BlueBits
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2015
- Posts
- 26
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- 11
I recently got myself a Audioengine D3 DAC for portable use with my rMBP (Late 2013).
Apple's support site states that the on-board dac can play up to 196khz with optical output (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202730). I also read that Apple has upgraded their dacs starting with late 2013 models. Which begs the questions, does it render AE D3 DAC pointless?
I can obviously tell the difference with the amp feature and AE D3 can drive higher impedance headphones but for the 32Ohm on-ear headphones I don't/can't appreciate much difference in SQ when using the on-board dac vs AE.
What has been the experience of other Macs owners here using external/portable DACs? I am not suggesting that >$500 dacs are same as the on-board dac. Strictly inquiring about the portable USB dacs.
Thanks!
Apple's support site states that the on-board dac can play up to 196khz with optical output (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202730). I also read that Apple has upgraded their dacs starting with late 2013 models. Which begs the questions, does it render AE D3 DAC pointless?
I can obviously tell the difference with the amp feature and AE D3 can drive higher impedance headphones but for the 32Ohm on-ear headphones I don't/can't appreciate much difference in SQ when using the on-board dac vs AE.
What has been the experience of other Macs owners here using external/portable DACs? I am not suggesting that >$500 dacs are same as the on-board dac. Strictly inquiring about the portable USB dacs.
Thanks!
