Yukicore
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2013
- Posts
- 117
- Likes
- 22
My biggest problem using the Sonata DAC II on Pixel 2XL is that the in-line controls/microphone are inconsistent, it wasn't an issue with the included Pixel dongle, only the sound quality was.
I tried all the firmwares, on A,B,v2 the inline microphone on Fiio F9 works, but on headphones without in-line controls microphone does not work at all, from neither phone or obviously in-line microphone, it is expecting a microphone from the 3.5 jack, and in result person on the other line gets no sound. This was not an issue with the original Pixel dongle.
On C firmware, the microphone from the phone is used, so it works with all headphone configurations, but the in-line microphone does not work. except strangely it works for holding the button to call Google Assistant after the display is turned off.
On all firmwares when the music is paused for 30 seconds or so, the headset in-line controls are shut down, and do not respond, it might be another gift from using USB-C for audio. This also wasn't an issue with the original Pixel dongle. Though, resuming the audio on phone enables both audio and in-line controls.
I'd advise to reconsider acquiring this DAC to anyone who aren't ready to deal with issues, having to compromise either audio quality or microphone on their headphones, but it's easier if only 1 type of headphones are used, and you need to predict your usage patterns to install the most fitting Firmware. The sound quality is excellent in general, though, and especially for the size it's insanely good.
I do not recommend using this dongle if You rely on in-line controls, microphone and Assistant at the same time, without touching the phone.
Removal of 3.5 Jack rant: Even though a third party DAC like this enables better sound than any in-built DAC with 3.5 jack, the issues introduced, struggle with dongling around, and requiring You to have it with You at all times and extra expenses, inability to charge while listening to audio, just blow these advantages wide open. Stupid Apple just had to go and kill off a perfectly working port/system in order to increase their royalty profits, and all the other idiots follow, improving their profits, while ruining user experience. Bravo.
I tried all the firmwares, on A,B,v2 the inline microphone on Fiio F9 works, but on headphones without in-line controls microphone does not work at all, from neither phone or obviously in-line microphone, it is expecting a microphone from the 3.5 jack, and in result person on the other line gets no sound. This was not an issue with the original Pixel dongle.
On C firmware, the microphone from the phone is used, so it works with all headphone configurations, but the in-line microphone does not work. except strangely it works for holding the button to call Google Assistant after the display is turned off.
On all firmwares when the music is paused for 30 seconds or so, the headset in-line controls are shut down, and do not respond, it might be another gift from using USB-C for audio. This also wasn't an issue with the original Pixel dongle. Though, resuming the audio on phone enables both audio and in-line controls.
I'd advise to reconsider acquiring this DAC to anyone who aren't ready to deal with issues, having to compromise either audio quality or microphone on their headphones, but it's easier if only 1 type of headphones are used, and you need to predict your usage patterns to install the most fitting Firmware. The sound quality is excellent in general, though, and especially for the size it's insanely good.
I do not recommend using this dongle if You rely on in-line controls, microphone and Assistant at the same time, without touching the phone.
Removal of 3.5 Jack rant: Even though a third party DAC like this enables better sound than any in-built DAC with 3.5 jack, the issues introduced, struggle with dongling around, and requiring You to have it with You at all times and extra expenses, inability to charge while listening to audio, just blow these advantages wide open. Stupid Apple just had to go and kill off a perfectly working port/system in order to increase their royalty profits, and all the other idiots follow, improving their profits, while ruining user experience. Bravo.