[Netnaxis]

Hi, I'm new in audio and looking for a good DAC dongle. Budget up to $ 200. At first I thought to take dragonfly red, but it seems that for this price I can buy something better, or the same, but cheaper. I liked THX onyx, but people say that it's too expensive, although judging by the reviews, it's compared to the Dragonfly Cobalt, which is more expensive. Also, my headphones have a microphone, so THX onyx is better for me than dragonfly in this regard. Sorry for my english if something is wrong.

 

[flatmap]

Gosh, because you need microphone input I'd recoommend looking at the Schiit Hel or Fulla.

 

[Netnaxis]

Gosh, because you need microphone input I'd recoommend looking at the Schiit Hel or Fulla.

I need a dongle, not a desktop solution. This is much more important for me than the microphone.

 

[Mightygrey]

I'd say get an Earstudio ES100 or a Qudelix. They work as both 'dongle' USB devices as well as Bluetooth, and have both balanced and SE outputs as well as a range of features inc. volume control.

 

[Netnaxis]

I'd say get an Earstudio ES100 or a Qudelix. They work as both 'dongle' USB devices as well as Bluetooth, and have both balanced and SE outputs as well as a range of features inc. volume control.

Honestly, I don't really need bluetooth, so I don’t want to overpay for it. Also, they are still larger in size than dragonfly or THX onyx.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Lotoo Paw S1 is said to be amazing
The Questyle M12 has some potential as well

 

[Netnaxis]

Lotoo Paw S1 is said to be amazing
The Questyle M12 has some potential as well

This seems like a really good option. But what if you choose cheaper options? HiBy fc3 for example?

 

[ThanatosVI]

This seems like a really good option. But what if you choose cheaper options? HiBy fc3 for example?

Unfortunately I don't know much about other options

 

[Netnaxis]

Ok, thanks for that then

 

[roach7]

another option is this but it's not out yet... i will get one to compare with my dragonfly & onyx when it comes out...

https://us.astellnkern.com/products/ak-usb-c-dual-dac-cable-pee51

 

[Netnaxis]

another option is this but it's not out yet... i will get one to compare with my dragonfly & onyx when it comes out...

https://us.astellnkern.com/products/ak-usb-c-dual-dac-cable-pee51

Do you have onyx? how does it compare to dragonfly?

 

[roach7]

Do you have onyx? how does it compare to dragonfly?

yes i have both and they're very similar

 

[Netnaxis]

yes i have both and they're very similar

Are you talking about cobalt?

 

[roach7]

yes... i also have the black & red but sold the red as the cobalt & red too similar. the cobalt has jitterbug built-in so it's good if your usb port is noisy

 

[Netnaxis]

yes... i also have the black & red but sold the red as the cobalt & red too similar. the cobalt has jitterbug built-in so it's good if your usb port is noisy

Ok, thanks for the answer, and the suggestion above. I will wait for comparisons.