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Dac

All articles tagged with #dac

Topping DX1 II: compact budget DAC/amp with audiophile potential
technology11 days ago

Topping DX1 II: compact budget DAC/amp with audiophile potential

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.

Unlocking True Hi-Res Audio on Apple Devices: 12 Apps for Lossless Listening
technology4 months ago

Unlocking True Hi-Res Audio on Apple Devices: 12 Apps for Lossless Listening

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.

Tiny $650 DAC/amp redefines portable listening for any headphones
technology4 months ago

Tiny $650 DAC/amp redefines portable listening for any headphones

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.

"Cambridge Audio Unveils CXN100 Network Streamer, Aiming for Another Hit"
audio-video2 years ago

"Cambridge Audio Unveils CXN100 Network Streamer, Aiming for Another Hit"

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.

technology2 years ago

"The Resurgence of Wired Headphones: A Case for Their Superiority Over Wireless"

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.

"Revolutionary Mechanical Keyboard with Integrated Hi-Fi DACs and Amplifier, Including a Must-Have Headphone Jack"
technology2 years ago

"Revolutionary Mechanical Keyboard with Integrated Hi-Fi DACs and Amplifier, Including a Must-Have Headphone Jack"

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.