[sling5s]

Anyone heard both? or the Cozoy Takt for that matter?
Wanting to know how they compare.

 

[stevenalong]

I would like opinions as well!

 

[DJRSP]

Has no one tried either of these units?
Very curious to see how the DB Magix AC3 responds to higher impedance headphones and the overall sound quality.
Buying an SMSL idea, for my iphone and trying to work into a portable DAC is great but heavy on connections and dependencies.
Something like the AC3 seems to cover all the bases.

Anybody test these out yet?

 

[AndyHiggins]

I was surprised to learn that the Apple Lightning-3.5mm dongle contains a rudimentary DAC and amp so I was looking for an alternative this week in Hong Kong to use with Shure SE846 while I'm travelling. Some basic Googling suggested the Fiio i1 would do the job although I was put off by all the extra cable. I found a bunch of small specialist headphone shops in Sim City where Mingo Headphone (http://mingo-hmw.com/new/) suggested the db Magix AC3. In fairness he didn't have the i3 but the selection of esoteric cables and IEMs suggested the AC3 wasn't stocked by chance.

To answer the impedance query - the SoundWise app for the iPhone allows you to update the firmware on the AC3, and turn on 'Hi-Fi' mode to boost the output. With 'Hi-Fi' turned off so it's in standard mode then the Apple dongle is louder by two-clicks of volume (hardly an accurate measure, I know!)

Does it improve the sound quality? Yes, absolutely. It's a vast improvement in clarity which makes the Apple one sound cluttered and muddy. Soundstage is clear and involving. Build quality feels nice. So far I have no complaints and it seems worth the money.

Just found the spec's on their website:

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
Maximum Output: 30mW @ 32Ω (Hi-Fi)
Drive Ability: 16Ω - 60Ω
Dynamic Range: 122 dB
SNR: 122 dB
THD+N: 0.0004%
Plug Type: Lightning Connector
Weight: 15.0g
Dimensions: 39.8mm x 43.8mm x 10.1mm

 

[neil74]

Bump.

I have one of these on order and did hesitate between the DB Magix and the Fiio. I have a nextdrive spectra so am going to be interested to compare the two. I'd expect the spectra to have the edge but is too big a faff to get working on the iPhone.

 

[doraymon]

Bump.

I have one of these on order and did hesitate between the DB Magix and the Fiio. I have a nextdrive spectra so am going to be interested to compare the two. I'd expect the spectra to have the edge but is too big a faff to get working on the iPhone.

Interested as well!
What did you get eventually?

 

[neil74]

I got the db magix, the inline remote passthrough is a little flakey on some headphones but it sounds decent.

 

[doraymon]

You don't sound enthusiastic...
That's my fear, spend money and don't hear any difference...

 

[Stratosfera]

Do you have any DAC data specs?