I've never listened to the HB1, but having an ESS chip inside I think it sounds quite different from the HC4. For my use, however, I always prefer dongles without an internal battery because I am not interested in using the Bluetooth functionality, while instead I am very interested in not having small internal batteries that pose problems for me when they need to be replaced.
UA1s is very sensitive to source:
Android phone = harsh
Laptop = less harsh
Laptop on battery = not bad but I got it primarily for my phone so no dice.
That is a pretty good one for me too!
If you have a chance, consider trying also the UA1plus (2 x CS43131 ... not common to have dual DACs on a 3.5)...
Depending on what you are using it with, please keep in mind that it sucks quite a bit of power even when idle. I measure and rank all of my dongles to know what to expect out my my phone battery and UA1s is top four, out of 32 dongles, in terms of juice-consumption.
I've always been looking for a DAC that consumes little or no power in standby mode so always connected to my smartphone.
I have purchased the Aklaim PD6 first based on your organized table.
I am also considering purchasing the iBasso DC02 as it does not consume power in standby mode.
One question I have is that the DC02 is an AKM4490 and the output is different from what you listed. The specs in the table seem to be the same as the iBasso DC01, can you confirm which DAC's power measurements are correct?
I've always been looking for a DAC that consumes little or no power in standby mode so always connected to my smartphone.
I have purchased the Aklaim PD6 first based on your organized table.
I am also considering purchasing the iBasso DC02 as it does not consume power in standby mode.
One question I have is that the DC02 is an AKM4490 and the output is different from what you listed. The specs in the table seem to be the same as the iBasso DC01, can you confirm which DAC's power measurements are correct?
The AQ Dragonfly Black does not consume much power either and the amplification from it is brilliant considering. The trade off is that with it being USB A, you'll need the Dragon Tail cable to connect it to your phone - I know a lot of people don't like that. But it is still a fantastic portable DAC amp in 2024.
I've always been looking for a DAC that consumes little or no power in standby mode so always connected to my smartphone.
I have purchased the Aklaim PD6 first based on your organized table.
I am also considering purchasing the iBasso DC02 as it does not consume power in standby mode.
One question I have is that the DC02 is an AKM4490 and the output is different from what you listed. The specs in the table seem to be the same as the iBasso DC01, can you confirm which DAC's power measurements are correct?
The measures for the iBasso DC02 are correct but it has some recurring but infrequent spikes of 0.020A power use during standby. I have to say that DC02 did not sound that great to me and I returned it at speed....
I am also after DACs that consume nothing or little power while in standby and have found a lot of other DACs that do so while in stand but while sounding great (+ not consuming much at all) while in use.
From hose below I would recommend: PD06, DDHiFi TC35B, DosMic (DosMic is now difficult to find but there are some clones on Aliexpress that sound the same), PD07 rHJ-1035 ... even Meizu and T01s sounds better than DC02 to my ears...
The measures for the iBasso DC02 are correct but it has some recurring but infrequent spikes of 0.020A power use during standby. I have to say that DC02 did not sound that great to me and I returned it at speed....
I am also after DACs that consume nothing or little power while in standby and have found a lot of other DACs that do so while in stand but while sounding great (+ not consuming much at all) while in use.
From hose below I would recommend: PD06, DDHiFi TC35B, DosMic (DosMic is now difficult to find but there are some clones on Aliexpress that sound the same), PD07 rHJ-1035 ... even Meizu and T01s sounds better than DC02 to my ears...
I received the Aklaim PD6 today and tested it out, and I love both the small form factor and the sound.
The only disappointment is that the battery drain is higher than expected, even when not playing anything and not plugging in headphones. It consumed about the same or slightly more than my Hiby FC3 or Tempotec BHD Pro.
I'll be checking out your list Meizu products and the BGVP T01s soon.
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