@EQbumb Thanks. On my own #donglemadness scale 71 would be 4.5 stars too. I really like it. E44 on the other hand has way more power than 7Hz 71, and more energetic too

@OspreyAndy between 71 (at 28€) and E44 (53€) i can only buy one, which one. My main iem is tri i3 pro, which one you choose?

Thanks bro I think I will have to pass. How do you see RU6 detaching up against M15?

@pevinkarker Any which one of them are already great. You want E44 for better scaling for more demanding partners needing power and also great additional feature like independent volume controller. 7Hz 71 is much simpler. But assuming you are not bothered with power and volume adjustment, 71 is something I would grab. Take into consideration also E44 being more energetic and vibrant

@EQbumb RU6 and M15 shares the same spot in 2nd place for my #donglemadness ranking. It boils down to matter of preferences. RU6 more analogue sounding over M15, RU6 also has the 2nd best 90 steps independent volume adjustment which M15 lacked. But really, technically both are equally competent. So pick your poison based on your personal taste

@OspreyAndy thanks for replied me back and for the help!

Lest I forget Andy how is the stage of 7hz 71 dac, is it close to the level of link2 bal?

@EQbumb Yes, the headstage projection is similar to Link2 BAL

How about its sibling that has the same dac chip in it Ikko ITM02?

@EQbumb I have no experience with ITM02, so I can't say

Thanks for the review Andy. I was actually just about to post elsewhere on the site seeking your opinion on this dac when I found your review. Informative and articulate work as always. Waiting for it and the salnotes zero to arrive in time for Xmas. Something to look forward to. Thanks again.

@OspreyAndy will you review the jcally ap10? I think that you mention this product somewhere on this forum but i can't find it.

@pevinkarker Yes JCally AP10 is next

@OspreyAndy looking forward for your review, i'm curious about this product!

Would the 7hz 71 be considered one of the better choices in this price bracket?

@Insider K In a way yes, not many in this price bracket would compare to 71. Properly tuned AKM DACs are in very short supply. About the only ultra budget dongles that I regularly use after 71 would be VE Abigail and Avani (CX31993 and ALC5686)

I got this for only 25 bucks! I must say, I did notice my KZ AS16PRO's treble has more body now. It sounds complete!! Before, I found the treble to be too thin, now it's mure fuller. Thank you!

Which one is better, 7hz 71 or Jcally AP10?

@ddmareo You want more power for more demanding partners, AP10, which also offers remote volume adjustment and two power modes for high and low gain. As noted, AP10 is smoother. 7Hz 71 if you don't care about the features and prefer to run absolutely basic. Comparatively 7Hz 71 offers slightly more energy and less power for scaling with harder to drive stuffs. Make your decisions on those facts

Correction: The 71 does change the LED's color to orange if it plays DSDs via USB mode.