All articles tagged with #dac
FiiO has announced the DP11, a compact CD player that integrates a DAC, pre-amplifier, and digital outputs. Priced at $189 in the US, it features a silent mechanism and supports high-resolution audio formats.
What Hi-Fi? tests iFi’s premium portable DAC/amp, the iDSD GR 2, which sports a rugged aluminum chassis, wide inputs/outputs (balanced 4.4mm, 3.5mm, USB-C, optical/coax, Bluetooth 5.4), and a Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC with support for up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. It adds XBass/XSpace, four digital filters, and a hybrid power mode for flexible listening. In use it yields a clear, detailed, and evenly balanced sound with good headroom, though it sacrifices a touch of dynamic drama versus top contenders like the Mojo 2. Battery life is around seven hours; build is solid, but some ports aren’t clearly labeled and the volume knob behavior can be counterintuitive. Priced around £529 / $529 / AU$849, it’s a feature-rich, versatile option for portable listening rather than the most exciting sonic performer.
Topping has announced the DX1 II, a compact budget desktop DAC/headphone amplifier built around an ES9039Q2M dual DAC with XMOS processing, offering a fully balanced analog stage, hi-res PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, USB-C and optical I/O, RCA and 4.4mm balanced outputs, plus 3.5mm headphone out, a ten-band Parametric EQ, and a 275g aluminum chassis for portable use — all for £119 / $119, shipping from July in black, white or silver.
Spotify Premium users can enable Exclusive Mode in the Windows app’s Playback settings to give Spotify control over your device’s audio processing, achieving bit-perfect playback; Mac support is planned for a future release, and using Exclusive Mode disables other apps’ audio and Spotify automix/crossfade features.
The article reviews 12 iPhone/iPad/macOS apps that enable true hi-res, lossless playback on Apple devices—from Apple Music’s built-in lossless ALAC to Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music, plus audiophile players like Audirvana Remote, Roon Remote, VOX, Neutron Music Player, Onkyo HF Player, FiiO Music, NePLAYER, and Flacbox. It highlights support for formats such as FLAC and DSD, 24-bit/192kHz, DAC passthrough to external gear, cloud options, and feature-rich interfaces, all aimed at unlocking higher-fidelity listening on Apple hardware.
Tom’s Guide reviews the Mojo 2, a $650 portable DAC/amp that powers a wide range of headphones with USB‑C charging and a 4.4mm balanced output. It delivers detailed highs and a larger soundstage for on‑the‑go listening, making it a strong pick for audiophiles who need portability, though it’s not without quirks—battery life is about 8 hours and the menu system can be fiddly for some. It’s best for demanding headphones, but not all can benefit equally, and a cheaper alternative like the iFi Hip DAC is suggested for those on a tighter budget.
Shanling has announced the EC Zero AKM, a portable CD player that supports Bluetooth, CD ripping, and functions as a high-quality DAC, offering a nostalgic yet advanced way to enjoy physical media with modern features, priced at $320.
Cambridge Audio has launched the CXN100 Network Player, a successor to its popular CXN V2, featuring a new DAC capable of handling 32-bit/768kHz, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and improved processing. The player retains physical connectivity options and includes built-in Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, and Deezer, as well as MQA compatibility. The CXN100 is available for $1,099 and boasts a larger high-res color screen.
Wired headphones with built-in DACs capable of handling hi-res lossless audio are making a comeback, offering audiophile quality on any phone without the need for a dongle. Companies like Questyle and Hidizs have released USB-C headphones with DACs, paving the way for a potential mini revival of wired headphones. These headphones promise superior audio quality and convenience, appealing to those seeking better sound without the hassle of additional accessories.
FiiO has released the KB3, a mechanical keyboard with a built-in headphone jack that includes a combination DAC and headphone amp, potentially offering better audio quality than the standard 3.5mm output on computers. The keyboard features dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs, supports high-resolution audio, and has a 4.4mm balanced output. It also boasts gasket-mounted hot-swap switches, RGB lighting, and compatibility with both Mac and Windows. The KB3 is available as a barebones option or fully-assembled, and is priced at $129.99 without switches or keycaps, or $149.99 as a fully-assembled model.