USB-C to 3.5mm adapters (DAC) - Let's find the best

[TheVortex]

What do you think of the UA1?

 

[laleeee]

What do you think of the UA1?

Very nice clear detailed sound,enough power, maybe a little bit less bass than the Ibasso dco3.

 

[Hal Rockwell]

TC44B - new offering from DDHIFI.

 

[laleeee]

What is the best portable DAC for planar earphones ?

 

[bassct]

Look into e1da 9038SG3 and 9038D. Lots of clean power. The owner designed it for his Hifiman planar headphones. Other options could be Lotoo S1 and perhaps Hidizs S9, something with more power out of the balanced output.

 

[Ultrainferno]

I published the Link 2 review on HFN today. To me the enhancements don't really bring anything extra to the table, and a balanced output would have been nice, but ok.

 

[piji]

I received my Link 2 today. I'm not a super analytical listener so it sounds fine to my ears (definitely better than my phone) and the build feels solid. I agree with Ultrainferno's review regarding the bass boost but I do think it might be useful for listening in noisy environments. In my experience the low end is the first to go when on a train so a boost there is welcome even if it's rather low quality. I'll have to give it a spin when I next go out.
I can't tell a difference with the sound stage switch so that's staying off.

I do wonder if with some research/patience I could've gotten something better for a similar price but it ticked all my boxes: hardware volume control (and play/pause which is a bonus!), solid construction, single ended, and within my budget. Also, aesthetically it's pretty nice looking for a budget device. I had $40 off at Linsoul so either way I'm not regretting the purchase.
I still might buy one of the E1DA products out of curiosity at some point, though.

 

[Nolbert0]

I had my eye on the link2 specifically because of the bass boost. Reading your review, not so keen. I think I'll stick to the PEQ of the Qudelix for now. Review is much appreciated, btw

 

[Punkyyy]

I was thinking of getting something I could use both for my laptop/PC and my phone, but the budget is kinda tight (like around 30-40 bucks)and the primary focus would be PC usage, so I've been browsing through a few things
This is the 1st one I considered (it's only for windows tho) Lusya dac
This seems to be an upgraded version over the 1st one? Lusya dac 2
The Shanling ua1
Also this Trasam q1
Unfortunately the beloved tempotec hd pro is outside my budget as the shipping is like 30 bucks alone, doesn't make too much sense

Could also get any of the cheaper dongles but I am not sure if that's the way to go as I would primarily like to use whatever I buy with my PC as I tend to listen more on it

One other question in that case would be if there are any other better solutions just for a PC use in this price range? Something that isn't necessarily trying to be portable but rather focuses just on sound quality?

 

[sebek]

Unfortunately the beloved tempotec hd pro is outside my budget as the shipping is like 30 bucks alone, doesn't make too much sense

Are you sure?

To me Tempotec Sonata HD Pro gives it to 28 euros on AliExpress from the Tempotec official store with free shipping. (Italy)

 

[Punkyyy]

Are you sure?

To me Tempotec Sonata HD Pro gives it to 28 euros on AliExpress from the Tempotec official store with free shipping. (Italy)

same with the other seller on ali, guess they just hate our little country

 

[LaughMoreDaily]

In Canada it seems like people only use the Apple dongle. Does anyone know which ones beat it?

 

[sebek]

same with the other seller on ali, guess they just hate our little country

I would look at the Meizu Hifi Dac which is cheap and should be almost on par with the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro.

Being able to spend more E1DA 9038D.

Then there are the Bluetooth devices like the Earstudio ES100 and Fiio BTR3K and BTR5 which sound pretty good in LDAC and which you can also use in wired mode for even better sound quality.

 

[Punkyyy]

I would look at the Meizu Hifi Dac which is cheap and should be almost on par with the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro.

Being able to spend more E1DA 9038D.

Then there are the Bluetooth devices like the Earstudio ES100 and Fiio BTR3K and BTR5 which sound pretty good in LDAC and which you can also use in wired mode for even better sound quality.

If you connect something like the btr3k to a pc, can it be powered through that usb or does it still run off its own battery?

 

[wwyjoe]

Heads up folks. The ibasso DC04 is available:
US $72.20 5%OFF | iBasso DC04 decoding amp type-c to 4.4 mobile phone lossless hifi headset audio decoding line
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNcQPpT