[PopZeus]

Is this a thing that exists? I'm not talking about a USB or USB-C DAC/amp attached with the Apple camera kit cable. I'm talking about a dongle DAC/amp that has a direct connection like the Apple one, but sounds better than that last resort. It seems like no one wants to make one despite there being so many iOS devices out there.

 

[Nolbert0]

I think u can squarely place the blame on Apple for that one, mate.

 

[neil74]

I have the Fiio i1 and it is pretty good.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

Is this a thing that exists? I'm not talking about a USB or USB-C DAC/amp attached with the Apple camera kit cable. I'm talking about a dongle DAC/amp that has a direct connection like the Apple one, but sounds better than that last resort. It seems like no one wants to make one despite there being so many iOS devices out there.

Yes, both the Lotoo PAW S1 and the Luxury & Precision W2 do what you want. They both sound great, but my preference is with the W2.

Here is a picture of the W2 paired with my iPhone Xs Max. I have attached it to my iPhone with velcro to make it easy to walk around with. S1 works the same way.

edited to note: Many people consider the W2 as the midfi DAP killer. I can confirm that it sounds better than my HIby R6 2020 which I bought for $799. I think you need to go over $1000 in a DAP to sound better than this dongle.

 

[PopZeus]

Yes, both the Lotoo PAW S1 and the Luxury & Precision W2 do what you want. They both sound great, but my preference is with the W2.

Here is a picture of the W2 paired with my iPhone Xs Max. I have attached it to my iPhone with velcro to make it easy to walk around with. S1 works the same way.

edited to note: Many people consider the W2 as the midfi DAP killer. I can confirm that it sounds better than my HIby R6 2020 which I bought for $799. I think you need to go over $1000 in a DAP to sound better than this dongle.

Very intriguing... is that a lightning to USB-C cable? Is there some special cable you had to buy in order for the iPhone to recognize the W2? I thought all these devices had to go through a bulkier adapter.

NM: Saw that the W2 comes with a custom lightning to USB-C cable.

 

[candysound]

It’s no dongle but the fiio Q1mk2 is made primarily for iOS and sound very good too, bit bigger then a dongle but worthed IMO.

 

[Faustchz]

I have the hilidac atom pro. The connection got unstable after a while. Just sharing my experinece.