This is excellent news! Did you happen to compare the Optical out versus the coax out on the PO100? I was curious if there was a noted difference. In theory, I don't believe there would be, but for the sake of discovery, I'm curious.SMSL. PO100. Plug and play. Easy like ABC.
Did a quick AB test. Everything is the same, just USB direct, or through the SMSL box. Instant audible difference.
Optical via SMSL is rich, thick note weight, upper mids is lively.
Direct USB. Sounds thinner, separation and imaging are less precise. Less rich overall tone. Bass also doesn't slam as hard.
iBasso's coax out still sounds better to me. But this is a $30 box. So, no reason to be nitpicking a few percentage points.
![]()
Latest Thread Images
Featured Sponsor Listings
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Dethonray Clarinet - Portable DAC/Amp Discussion + Impression thread
- Thread starter pradiptacr7
- Start date
DingDongMonster
500+ Head-Fier
Sorry mate. It was a quick listen. I took a break from spring cleaning. This is the first time I used optical, and no complaints, won't be surprised if it sounds the same. I will do a comprehensive one and compare the coax v optical.
I have other toys I have yet to try.
I have other toys I have yet to try.

New coaxial cables made.
Left cable has FiiO configuration and the TRRS with the red marker set up based on the wiring configuration shown in the images from Anson.
With that arrangement it does not work with any other device I have, we will see how it goes with the Clarinet in due course.
Also made an RCA to 3.5mm TRS for use with incoming SMSL PO100, I ordered some optical cables as well to try that method.
I should have my bases covered when the Clarinet arrives.
Left cable has FiiO configuration and the TRRS with the red marker set up based on the wiring configuration shown in the images from Anson.
With that arrangement it does not work with any other device I have, we will see how it goes with the Clarinet in due course.
Also made an RCA to 3.5mm TRS for use with incoming SMSL PO100, I ordered some optical cables as well to try that method.
I should have my bases covered when the Clarinet arrives.


Last edited:
Do you guys think this cable would fine with the clarinet? With other daps or laptops through type c to optical?For optical. You need the 3,5mm toslink.
Coaxial. The input for the clarinet is 3.5mm. If you're using iBasso. Just any 3.5 to 3.5mm IC will work. Other brands get a bit more complicated. Cayin uses USB-C out. Fiio is 3.5mm TTRS.
I like the Clarinet very much, wrote a small impression post.
https://dingdongmonster.com/post/dethonray-clarinet_uPMcN7txHSgDguUG2pHTzP
I just found this on AliExpress: HUF21,527.97 | Usb c to Optical Cable Male Type-c to Digital Opt Fiber Optic Audio Interface Adapter Wire Toslink Cord for phone dac amp Sound
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Eu2rq8u
Do you guys think this cable would fine with the clarinet? With other daps or laptops through type c to optical?
I just found this on AliExpress: HUF21,527.97 | Usb c to Optical Cable Male Type-c to Digital Opt Fiber Optic Audio Interface Adapter Wire Toslink Cord for phone dac amp Sound
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Eu2rq8u
If you use a full size optical to 3.5mm optical adapter like I understand is included with the Clarinet and the cable outputs an optical signal as it is intended it has to work.
I would wonder how WELL it would work when the electronics are small enough to fit inside the small housing on the cable versus the somewhat bigger digital to digital converters the others have posted images of previously.

Thanks
!If you use a full size optical to 3.5mm optical adapter like I understand is included with the Clarinet and the cable outputs an optical signal as it is intended it has to work.
I would wonder how WELL it would work when the electronics are small enough to fit inside the small housing on the cable versus the somewhat bigger digital to digital converters the others have posted images of previously.
![]()
DingDongMonster
500+ Head-Fier
The Hiby/Cayin coax out dongle works fine and sounds great as expected.
If you cannot get any output. Pull out the clarinet end a couple of mm. The clarinet does not like deep insertion from some plugs.

If you cannot get any output. Pull out the clarinet end a couple of mm. The clarinet does not like deep insertion from some plugs.

ronni2times
New Head-Fier
I am using the Hiby branded USB-C to coaxial cable and you are right, it does not work fully inserted, but pulling the 3.5mm about 2mm makes it work.The Hiby/Cayin coax out dongle works fine and sounds great as expected.
If you cannot get any output. Pull out the clarinet end a couple of mm. The clarinet does not like deep insertion from some plugs.
![]()
USB is good enough, using COAX will be better. Perhaps I am a bit greedy and waiting for the new audio converter from DETHONRAY. If SPDIF works better, I would be willing to try a smaller dongle like accessory instead of a decoder or a DAP. 


Simple is the best, waiting for the small USB OTG to S/PDIF converter.

Where can you order these?Simple is the best, waiting for the small USB OTG to S/PDIF converter.
![]()
I ordered mine through Aliexpress.Where can you order these?
FalseProphet
100+ Head-Fier
How does Clarinet compares to something like ibasso DX340?
Last edited:
-rowan-
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2015
- Posts
- 1,484
- Likes
- 9,376
The Hiby/Cayin coax out dongle works fine and sounds great as expected.
If you cannot get any output. Pull out the clarinet end a couple of mm. The clarinet does not like deep insertion from some plugs.
![]()
What?!
*tries it*
Not only does it work, it’s bloody good. Way better than usb c in.
And here I was quietly sulking that the Cayin coax out didn’t work and waiting for the next option to arrive so I could try it.
Thank you.

Users who are viewing this thread
Total: 16 (members: 4, guests: 12)