple dongle and under $50

https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/

This is this guy's personal list based on his preference, so it's not an absolute guide (he said so himself). But it's good to serve as a starting point.

For your budget, I'd say maybe go for this:

#57 UGREEN Type C

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-3-5mm-Audio-Adapter-Headphone/dp/B08NVRV6G9/ref=sr_1_16_sspa?crid=2MTU0I0E0EL7V&keywords=ugreen+type+c+dongle&qid=1642209326&sprefix=ugreen+type+c+dongle,aps,46&sr=8-16-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNUVMNzI1NUZNOVNZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDE1ODM1MktNTUJUVUhETVdGQSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTI0NzM2Mkw5VUREWFpKUUpWJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

For reference Apple Type C is #62 for him.

Anything higher in the list will cost more than $50 (unless I missed something, don't have the time to price check them all LOL). If you have time you can check from #1 down LOL.

Though I take that you use Android. If you use iPhone then Apple dongle is the best (since it will be able to access 100% volume).

I have that Zorloo Ztella. The advantage is that it is quite small and the iphone picks up on it right away which is nice.
The downside is that I find it a tad bright.

Are there any other dongles that are fairly small and easy to use with IOS that are suggested? I would ask for AKM chipsets but I gather that is barking up a burnt out tree....

Yes Zorloo Ztella is good too but it's probably slightly outside the budget ($50). Though for a little bit over $50 then Ikko Zerda ITM01 is good too.

Ikko Zerda ITM01
https://www.amazon.com/External-Por...ad58f&pd_rd_wg=1BE1R&pd_rd_i=B09GF2424S&psc=1

Zorloo Ztella
https://www.zorloo.com/product-page/ztella-integrated-usb-dac-cable-standard-version

EDIT: Errrr forgot about size, then Ikko Zerda ITM01 might be too big, stick to UGREEN Type C or Zorloo Ztella.

 

[Fungus]

https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/

This is this guy's personal list based on his preference, so it's not an absolute guide (he said so himself). But it's good to serve as a starting point.

For your budget, I'd say maybe go for this:

#57 UGREEN Type C

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-3-5mm-Audio-Adapter-Headphone/dp/B08NVRV6G9/ref=sr_1_16_sspa?crid=2MTU0I0E0EL7V&keywords=ugreen+type+c+dongle&qid=1642209326&sprefix=ugreen+type+c+dongle,aps,46&sr=8-16-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNUVMNzI1NUZNOVNZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDE1ODM1MktNTUJUVUhETVdGQSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTI0NzM2Mkw5VUREWFpKUUpWJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

For reference Apple Type C is #62 for him.

Anything higher in the list will cost more than $50 (unless I missed something, don't have the time to price check them all LOL). If you have time you can check from #1 down LOL.

Though I take that you use Android. If you use iPhone then Apple dongle is the best (since it will be able to access 100% volume).

Yes Zorloo Ztella is good too but it's probably slightly outside the budget ($50). Though for a little bit over $50 then Ikko Zerda ITM01 is good too.

Ikko Zerda ITM01
https://www.amazon.com/External-Portable-Detachable-Magnetic-Headphone/dp/B09GFMDMT9/ref=sr_1_4?crid=RXCABDFB44I2&keywords=ikko+zerda+itm01&qid=1642209960&sprefix=ikko+zerda+itm01,aps,55&sr=8-4

Zorloo Ztella
https://www.zorloo.com/product-page/ztella-integrated-usb-dac-cable-standard-version

EDIT: Errrr forgot about size, then Ikko Zerda ITM01 might be too big, stick to UGREEN Type C or Zorloo Ztella.

I guess the benefit of having a separate unit is if the cable fragile out I can just replace just the cable. Down side is obviously the weight

 

[Hyde00]

I guess the benefit of having a separate unit is if the cable fragile out I can just replace just the cable. Down side is obviously the weight

lol I do think their magnetic connectors are kind of cool, however it seems like it's proprietary and I don't know if they sell extra ones. So might actually be harder to find new ones if it breaks.

Kind of explains why everyone else just use USB C LOL.

Though to be honest for your budget and usage maybe the UGREEN one is good enough, it has the Cirrus Logic CS43131 chip which is a pretty good chip actually. Also has the form factor you're looking for.

I'm even tempted to order one just to try LOL.

 

[Brain Damage]

I also have a lot of DACs that sound quite different. Maybe all your IEMs sound the same??

But seriously, there are a variety of chips that all have a different sonic character. Even within the same manufacturers. I will agree that amps also have a huge impact on sound, but so does the whole signal chain.

I would agree with this. I have the Dragonfly Black, Zorloo Ztella and Lgv30 which all use an ESS chip. Whilst there are differences in tonality between these ESS dacs, they do share certain characteristics: they are super clean; contain a level of clarity where instrument separation is excellent; an almost cold sounding render.

My Audiolab M-DAC nano on the other hand uses a Cirrus Logic chip. Its warmer, smoother - really smooth; and more musical with certain recordings.

My opinion having listened with Qobuz, Tidal and my Tin Hi Fi T4 and Beyerdynamic dt880pro. Would love to know how the AKM chip and R2R dacs (Cayin RU6) compare. Have been following the Cayin RU6 thread and I'm extremely interested.

 

[Brain Damage]

It's probably fair to compare amplification types too when comparing dongles that are essentially dac/amps. For example the Audiolab M-DAC nano uses type H amplification. Not sure how many other dongle dacs employ this type. Many ESS dac/amps employ type D amplification. And, then there dac/amps that use type A/B (Centrance Dacport HD - type A).

It's a minefield really.

 

[Hal Rockwell]

lol I do think their magnetic connectors are kind of cool, however it seems like it's proprietary and I don't know if they sell extra ones. So might actually be harder to find new ones if it breaks.

Kind of explains why everyone else just use USB C LOL.

Though to be honest for your budget and usage maybe the UGREEN one is good enough, it has the Cirrus Logic CS43131 chip which is a pretty good chip actually. Also has the form factor you're looking for.

I'm even tempted to order one just to try LOL.

They do sell a replacement cable for the ITM01, but it costs more than half the price of a completely new unit.

 

[Fungus]

lol I do think their magnetic connectors are kind of cool, however it seems like it's proprietary and I don't know if they sell extra ones. So might actually be harder to find new ones if it breaks.

Kind of explains why everyone else just use USB C LOL.

Though to be honest for your budget and usage maybe the UGREEN one is good enough, it has the Cirrus Logic CS43131 chip which is a pretty good chip actually. Also has the form factor you're looking for.

I'm even tempted to order one just to try LOL.

Alight i'm going to order the ugreen. Does the one with the extra tye c charge port effect sound quality?

https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/ugreen...lzgdYecGuKInwSxWwOfGKTUExkr5lNSxoCWxgQAvD_BwE

​

 

[Gallus]

The list can be a bit long so thank you in advance for understanding.
I am using Sony MDR-1AM2 headphones and I am looking for a 3.5mm adapter for my phone. The options are:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002658306115.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002254413517.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002913509142.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003218823596.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003394545294.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002953167291.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000502651263.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002952327124.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003218683901.html
The question is: Which one would be the best in terms of sound (and soundstage maybe)? I know that I am getting petty for this cheap stuff but I really want to get the very best out of everything. Also, can a bad adapter + headphones impedance/sensitivity combination ruin a pair of headphones?
Thank you again!

 

[Hyde00]

Alight i'm going to order the ugreen. Does the one with the extra tye c charge port effect sound quality?

https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/ugreen...lzgdYecGuKInwSxWwOfGKTUExkr5lNSxoCWxgQAvD_BwE

​

Hmmm I think UGREEN carries a few different usb c to 3.5 mm dongle that uses different chip.

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-3-5mm-Audio-Adapter-Headphone/dp/B08NVRV6G9/ref=sr_1_16_sspa?crid=2MTU0I0E0EL7V&keywords=ugreen+type+c+dongle&qid=1642209326&sprefix=ugreen+type+c+dongle,aps,46&sr=8-16-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNUVMNzI1NUZNOVNZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDE1ODM1MktNTUJUVUhETVdGQSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTI0NzM2Mkw5VUREWFpKUUpWJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==&tag=headfi-20

Seems like only this on uses CS43131 chip. The one you linked they didn't disclose what chip it uses.

And I tried to search from the same site they don't seem to carry the same one I linked.

Is it easier for you to buy from Kogan rather than Amazon?

The list can be a bit long so thank you in advance for understanding.
I am using Sony MDR-1AM2 headphones and I am looking for a 3.5mm adapter for my phone. The options are:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002658306115.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002254413517.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002913509142.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003218823596.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003394545294.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002953167291.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000502651263.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002952327124.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003218683901.html
The question is: Which one would be the best in terms of sound (and soundstage maybe)? I know that I am getting petty for this cheap stuff but I really want to get the very best out of everything. Also, can a bad adapter + headphones impedance/sensitivity combination ruin a pair of headphones?
Thank you again!

I don't know why when I click on it it just send me to a general page as oppose to the actual item. Do I need to sign in to see or something?

 

[Gallus]

I don't know why when I click on it it just send me to a general page as oppose to the actual item. Do I need to sign in to see or something?

No clue, but it should redirect you to the items. If you want, try to register and check.

 

[Hyde00]

No clue, but it should redirect you to the items. If you want, try to register and check.

Weird, if I click on the link directly it goes to generic home page. If I copy and paste then it works. So I just have to copy and paste 9 times LOL.

Basically there are 3 camps from the links you send me:

Realtek: ALC4042 / ALC5686
To be honest generally I'm not too impressed with Realtek chips in general. They normally come default with your motherboard from computer and tend to sound "inoffensive" but also nothing special. They're basically exactly what you'd expect it to sound and nothing more. Again I don't know if it's better implemented in recent time but I'd probably go for other 2 choices.

Cirrus Logic: CS46L41
This is the more tried and true choice. A lot of dongle dac seems to already use this with decent result. So when in doubt I'd probably just pick one with this.

Conexant: CX31993
To be honest I've never heard of Conexant until now. Had to google it. However a quick google tells me it's the new player in town that's cheap and good. Conexant is a US based company I think. If you're willing to try something new then this seems like a good choice.

Andy had a good review on it and it seems positive.
https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/cx-pro-audio-cx31993/

So in short it's up to you, but I'd probably just pick either Cirrus Logic or Conexant. Again I'm generalizing but at that price point ($10 - $20) I doubt one would be much better than the other one (given if you pick the same chip family) so I don't think you can go wrong either way.

 

[Hal Rockwell]

Just arrived. LETSHUOER DT02

 

[Gallus]

Andy had a good review on it and it seems positive.
https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/cx-pro-audio-cx31993/

So in short it's up to you, but I'd probably just pick either Cirrus Logic or Conexant. Again I'm generalizing but at that price point ($10 - $20) I doubt one would be much better than the other one (given if you pick the same chip family) so I don't think you can go wrong either way.

Do you know any other besides these two or CS46L41 and CX31993 are from the good for the price?

 

[noplsestar]

Was going to say currently the dongle dac trinity seems to be L&P W2 / Cayin RU6 / Lotoo S2 which you rejected ALL LOL.

I think I had a small conversion with Ichos he claims Chronos is meant to be for IEM and not for driving full size headphone (in your case, Stellia) but we can wait till he chime in.

If you want neutral dongle dac I was going to say Questyle M12 seems to be good but judging you rejected the trinity above top so I'm going to assume you're not a fan of ChiFi. So you'll probably reject Questyle too.

A&K PEE51 is good too but it's colored sound as oppose to neutral.

HMMMMMM...................

https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/

Here just go down the list and pick the first company that you like LOL.

Thanks for the link, will definitely check it out.

And yes, Questyle is also on my list, thanks!

It’s not that I am against Chifi (as said, I am also interested in the Romi Audio dac that is from HK) I just I don’t like the aesthetic of Cayin products and don’t like the price policy of L&P. I like Lotoo but had their flagship LPGT ti, that is a very good DAP but alas only for classical music. Nothing against my Calyx M though (which costed me 400 $ before they were sold out)

Anyways, Stellia is one of the easiest to drive TOTL headphones out there, so I guess it should fare well with the Chronos. But of course I would have to test it to be sure.

So thanks again, buddy for the Questyle tip!

 

[Hyde00]

Do you know any other besides these two or CS46L41 and CX31993 are from the good for the price?

I think CS43131 is good too if you can find one in that price range from aliexpress lol.

Like for example this one but I can't find it from aliexpress. Make sure it says CS43131.
https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-3-5mm...642285014&sprefix=ugreen+usb+c+,aps,61&sr=8-8

Thanks for the link, will definitely check it out.

And yes, Questyle is also on my list, thanks!

It’s not that I am against Chifi (as said, I am also interested in the Romi Audio dac that is from HK) I just I don’t like the aesthetic of Cayin products and don’t like the price policy of L&P. I like Lotoo but had their flagship LPGT ti, that is a very good DAP but alas only for classical music. Nothing against my Calyx M though (which costed me 400 $ before they were sold out)

Anyways, Stellia is one of the easiest to drive TOTL headphones out there, so I guess it should fare well with the Chronos. But of course I would have to test it to be sure.

So thanks again, buddy for the Questyle tip!

Gotcha, sorry I just assumed LOL. But yes in that case Questyle M12 should work out well for you.

As for Chronos, me and my friend might be the only 2 that thought it was just "okay". Like it's not bad, but for the price I feel like there are better dongle dac out there. But others seems to have good experience with it with IEM. For me I find it lacks layering and soundstage (kind of flat) on my Denon D5200 (fairly easy to drive headphone). Also not a lot of bass. Some people pointed out that based on specs it's identical to iBasso DC03, so it's suspected that it's just the same thing different shell.

Again Chronos seems to have raving reviews so I don't know, just letting you know that me and my friends weren't impressed LOL (I think he used Focal Clear, I used Denon D5200).

Otherwise let me know what you end up with later! Cheers!