I agree with design requirements. I think EMI is a real factor that impacts most AKM oriented products at my location. This is avoided on my low powered M1 Macbook which sounds a lot better than my PC subjectively. (Creative X1 as example).

Eh, its a nice well built unit, but I'm pretty set on this cirrus chips atm. Wish The creative X5 wasn't so overpriced.

I sent my DX1 back. I'll prob avoid AKM stuff for a little (Soundstage is too consistent, even if its all in my head), at least with my preferred headphone stack. The dongle I bought (Truthear Shio) has the soundstage I prefer, just wish it wasn't overly warm... Interested in FiiO KA5 and...

Likely depends on implementation/unit. Creative G6 I had was a bit more neutral and balanced. This is warmer than the AKM DX1... very odd to me. Relatively cirrus apple dongle is dirty, but has the sound signature I want.

Just tried a dual CS43918 Based chi-fi dongle. Overly warm, but stage is there. Not sure how to feel. DX1 is more "clear" subjectively.. but thats expected.. apples to oranges.. dongle vs full enclosed dac.

Oh I certainly agree. Same case for people that take measurements as absolute fact.

Sounds like a Tolerance factor between units. I wouldn't be surprised if Chinese stuff has more variance in exchange for chasing absolute numbers/specs.

Who knows.. It's one of those things where measurements of certain products won't tell us anything. A lot of people don't like the DX3 PRO+ for example because its "too harsh", but I think there are outside factors at play. A majority of full size AVR's don't measure well (sub 90 sinad)...

I think its the overall picture.. The X1 sounds amazing on my M1 Macbook. Not harsh at all, but I can still notice the stage is smaller than my cirrus logic based apple dongle.. which isn't as "clean" as other products I own. I also think EMI is real and impacts audio products perception...

I've had 3 AKM desktop DAC's and they all typically have a more narrow soundstage over what I've used and had previously. All 3 tested with the same reference 32 ohm Headphone... I don't think it's fair to use different cans. The best sounding one is a newer 4493SEQ in a Topping DX1...

So.. i'm basically crap out of luck if I down own an android device? From what I understand, creative doesn't want to get apple certified.. and requires a janky work around without native app support. Would love to preorder as Aurvana headphones are honestly GREAT... but this release seems half...

Does this Function as a 3.5mm line in dac? or DO I NEED RCA into amplification? I'm just looking for a relatively cheap, but good quality unit sub 100 USD. Interested in trying an AKM dac engineered by grace. Just need it to hit mass drop again.

Just got these and I'm not sure if I'm the biggest fan despise the hype. Too sharp and piercing in the high range; Reminds me of AD500.  Out of my 3 current sources, they sound best on my macbook pro.    They're ok, but I generally would recommend the original Creative Aurvana Live ($50) over...