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

[Hyde00]

Please excuse me for writing that same message again. Has anyone used any of these C43131 dongles (which you recommend) and which one would be better (implemented), is the Meizu good enough as it is from a reputable brand, if there is even any difference? Thanks in advance.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003218683901.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003130321892.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003297546816.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003129886015.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002732540075.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003296098849.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001651845395.html

To be honest I think there's too many variation of the same item on aliexpress it's probably hard to test them all? And chances are they probably sound really close to each other.

That being said, I think Andy rank CX Pro Audio half a star higher than Meizu Hifi Pro.

I'd imagine it's probably close enough that it's down to sound signature preference.

CX Pro Audio (4 star)
https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/cx-pro-audio-cx31993/

Meizu Hifi Pro (3.5 star)
https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/meizu-hifi-audio-pro/

Probably can't go wrong with either, but CX Pro Audio is probably less known and Meizu has been around for a while now.

 

[G33dubz]

The L&P W2 are both UAP 1.0 and 2.0 compliant.

Have you tested this? Is it just the W2 or is the W1 also dual compliant?

 

[Gallus]

To be honest I think there's too many variation of the same item on aliexpress it's probably hard to test them all? And chances are they probably sound really close to each other.

That being said, I think Andy rank CX Pro Audio half a star higher than Meizu Hifi Pro.

I'd imagine it's probably close enough that it's down to sound signature preference.

CX Pro Audio (4 star)
https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/cx-pro-audio-cx31993/

Meizu Hifi Pro (3.5 star)
https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/meizu-hifi-audio-pro/

Probably can't go wrong with either, but CX Pro Audio is probably less known and Meizu has been around for a while now.

They are using different chips, the one is CX31993 and the other is CS43131. I see many of you recommend CS43131 as the best price-performance, being mid-tier (former high-end) and better than both CS46L41 and CX31993 (entry-tier). All of these chips I have sent are CS43131.

 

[Hyde00]

They are using different chips, the one is CX31993 and the other is CS43131. I see many of you recommend CS43131 as the best price-performance, being mid-tier (former high-end) and better than both CS46L41 and CX31993 (entry-tier).

Yupe that's correct THOUGH, I would say what chip is used should be served as a starting guideline but doesn't ultimately determine the final outcome.

For example the Meizu uses CS43131 (about $30), but Luxury and Precision W2-131 ($320) also uses CS43131 x 2.

https://shop.musicteck.com/products...-dac-amp-headphone-amp?variant=39659177639998

This is not to say they'll sound the same, how they implemented is most likely very different.

I guess for your question I'm thinking according to the review maybe CX31993 worked a little bit better at that price point than CS43131, my guess is that the Conexant chip is cheaper than Cirrus Logic chip so they probably had more budget on getting nicer other components.

But both seems to have decent review considering the price so I think you probably can't go wrong either way. Also keep in mind because of your price restrictions. So chances are one might not be HUGELY better than another.

For example if you're looking at $15k ~ $25k car, chances are the Civic will not be HUGELY better than the Corolla or vice versa. Because ultimately you're still restricted by budget.

Again read the review on both I posted in my last reply, but I feel like both should be decent. Just go with the one where you think fit your preference more based on review. (i.e. if you like bass, then pick the bassier one)

In the grand scheme of things I'd say don't stress over it, this is a deep hole and chances are you'll want to upgrade to nicer things sooner or later. Just...... follow your heart LOL.

Cheers!

 

[Gallus]

This is not to say they'll sound the same, how they implemented is most likely very different.

That's why I added the word "implemented". But ig at this price point ($30~) there should not be a whatsoever if any difference.

 

[rodel808]

Have you tested this? Is it just the W2 or is the W1 also dual compliant?

Note that I have the first version of W2. The 2nd version of W2 also has a firmware update to allow switching between UAC 1.0 and 2.0. Not sure how to verify the modes but setting the dongle to UAC 1.0 works with my Nintendo Switch which supposedly only works in UAC 1.0.

For UAC 2.0, I am able to play 24bit 192kHz through foobar2000 on Windows.

Found out that Schiit Fulla and Hel also supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0.

 

[noknok23]

So, i had Meizu dac hifi pro for a quite a while and I think apple is miles better. Shocking i know. I wonder if CX31993 is worth a try or if i should stick to apple.

 

[Gallus]

I see that the Apple dongle is widely loved, too (if you are talking for that £9 https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter). I think it is USB-C so I can use it with Android, right? What are your feelings for it, compared to CX31993 and CS43131 if you have tested them?

 

[Hyde00]

I see that the Apple dongle is widely loved, too (if you are talking for that £9 https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter). I think it is USB-C so I can use it with Android, right? What are your feelings for it, compared to CX31993 and CS43131 if you have tested them?

Don't use Apple dongle on Android, I think because Android doesn't have access to hardware volume (unless you use specific apps then I think it's possible), so it default to 60% hardware volume.

What this means is that you're cap out at 60% max volume. Funny enough on Windows or Mac or iPad it works perfectly fine.

On top of it there is European law that limited the output volume of cellular devices, so the Apple dongle in North America is 1V and European spec Apple dongle is 0.5V. In comparison most dongle these days max out at 2V, some high power dongles can go up to 3V or 4V.

I don't know about CX31993 or CS43131, but on my Dragonfly Red it's 100% louder and also sounds better than my Apple dongle on my PC.

Apples dongle is widely loved because it's cheap and measures well. But to my ears Dragonfly Red sounds better, and my ear/hearing could be crap but ultimately I only have these ears so that's what I'm gonna use to listen to music lol.

Sorry not trying to bash Apple dongle, but just saying sometimes measurement doesn't show everything.

 

[Gallus]

Don't use Apple dongle on Android, I think because Android doesn't have access to hardware volume (unless you use specific apps then I think it's possible), so it default to 60% hardware volume.

What this means is that you're cap out at 60% max volume. Funny enough on Windows or Mac or iPad it works perfectly fine.

On top of it there is European law that limited the output volume of cellular devices, so the Apple dongle in North America is 1V and European spec Apple dongle is 0.5V. In comparison most dongle these days max out at 2V, some high power dongles can go up to 3V or 4V.

I don't know about CX31993 or CS43131, but on my Dragonfly Red it's 100% louder and also sounds better than my Apple dongle on my PC.

Apples dongle is widely loved because it's cheap and measures well. But to my ears Dragonfly Red sounds better, and my ear/hearing could be crap but ultimately I only have these ears so that's what I'm gonna use to listen to music lol.

That is understandable, the fact is that Dragonfly Red is much pricier than the other two and at this moment I can't even think of it, instead I looked for more budget ones (namely CX31993 and CS43131).

 

[Hyde00]

That is understandable, the fact is that Dragonfly Red is much pricier than the other two and at this moment I can't even think of it, instead I looked for more budget ones (namely CX31993 and CS43131).

LOL sorry I used bad example, uhhh let's see.... I used to have Hidizs Sonata HD II (Hidizs S2 basically) and that was closer in price and I thought that sounded better than Apple dongle. Though I think Apple dongle measure well but just has weak amp, that's probably what it is. So for iem it probably will work pretty well, just won't drive headphones too well (especially on Android with the limitation).

But unfortunately I don't own the CX31993 and CS43131 in that price range so I can't tell you if it's better or not than Apple dongle. It's cheap enough to just buy it and try it out though.

We can always wait and see what others have to say.

 

[Gilles De Rais]

That is understandable, the fact is that Dragonfly Red is much pricier than the other two and at this moment I can't even think of it, instead I looked for more budget ones (namely CX31993 and CS43131).

TBH at that price point ($20-30)and with that of the likely paired headphones, i don’t think it really matters which one you choose or which dac chip it has in terms of sound. From the size, none of those dongles you listed will have good power management ( which also costs), there is a reason the better dongles are larger and at a higher price point. Pick the prettiest one, its as good a reason as any.

 

[HealPerson]

Please excuse me for writing that same message again. Has anyone used any of these C43131 dongles (which you recommend) and which one would be better (implemented), is the Meizu good enough as it is from a reputable brand, if there is even any difference? Thanks in advance.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003218683901.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003130321892.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003297546816.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003129886015.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002732540075.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003296098849.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001651845395.html

Hello. I had only meizu from these, long time ago. Which was pretty fine. But you should take jcally jm10 on that chip imo it has outstanding sound for its price (30$).
I had several cx31993 and they all sound much more simplier than jcally jm10 (soundstage, details, sound balance, everything). Many of cx31993 are very bright.

 

[noknok23]

I see that the Apple dongle is widely loved, too (if you are talking for that £9 https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter). I think it is USB-C so I can use it with Android, right? What are your feelings for it, compared to CX31993 and CS43131 if you have tested them?

so I am using the non-EU version of the USB C apple dongle on android. (EU version is half the voltage because of regulation) I reckon half the volume of half the voltage is not much. For people living in EU, that may be not worth it, unless you use very sensitive iems.(like 16ohm/120db)

The volume limitation is fine for sensitive IEMs. for mid-tier sensitivity, it's on the edge but still OK. ER2SE with 89db of sensitivity run at max volume comfortably, same with puresound 600 ohm earbuds. I wouldn't use the dongle for anything less sensitive than that

Now, compare to meizu pro CS43131: They are both dead silent with very sensitive iems. Apple sound is smoother and more natural tonality. Headstage is wider and has depth. Meizu is very 2D with no depth. more foward. Perhaps Meizu pro is more detailed but at the cost of harshness and forwardness. Meizu is fully compatible with hiby exclusive usb access, also can go 4 times higher in volume. Build quality of the Meizu is better.

Still my favorite dongle is the E1DA 9038s. With the ER2SE I get better treble extension, extra life like timbre. stronger dynamics, etc..

 

[Hyde00]

Interesting review

When I ordered the RU6 I also considered the PEE51 or S9pro. Can't wait to hear what you think how they compare.
BTW interesting review of the RU6 by Archimago

Hello! Sorry for the late reply! I only just got my RU6 today.

It took 3.5 weeks coming from Israel from another member. But during its time I got impatient of waiting and end up buying PEE51 and M12 for fun LOL.

The irony is that I bought second hand to save $100 CAD but I end up spending $400 CAD on PEE51 and M12 while waiting LOL.

Moral of the story, next time I should just buy it from whichever place that will ship to me the fastest. So that doesn't give me time to stare at the screen and buy something else.

Anyway...... back to what you asked. To be honest PEE51 have some aspect that are better than RU6 and some are weaker. PEE51 is a bit inconsistent and RU6 is more consistent across the board.

Let me explain..... PEE51 I find has a bit more peaky treble that's a bit sharp. It also has clearly a mid bass hump but then I think it has sub bass roll off. So from time to time I'll be like where's the bass? And sometimes I'll get like WOAHHHH where is this bass come from. PEE51 also has more texture in the voice, like I think PEE51 do tiny tiny details better. You'll hear the tiniest pin drop. So when PEE51 does good I think it does better than RU6, but other times it does feel it's lacking extension on both ends.

RU6 funny enough, remind me a lot of the Dragonfly Red that I'm replacing. I don't know why people crap on Dragonfly Red so much here, but RU6's signature is the closest to Dragonfly Red out of like....... I don't know....... 10-20 dac/amps that I tried? Except RU6 maybe dial back 5-10% in the direction of neutral and Dragonfly Fly Red is more in the direction of "fun". But RU6 is definitely not neutral by any stretch of imagination lol. The M12 I got recently is neutral-bright, so it's quite different from RU6 and PEE51.

In anycase, I think PEE51 is really good in some areas and really surprised me in other areas but overall is a little bit "dry" sounding. RU6 is more consistently good across the board. So between the 2 I'd keep the RU6.

I hope you got your unit already!!!

EDIT: Forgot to say, this is day 1 listening impression. I heard RU6 need 100 hours burn in, so what I said might change over time lol.