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

[agonynine]

I’m wondering if anyone has had success using the iBasso DC03 with an iPhone 12? I have an iPhone 11 and am able to get the iBasso working fine using just the ddHiFi TC28i and connecting directly I.e. iPhone 11 >> TC28i >> DC03. However the same combo doesn’t work with an iPhone 12, I get no messages or prompts on the iPhone itself, the DC03 lights blue, but music plays out of the phone speaker. Any thoughts? I’ve seen this now on two iPhone 12s so is it a compatibility thing?

 

[Draagerrob]

A well implemented balanced circuit can usually offer lower noise floor , better separation , wider soundstage and greater dynamics compared to the single ended variant with the same parts.
Single ended can still sound very good.
In your case only a balanced dongle can offer the power you seek.

Just to make sure that I have understood this correctly. I am going to buy my first pair of IEM (Moondrop Blessing 2). In this regard, I am trying to find a portable D/A converter for max 200$ (currently considering Shinling UA2, if anyone can suggest a better option feel free to do so). If I buy a 2.5mm aux cable from **** ( was going to buy a cable anyway) I will simply get better sound than If I buy a 3.5mm cable? Usually, I would prioritize the 3.5mm cable as this is what I am familiar with, but a 2.5mm is not really more complicated for me to use as my phone only supports usb-c input and my pc also supports usb-c

 

[nc8000]

Just to make sure that I have understood this correctly. I am going to buy my first pair of IEM (Moondrop Blessing 2). In this regard, I am trying to find a portable D/A converter for max 200$ (currently considering Shinling UA2, if anyone can suggest a better option feel free to do so). If I buy a 2.5mm aux cable from **** ( was going to buy a cable anyway) I will simply get better sound than If I buy a 3.5mm cable? Usually, I would prioritize the 3.5mm cable as this is what I am familiar with, but a 2.5mm is not really more complicated for me to use as my phone only supports usb-c input and my pc also supports usb-c

Generally balanced can produce better sound than single ended, but is all down to specific implementation and synergy and some headphones gain more from balanced than others so you cant say that balanced is always best

 

[renekok]

Generally balanced can produce better sound than single ended, but is all down to specific implementation and synergy and some headphones gain more from balanced than others so you cant say that balanced is always best

Yes, not all IEM's need the power that a balanced amplifier can offer. If you have quality sensitive IEM's, single ended amplifiers will do just fine.

 

[nc8000]

Yes, not all IEM's need the power that a balanced amplifier can offer. If you have quality sensitive IEM's, single ended amplifiers will do just fine.

Balanced is not just about power but also about control and very importantly getting rid of the common ground. On the other hand if balanced isen’t done properly it can introduce problems of it’s own like channel imbalance and others

 

[HiFyAK2020]

Now that 3.5mm headphone output is nearing extinction in smartphones, it's time to start compiling the list for the best USB-C to 3.5mm adapter DACs. Many phones don't even offer analog output anymore on their USB-C output , so the only option is to have a dongle/adapter with a built-in DAC.

Unfortunately, the output power and sound quality of these DACs is mostly mediocre or downright poor (here's looking at you Google with your useless Pixel adapters).

So, what are the highest quality and best bang for your buck USB-C to 3.5mm Digital output DAC adapters (small size)?

The short list so far (6/2019):

Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter ~ $10 USD
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-35-mm-kuulokeliitäntäsovitin
Output power: 31mW @33 Ohm (tested)
Sound quality: good (for a dongle/adapter)
Volume control: digital
Line-in mic support (in Android): ?

Hidizs Sonata HD Dac Cable II aka TempoTec Sonata HD ~ $35 USD
https://www.hidizs.net/blogs/news/h...with-hi-res-sound-with-sonata-hd-dac-cable-ii
Output power: 60mW @32 Ohm (mfg rating, not tested by 3rd party)
Sound quality: apparently good (for a dongle/adapter)
Volume control: digital
Line-in mic support (in Android): has multiple different firmware and with firmware D it has in-line mic support

Musiland MU1 $ ~ $33 USD
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Musiland-MU1-TYPE-C-portable-sound-card-Earphone-cable-3-5mm-Headset-Adapter-decodes-for-mobile/32869987030.html
Output power: 28mW @33 Ohm (tested)
Sound quality: good (for a dongle/adapter)
Volume control: digital
Line-in mic support (in Android):?

Musiland MU2 Plus
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Newest-version-Musiland-MU2PLUS-digital-decoding-headphone-amplifier-cable-mobile-phone-digital-decoder-computer-USB-sound/32992391339.html
Output power: 45mW @33 Ohm (tested)
Sound quality: excellent (for a dongle/adapter)
Volume control: digital (in-line control buttons)
Line-in mic support (in Android):?

NextDrive Spectra X DAC ~ $200 USD
https://www.nextdrive-spectra.io/
Output power: 49mW @33 Ohm (tested)
Sound quality: excellent (for a dongle/adapter)
Volume control: digital
Line-in mic support (in Android):?
Sound quality: excellent (for any DAC)

E1DA 9038S balanced DAC ~ $70 USD
https://e1dashz.wixsite.com/index/9038s
Review: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ents-of-e1da-9038s-bal-portable-dac-amp.8424/
Output Power: 37mW @300 Ohm balanced output (tested), 340mW into 32Ohm (tested)
Output Impedance: 0.3 Ohm (tested)
Volume control: none
Line-in mic support: none
S/N (SINAD) ratio: 110 dB (83 dB at 50mV SNR)

Potentially good adapters - but no proper information on them yet (will fill in later, when / if new information arrives on them):

iBasso DC01 (balanced DAC) ~ $51 USD
http://www.ibasso.com
https://carvelink.com.hk/item/iBasso-DC01平衡解碼耳放線/4899690461265920
Output power: 113 mW @32 Ohm (mfg claim) (balanced amp, 2.5mm balalanced out), 1.9V (32Ω) (preliminary data from mfg)
Sound quality: 32bit/384kHz max, DSD256, THD+N: <0.001% (32Ω, 1.2Vrms),
Volume control: hardware 64-levels with provided iBasso software appp (via UAC 2.0)
Line-in mic support (in Android):?
Other: AK4493 DAC chip, only balanced 2.5mm output (not standard stereo single-ended 3.5mm)
Weight: 119g

Hifime Tiny Type-C Dac ~ $30
https://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs/tiny-type-c-dac

Plussound USB-C 3.5mm mini adapter (preorder)
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/plussound-audio-thread.701384/page-74#post-14992442
Output power: ?? (power consumption is 15mA)
Standby power (current): 1.5 mA (mfg data)
Sound quality: S/N 104 dB, THD 90 dB, 24bit/96kHz (all mfg data, not 3rd party verified)
Volume control: digital ?
Line-in mic support (in Android):?

Venture Electronics Odyssey HD (several terminations available) $10-30 USD
https://www.veclan.com/engappliance_sel_one?eng_ApplianceVo.eac_id=32

Iconic High Res USB-C DAC (performance unknown)
https://iconic-music.net/product/triangle-high-resolution-usb-c-audio-dac-amplifier-to-3-5-mm/

Meizu Hifi-Dac (CS43131) ~ $34 USD
https://www.giztop.com/official-meizu-hi-fi-dac-headphone-adapter.html
Output Power: 30mW (@ 32Ohm), mfg data)
PCM decoding capability: 32bit / 384kHz
DSD: DSD64／DSD128
SNR: ＞120dB
DNR: ＞120dB
THD+N: ＜0.0003%
Output load: 16Ω ~ 600Ω
Chip: Cirrus Logic CS43131

All of the above have also considerable power draw budgets, so take that into account if you use a phone with a smaller battery capacity.

I'm not personally interested in large AMP-DACs (Fiio, Hifime) or dangling USB-A type DACs (Dragonfly), but perhaps somebody else can make a list of those, if they are interested.

If you know of any other good USB-C 3.5mm DAC dongles, please chime in. Especially if you've found out competent test for their output impedance, output power and audio performance.

Updates:
16.6.2019 - Added more data on iBasso DC01
18.6.2019 - Mfg claimed data for Plussound adapter
20.6.2019 - More info on iBasso DC01 (first batch)
25.6.2019 - Added Meizu Hi-Fi DAC (CS43131)
14.8.2019 - Added E1DA 9038S portable Balanced DAC
15.8.2019 - Fixed E1DA 9038S output power data and added link

I think you missed THE BEST in the world which is Luxury and Precision W2 - this DAC beats ALL the ones that you mentioned by a large margin. Don't beat me up on it - it's the result of tests and reviews and there are some threads specific to L&P W2 and W1 on head-fi.org which you can visit and learn. But true - those are in a totally different price range than the ones you mention - for the 10 - 50 USD market you may be right though.

 

[nc8000]

I think you missed THE BEST in the world which is Luxury and Precision W2 - this DAC beats ALL the ones that you mentioned by a large margin. Don't beat me up on it - it's the result of tests and reviews and there are some threads specific to L&P W2 and W1 on head-fi.org which you can visit and learn. But true - those are in a totally different price range than the ones you mention - for the 10 - 50 USD market you may be right though.

The post you are quoting is near 2 years old so a lot has happened since

 

[Barusu Lamperouge]

Hello, I'm looking for a cheap dongle (sub-$30) for my Samsung S20 FE (Qualcomm). My primary use case is to use it as a 'regular' headphone jack i.e music, volume and calling.

Additionally, I might use it to connect to my Walnut F2 as well. Apple dongle is currently out of stock possibly due to a new one coming in a couple of months, so that is out. Ditto for Samsung's official one as well. AliExpress is not an option as the app is banned in my country. Appreciate the help from fellow members. Thanks in advance.

 

[LaughMoreDaily]

Why would you use a dongle that sounds better than a Walnut F2 to connect to it? F2 mag have been good when it came out but dongles are where it's at in this smartphone audio world. What opamp do you use with it?

Which country do you live in?

Just buy the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro and be happy that you did.

 

[Barusu Lamperouge]

Why would you use a dongle that sounds better than a Walnut F2 to connect to it? F2 mag have been good when it came out but dongles are where it's at in this smartphone audio world. What opamp do you use with it?

Which country do you live in?

Just buy the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro and be happy that you did.

I am using F2 as an amp and not DAP. I at times connect my phone to F2 and play music. I am using unmodified F2. I am from India and sadly Sonata HD Pro is for $65 which is almost $20 over it's retail price of $45. I was thinking of getting VE Odyssey as it is available for $14 in my country but not sure what chip does it use. My other option was to go for Musiland MU2/S as it has adequate power with a capable DAC but the price is out of my budget as of now.

 

[LaughMoreDaily]

If you only have a small amount of money, I would just buy what you can afford and not worry about asking questions, unless you're on a Indian audio group. I think you need more local opinions.

I just bought a pair of Skull Candy JIB2 earphones in my country for $5. Just buy what you can.

 

[Barusu Lamperouge]

If you only have a small amount of money, I would just buy what you can afford and not worry about asking questions, unless you're on a Indian audio group. I think you need more local opinions.

I just bought a pair of Skull Candy JIB2 earphones in my country for $5. Just buy what you can.

Looks likely. I was hoping if there are any other reasonably priced options available somewhere. I had a few sub-30 shortlists -

ISN Adapter
BGVP T01
TFZ Deco.1
VE Odyssey HD

As you suggested, I'd go for the cheapest one available for now just to check and familiarise myself with this tech. And then maybe later on, I'd get a premium offering if required like a Shanling UA2 or something similar

 

[LaughMoreDaily]

I wouldnt go for the cheapest one, but the one that appeals the most to you.

No one has posted what chip is in the ve clan dongle, hopefully they do... those others have different chips, so you could buy both.

The ISN I'm not familiar with.

 

[Barusu Lamperouge]

I wouldnt go for the cheapest one, but the one that appeals the most to you.

No one has posted what chip is in the ve clan dongle, hopefully they do... those others have different chips, so you could buy both.

The ISN I'm not familiar with.

You're right. I've started off with Odyssey HD at $13 it's worth the gamble. You're correct chip data is not available but it's fine at that price range if it is able to drive my gear effectively then it's not a bad deal

 

[Canabuc]

Very happy with my soundmagic A30. Was about 30$ usd on Amazon. Love being able to skip tracks and adjust volume with it.