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

[alex5908]

Can you recommend someone a dongle dac with true balanced output ?

Qudelix 5K. Two in one. DAC+Bluetooth. BT is the best BT ever.

 

[laleeee]

E1DA

And what do you think about that ?
The 4.4 jack version can be true balanced output ?
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/40004...6a2f4fa8e83ce&templateKey=white_backgroup_101

 

[VonBoedfeld]

And what do you think about that ?
The 4.4 jack version can be true balanced output ?
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/4000450336039.html?srcSns=sns_Copy&spreadType=socialShare&bizType=ProductDetail&tt=MG&aff_request_id=09660318413d4913a4947497f316f6ac-1597082334209-05173-_dW2qMnW&aff_platform=default&sk=_dW2qMnW&mergeHashcode=43950239317&description=HUF+8,715.71+|+ISN+Audio+Type-C+to+3.5mm+Audio/2.5mm/4.4mm+Balanced+32+Bit/384kHz+DSD64/128+HiFi+DAC+AMP+Cable+Adapter&aff_trace_key=09660318413d4913a4947497f316f6ac-1597082334209-05173-_dW2qMnW&businessType=ProductDetail&title=HUF+8,715.71+|+ISN+Audio+Type-C+to+3.5mm+Audio/2.5mm/4.4mm+Balanced+32+Bit/384kHz+DSD64/128+HiFi+DAC+AMP+Cable+Adapter&platform=AE&terminal_id=de43234d677b419093c6a2f4fa8e83ce&templateKey=white_backgroup_101

If you want a true dongle solution, there is iBasso DC01. http://ibasso.com/cp_xq_dy.php?id=8745
But soundwise E1DA 9038s is unmatched. https://de.aliexpress.com/item/4000090081514.html

 

[alex5908]

But soundwise E1DA 9038s is unmatched. https://de.aliexpress.com/item/4000090081514.html

"Soundwise" is too broad to be put. Powerwise - yes. but sound quality wise - I doubt it. Too lifeless. No drive whatsoever. Way too academic. IMO.

 

[rustyvinyl]

Hi, is there one that does MQA and is balanced 4.4 or 2.5mm as well? Thanks.

 

[VonBoedfeld]

"Soundwise" is too broad to be put. Powerwise - yes. but sound quality wise - I doubt it. Too lifeless. No drive whatsoever. Way too academic. IMO.

I think the chain until the headphone or speakers should become as neutral as it can be and provide as much details as possible. And this is where 9038s is unmatched. Coloration should be the job of the headphones or speakers. If you like distortions, there is also a SE mode from 9038s with distortions like tubes.

 

[seamon]

I think the chain until the headphone or speakers should become as neutral as it can be and provide as much details as possible. And this is where 9038s is unmatched. Coloration should be the job of the headphones or speakers. If you like distortions, there is also a SE mode from 9038s with distortions like tubes.

9038s G3 is not neutral though. It's bright and analytical

 

[staticV3]

9038s G3 is not neutral though. It's bright and analytical

No clue what DAC/Amps you've been listening to so far, but the 9038S is the definition of neutral. Please mind the y-axis scale.

 

[baskingshark]

https://www.facebook.com/ShanlingAudio/photos/a.603251836498073/1684396801716899/?type=3&__tn__=-R
https://www.facebook.com/ShanlingAudio/photos/a.603251836498073/1684396845050228/?type=3&theater

Some nice looking Shanling dongles coming soon. I like the UA2 dual balanced and single ended one. Looks interesting! Hope they are affordable though!

 

[alex5908]

Coloration should be the job of the headphones or speakers. If you like distortions, there is also a SE mode from 9038s with distortions like tubes.

Do you think a distortion is the same thing as a coloration?

 

[staticV3]

Do you think a distortion is the same thing as a coloration?

Do you think that a flat frequency response means a bright and analytical sound?

 

[alex5908]

Do you think that a flat frequency response means a bright and analytical sound?

Hi Rafael, long time no see/hear.
A question to a question, huh?
Analytical- yes, but not bright. Could be mistaken, though. Not so much of an expert.

 

[staticV3]

Hi Alex! Sorry for that cheeky question

 

[TheUnknow]

https://www.facebook.com/ShanlingAudio/photos/a.603251836498073/1684396801716899/?type=3&__tn__=-R
https://www.facebook.com/ShanlingAudio/photos/a.603251836498073/1684396845050228/?type=3&theater





Some nice looking Shanling dongles coming soon. I like the UA2 dual balanced and single ended one. Looks interesting! Hope they are affordable though!

Thoses dongles will soon replace DAP, if not already.

 

[VonBoedfeld]

Do you think a distortion is the same thing as a coloration?

Distortions can be the cause for the symptom coloration.