[Sundavor]

My friend is moving to a new office job where he won't be allowed to install any additional software/drivers and in a clean desk environment. As such, he is looking for the best DAC/Amp that can be plugged straight into and powered from a PC and able to operate without drivers. I had the Dragonfly Red in mind, but wanted to check if there is any alternatives to recommend?

Price is not a question for this, the best possible product is desired. He will be using IEMs 99% of the time in the office and the size of the DAC/amp doesn't matter.

 

[HipHopScribe]

This is kinda hard to say. Theoretically if they're using Windows 10 then lots of devices might work without additional drivers. This would include things like the Schiit Fulla that would fit this criteria. But they might have additional security measures that could prevent devices like that from working, so there's no guarantee.

 

[Sundavor]

This is kinda hard to say. Theoretically if they're using Windows 10 then lots of devices might work without additional drivers. This would include things like the Schiit Fulla that would fit this criteria. But they might have additional security measures that could prevent devices like that from working, so there's no guarantee.

That's the concern. I've read it should be OK, but don't want to recommend something that won't work. I only have a Mojo (which from memory definitely requires an installation) and a Dragonfly Red.

From what I've read, a Dragonfly Red would be better than a Fulla.

 

[HipHopScribe]

I would think the Dragonfly Red should work if anything is gonna work

 

[pbui44]

If you need much more power and options and can spend a little more, this article (a few days old from the time of this posting) found the iFi iDSD Micro BL worked perfectly with built-in Windows 10 drivers and can be found used for around $400 at these links:

https://www.ilounge.com/index.php/r...wer mode and,headphone, even on battery power.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324631076402?hash=item4b95851e32:g:opAAAOSwgExgo~Vh

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184844986119?hash=item2b099ea707:g:9R8AAOSwpxtgf5Zy

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174768022990?hash=item28b0fc65ce:g:DccAAOSwMntgnYxt

 

[pbui44]

Also, if your friend will be able to access the sound settings:

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/blogs/how-to/how-to-get-perfect-sound-from-your-dac-windows-edition

 

[pbui44]

If a battery poses some kind of a hassle, then go with the DF Carbon to get the cleanest power for your friend’s IEMs, but get it with this adapter set and padded case, and keep everything attached to each other, including the IEMs, to prevent connection wear-and-tear:

https://www.audioadvice.com/videos-reviews/audioquest-dragonfly-cobalt-dac-review/

https://www.amazon.com/Female-Adapt...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
M

https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Qui...keywords=bose+qc20+case&qid=1621397327&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Qui...keywords=bose+qc20+case&qid=1621397327&sr=8-6

 

[Roseval]

There is UAC1 and UAC2
Usb Audio Class 1 is supported by older versions of Win.
It allows for 2 channel 24 bit PCM audio up to 96 kHz.
Any DAC supporting this can be used.

UAC2 is supported by Win10 from 2017 on.
It allows for sample rates > 96 kHz.
If a DAC requires UAC2, you must have a recent Win10 (or custom drivers)

If it is about best possible sound quality, the Dragonfly is not an option:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...rements-of-dacport-hd-and-dragonfly-red.5977/

 

[Sundavor]

There is UAC1 and UAC2
Usb Audio Class 1 is supported by older versions of Win.
It allows for 2 channel 24 bit PCM audio up to 96 kHz.
Any DAC supporting this can be used.

UAC2 is supported by Win10 from 2017 on.
It allows for sample rates > 96 kHz.
If a DAC requires UAC2, you must have a recent Win10 (or custom drivers)

If it is about best possible sound quality, the Dragonfly is not an option:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...rements-of-dacport-hd-and-dragonfly-red.5977/

From what I've read, Windows 10 from 2018 onwards has supported UAC2 which is hopefully good. We won't really know if it will work smoothly until he actually plugs something in I suppose!

 

[Sundavor]

If a battery poses some kind of a hassle, then go with the DF Carbon to get the cleanest power for your friend’s IEMs, but get it with this adapter set and padded case, and keep everything attached to each other, including the IEMs, to prevent connection wear-and-tear:

https://www.audioadvice.com/videos-reviews/audioquest-dragonfly-cobalt-dac-review/

https://www.amazon.com/Female-Adapt...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
M

https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Qui...keywords=bose+qc20+case&qid=1621397327&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Qui...keywords=bose+qc20+case&qid=1621397327&sr=8-6

From reading the review, my impression is that you do need drivers for iDSD products? "In our testing, the iDSD BL worked perfectly with macOS (no drivers required), Windows 10 (with drivers), and iOS (via the USB2 and USB3 Camera Connection Kits)". They have drivers you can download from their website.

 

[pbui44]

From reading the review, my impression is that you do need drivers for iDSD products? "In our testing, the iDSD BL worked perfectly with macOS (no drivers required), Windows 10 (with drivers), and iOS (via the USB2 and USB3 Camera Connection Kits)". They have drivers you can download from their website.

Whoops, misread that part...and jumped to conclusions. :-/