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

[ApaucalyptiK]

Too bad it's only 3.5mm, but surprisingly powerful for 3.5mm.

 

[khtd]

Just spotted potential new value king dongle.

Oled screen, volume AND playback control buttons, low consumption, 9038 chip, 280mw of single ended power for...... $40 usd?!

Meet f.audio KS01

I am curious if it has an independent volume control, and if yes - how many steps does it have?

The specs sound a bit too good to be true for this price, especially since the device is made by a company which is not widely known, has only few products and doesn't even have a site that describes them.

 

[originalsnuffy]

Engadget just talked about some dongles in one of their articles. They endorsed the FIIO Q3. As you know, I have been proposing that people consider the Q3-MQA. Because the unit is somewhat larger and has a built in battery I don't think it gets much traction here.

 

[superuser1]

I managed to salvage an old ipad mini and wanted your suggestions on a music player app which can play local flac files as well as have upnp capabilities. I plan to use it with the UA3 and the DC04 Pro.

 

[Rackhour]

What are potential issues I can face if I use a cable-less DAC like the Audirect Atom2? Would there be a greater risk of the USB or Lightning plug breaking off and blocking the port on the phone compared to a cable dongle?

 

[ApaucalyptiK]

Engadget just talked about some dongles in one of their articles. They endorsed the FIIO Q3. As you know, I have been proposing that people consider the Q3-MQA. Because the unit is somewhat larger and has a built in battery I don't think it gets much traction here.

It's because it's a full fledged portable DAC/AMP (59x12,9x105mm / 110g) not a dongle.

 

[povidlo]

I am curious if it has an independent volume control, and if yes - how many steps does it have?

The specs sound a bit too good to be true for this price, especially since the device is made by a company which is not widely known, has only few products and doesn't even have a site that describes them.

Will report back once I get it.

This is a fairly well established shenzhen brand. They have been releasing affordable DAPs for a while. Their latest DAP, FA4, looks like a great bargain as well, although there have been reports of buggy firmware.

 

[Insider K]

Anyone else's iBasso DC03 Pro does this? [Example] USB port seem a little loose and have a bit of play for a new device. Is this QC thing, or it is more or less the same with yours DC03 Pro too?

Thanks

 

[D1N0]

Anyone else's iBasso DC03 Pro does this? [Example] USB port seem a little loose and have a bit of play for a new device. Is this QC thing, or it is more or less the same with yours DC03 Pro too?

Thanks

My dc04 pro does it too, so I guess it is by design. Maybe it has a hinge, so the cable stresses the port less,

 

[Insider K]

My dc04 pro does it too, so I guess it is by design. Maybe it has a hinge, so the cable stresses the port less,

Thought maybe my USB port is kind of broken or simply a bad QC. I have never experienced this kind of loose USB port, in other words not being securely fitted, compared to like its 3.5mm port being sturdy and snug in the body frame. Being loose kind of seem more prone to get damaged over time, since it is either moving whole circuit inside or via solder of the port.

 

[D1N0]

Thought maybe my USB port is kind of broken or simply a bad QC. I have never experienced this kind of loose USB port, in other words not being securely fitted, compared to like its 3.5mm port being sturdy and snug in the body frame. Being loose kind of seem more prone to get damaged over time, since it is either moving whole circuit inside or via solder of the port.

This guy is complaining about it too

 

[rocketron]

Fiio LT1, ddhifi right angle and QED no wiggle at all.

Ddhifi straight, Hidiz and Ibasso cable slight wiggle.

So it’s variable size of the usbc plug.
Not a problem of the Ibasso dongle.

 

[marekm]

Truthear SHIO arrived today

I wanted a small, no nonsense, Amp/Dac with 3,5mm and 4,4mm output, detachable cable and moderate appetite for power.

SHIO is all of this and more. Well made and strong enough to drive balanced my HD 660S2, although this not how I want to use it.

Tested with MacBook Air, iPhone 13 and iPad Pro.

I am aware, that SHIO is not audiophile grade equipment, but for the intended use, it fits the bill perfectly

From today onwards, the SHIO will complement my iFi Go Link, Go Blu and Hip Dac 2

 

[Insider K]

This guy is complaining about it too

I guess I am not the only one thinking its port is a little flimsy and poorly done, which might not be great in the long run with use and wear. Besides that it is fantastic device, especially for the price. Love app functionality.

Fiio LT1, ddhifi right angle and QED no wiggle at all.

Ddhifi straight, Hidiz and Ibasso cable slight wiggle.

So it’s variable size of the usbc plug.
Not a problem of the Ibasso dongle.

I wonder, is it the first iBasso with detachable cable and USB Type-C port?

When talking about cables, I tried many different cables with DC03Pro and it is no different and it won't be, since this movement coming not from the connection of the cable and port, but the port itself is moving inside the frame of the DC03Pro shell. It is quite obvious why when looking at the port up close and also comparing to other devices.

Added picture trying to explain what I mean with its port and how it is made (hope it makes sense ), which I think is a little badly executed port design, with port not being so deep inside there would not be this unnecessary movement. That is why I was a bit concerned if it was only my DC03Pro with poor QC or if it was the same for everyone, also if it was the first iBasso with detachable cable and USB Type-C port. With port aside, it is really great device, especially for the features, sound, efficiency and its price.

 

[grumpy213]

I guess I am not the only one thinking its port is a little flimsy and poorly done, which might not be great in the long run with use and wear. Besides that it is fantastic device, especially for the price.


I wonder, is it the first iBasso with detachable cable and USB Type-C port?

When talking about cables, I tried many different cables with DC03Pro and it is no different and it won't be, since this movement coming not from the connection of the cable and port, but the port itself is moving inside the frame of the DC03Pro shell. It is quite obvious why when looking at the port up close and also comparing to other devices.

Added picture trying to explain what I mean with its port and how it is made (hope it makes sense ), which I think is a little badly executed port design, with port not being so deep inside there would not be this unnecessary movement. That is why I was a bit concerned if it was only my DC03Pro with poor QC or if it was the same for everyone, also if it was the first iBasso with detachable cable and USB Type-C port. With port aside, it is really great device, especially for the features, sound, efficiency and its price.

Looking nervously at my DC04Pro now

No issues have popped up so far but you make some good points and I don't know how this bodes for longevity especially since it just stays blu-tacked to my DAP with the cable fully bent all day.