$28 usb dongle dac with classic Philips tda1305 multi-bit chip

[alphaman]

Ali calls it the "TDA1305 DAC decoder computer notebook USB decoding sound card HIFI mobile phone OTG".
I have one now. This device is based on one of my fave DACs: the tda1305 (used in Naim, etc. It is hybrid dac designed in early 90s). The parts quality and layout are very good. And for only $28, pretty much a no-brainer. It has replaced my $100 dongle Hifime S2 - USB and SPDIF/Optical DAC with SabreES9038Q2M.
The TI PCM2706 is old-skool, but it's a quality, reliable part from a trusted manuf -- give it good, clean power and it'll return the favor in spades. And that chunky Raltron osc is noteworthy.

Will compare to other DAC in my collection as soon as this one burns in. Yes, the sonics are improving even in the few hours I've used it.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800097834960.html

NOTA BENE: An exact same YFK Audio dac is on Ali for $35. It has some different photos and note but is the same damn thang:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251801500505777.html

 

[alphaman]

I'm not surprised no-one has replied in this thread. I think we have a bunch of reality-deniers here at H-F.

 

[ExTubeGamer]

Looks great! How would it compare to a Topping DAC from today?

I have been looking for a giant killer dac for quite some time now.

 

[ironicmoustache]

Looks great! How would it compare to a Topping DAC from today?

I have been looking for a giant killer dac for quite some time now.

My Topping DX7 Pro (which, admittedly, is not in the same league as far as its use cases and price) has noticeably better extension at both ends, with significantly better bass weight and slam through my Softears Studio4 IEMs. But this dongle has a more forward (and maybe "evocative"?) midrange overall that I find quite addictive... with the right material. Decently/well-recorded rock/alternative/etc. music (cf. Songs: Ohia's "Magnolia Electric Co.") sounds pretty dang good. Metal? Not always. Still, for around $30 shipped it's definitely nice to have.

Note that the unit I bought doesn't respond to Windows' OS-level volume control by default. AE page I bought from says "Some computers can't control the volume, just install an ASIO, and leave a message to email."

I haven't bothered as I bought it to use with my phone.

 

[HiFlight]

I just placed my order. We will see what $27 brings!

 

[alphaman]

Current setup: Dell 1764 laptop (Win 7; 2010) with added memory and 2tb WD SSD running Foobar --> USB isolator device -- > 1305 dongle --> heavily-modded Meier Corda 2 amp -- > akg k-371 (diy cable).
The 1305 dongle has smoothed out, with cleaner treble and more natural mids. Very easy to listen to this setup for hours, and be content.

 

[BOTAK WAI]

Current setup: Dell 1764 laptop (Win 7; 2010) with added memory and 2tb WD SSD running Foobar --> USB isolator device -- > 1305 dongle --> heavily-modded Meier Corda 2 amp -- > akg k-371 (diy cable).
The 1305 dongle has smoothed out, with cleaner treble and more natural mids. Very easy to listen to this setup for hours, and be content.

so the 1305 has roll-off with both ends extension, less airy but with forward nice vocal, am i right?

i saw there is es9023 variant too

and another YFK 1305 variant
i guess this is older design because the pcb printed REV5.0.



where this pcb printed V8.8

 

[westsounds]

Looks interesting and worth a try at that price.

 

[westsounds]

On saying that just looked at the CD players that chip was used in. I owned a couple, the Cyrus DAD3, that did nothing for me. Nice enough sound, but I found it a little cold and sterile in its presentation. And the Cambridge Audio CD6 another which I remember using but it never being that entertaining, so maybe this cheap dongle is not for me.