Computer as a music server (end). External DACs Asynchronous USB DAC
These reviews were written real buyers external DACs in our store. We do not publish clients' names for reasons of privacy of personal data. When purchasing a product from us, you also have the opportunity to add your review.
Gorgeous DAC. I switched to it from TEAC UD 501. The 501, compared to the 505, has noticeably raised the edges of the range; the bass is too thick and the highs are bright. This one has everything exactly right. The bass is dense and textured, the treble is neat. With the same cable harness (DH LABS RED WAVE power cable), the 501 whistled on vocals on bright recordings. When listening to the calarature soprano, the 501st smacked of outright synthetics. The 505 sounds natural at the same moments. Very detailed and comfortable, which absolutely corresponds to its class. Has an excellent headphone amplifier. I tried the reclaimed SENNHEISER HD 650 (300 ohms). It rocks quite well, and there is still some headroom in volume. I compared the sound with the TEAC HA 501, the sensations, without taking into account the various power cables installed on them and the connecting interconnect, sound approximately the same. But there is a separate analog device operating in class A, and here there are adjacent digital circuits.... In general, the headphones also work well! The only, I think, big minus is that when the jack is inserted, both line outputs are automatically turned off. And to switch between listening on acoustics and back on headphones, you will have to constantly insert and remove the jack from the socket, which will quickly lead to wear of the socket itself and erasing the metallization of the expensive jack. So I continue to use the HA 501 as a headphone amplifier.
I bought it to connect headphones to a Samung TV, because... it only has optical audio output. The DAC with the optical cable fit perfectly and the headphones work. True, when you go to YouTube, the blue light on the DAC goes out and the headphones don’t work. For me this is not critical, maybe I’ll figure it out later. But I gave it an excellent rating.
The DAC will significantly improve signal quality compared to any built-in sound card. Made minimalistically. No buttons, no settings. It just works. Inexpensive compared to alternative options.
The purchased external DAC Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 Silver was connected to my Onkyo C-7030 player via a Kennerton MOF-010 1.5 m optical cable. Amplifier Onkyo A-9110, acoustics Polk T-50. The DAC is great, works great. Fascinating sound, lays out a piece of music by instrument while maintaining volume and stage. Amazing detail. Favorite compositions have acquired new depth and clarity. Honestly, I didn’t expect such agility from a small device... Of the shortcomings, perhaps one is sensitive to temperature. This is also stated in the instructions. Initially, the DAC was installed in a small space in the equipment rack. After 50 minutes of operation, it simply turned off. Apparently the protection worked. After eliminating the surrounding small space, I drove it for almost 6 hours, everything works fine. Good DAC. I recommend it.
In recent years, the use of the interface has become increasingly widespread USB to output sound from a computer. The undeniable convenience of this method of connecting a computer to a sound system via an external DAC is reinforced by the expanding production of digital-to-analog converters equipped with the so-called “asynchronous USB”.
And this is not just a fashionable hobby for digital audio lovers, but a really serious way to obtain a decent digital source (even high-quality, under certain conditions) in the form of a computer + DAC combination.
True, some uncertainty is introduced by the question: why do manufacturers of high-end music servers/digital players install digital outputs S/PDIF (RCA, BNC, optical) and AES/EBU (XLR) on their products, rather than using the capabilities of the popular USB interface ? Let's try to clarify the answer to this question.
The main difference between the standards for connecting a computer and a DAC, S/PDIF and AES/EBU, on the one hand, and USB, on the other, lies in the method of data transfer. In the first case, data from the computer, using the appropriate interface, is transmitted to the DAC in the form of a continuous stream, that is, in the form that they acquire after the software player. In the second case, in accordance with the USB data transfer protocol, the data stream is first divided into packets and then transmitted to the input of the USB DAC, in which it must again take the form of a continuous stream before digital-to-analog conversion.
In addition to data corresponding to audio information, data packets transmitted via a USB connection also contain configuration, control and status information.
The USB Universal Serial Bus specification defines various types of synchronization when transferring information from a host (computer) to a peripheral device (in this case, a DAC). At the initial stage of using USB for audio output from a PC, the so-called adaptive type, technically related to the company’s PCM270x series chips, became widespread Burr-Brown (Texas Instruments) from the USA.
However, this type of USB connection could not provide high quality sound, as it caused increased jitter levels. In addition, converters with a USB input based on the PCM270x chip, operating in adaptive mode, could operate with sampling rates no higher than 48 kHz and a bit depth of up to 16 bits, that is, they could provide CD-level quality, but not high resolution.
After several stages of development of digital audio technology via USB in 2004, the company Wavelength Audio(USA) the first DAC using asynchronous data transmission was released. The converter and the software required to operate it, called Streamlength, were developed by Gordon Rankin. Since then, the asynchronous type of USB interface has established itself as the main one for transmitting a music signal from a computer to a DAC, and Streamlength software for asynchronous USB is used in many high-quality DACs, including such companies as Ayre, Aesthetix, Grace Design, Berkeley Audio Design etc. Currently, most manufactured digital-to-analog converters that are equipped with a USB interface for connecting to a computer operate on this principle.
Unlike the adaptive type, the asynchronous type of operation of the USB interface for sound transmission is technically more advanced, because When implemented, not only data packets are transferred from the computer to the DAC, but feedback is also provided to the computer in such a way as to control the process of this data transfer. In this case, the computer and the DAC work in concert, like connected devices.
Interestingly, asynchronous USB was based on the TAS1020B chip, which was released simultaneously with the mentioned PCM270x. The TAS1020B USB controller is an integrated circuit with a USB transceiver, a microprocessor, a memory buffer and an I 2 S interface for connecting to a digital-to-analog converter chip. As an example in Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a DAC based on the TAS1020B USB controller.
In this asynchronous USB DAC circuit, the sample rate clock generator is located in the optimal location - directly next to the digital-to-analog converter chip. This allows the converter to operate from a potentially more accurate oscillator without relying on the use of an unstable clock signal from the computer. Indeed, this arrangement of the high-precision generator, along with other features of the asynchronous type of USB connection, provides the lowest level of jitter and, accordingly, the best sound quality. Compared to the adaptive type, in asynchronous USB jitter is reduced by two orders of magnitude (100 times!).
We add that to operate the converter with asynchronous USB with signals above 96 kHz/24 bit from a PC equipped with Windows OS, you will need a special driver. For computers Apple devices that support the USB Audio Class 2.0 specification do not need such a driver.
The first DACs Wavelength Audio with asynchronous USB they could convert VR signals with a sampling frequency of up to 96 kHz and a bit depth of up to 24 bits. Currently, digital-to-analog converters are being produced, including for home use, which support frequencies up to 384 kHz and bit depth up to 32 bits, which corresponds to the highest format of professional digital audio recording. In addition, digital music recordings in the DSD format have recently become increasingly widespread, the signals of which can be supplied to the DAC also via a USB port. Not so long ago, in 2012, the open DoP (DSD over PCM) standard was developed specifically for this purpose - a method for transmitting DSD audio using PCM frames. Description of the latest version 1.1 of this standard in English. language can be found .
DAC manufacturers offer a wide selection of devices with asynchronous USB costing from 3 thousand rubles. to astronomical prices with seven figures. In order to somehow get our bearings in this variety of converters of various technical and price levels, let’s try to determine what requirements a DAC must meet in order to be able to say that it produces truly high-fidelity sound. Let us note some of these characteristics associated with the USB input interface:
- High quality USB controller chip.
- Use of galvanic isolation.
- Compliant with USB Audio Class 2.0 specification.
- High precision, low jitter clock generator.
- Using high-quality drivers.
- The perfect power supply. Separate stabilized power lines for the USB controller, converter and analog circuits, or better yet, with a separate transformer for each of them.
- High quality digital-to-analog converter chip.
Without a DAC, there is no music if your music files are stored digitally. You may not know how they work, but most of us use at least one digital-to-analogue converter, better known as a DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter), every day.
They are built into devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. The DAC is the fundamental basis for decoding familiar digital music, turning it back into an analog signal that the human ear can hear.
Any device that produces a digital signal - be it a CD or Blu-ray player, DAB (digital radio), set-top box, games console or music player - requires a DAC to convert the sequence of 0s and 1s back into an analog signal before sending it out. for playback.
Traditional amplifiers do not amplify and speakers do not reproduce the digital signal so your ears cannot hear it. They perceive only sound waves. Without a DAC, your digital music collection is useless. This is a simple set of “0s” and “1s”, which is only necessary for the operation of digital devices. In short, DACs play a big role in the digital music playback process.
However, a serious problem is that the DAC chips built into most of the devices presented above may often not be of a high enough level and cannot always provide the highest possible quality of the digital original. This raises the question of whether you need to replace your DAC in order to transform your digital music archive and truly get the most out of your audio system.
The sounds that we hear every day, be it music, speech, the noise of a big city or the babbling of a stream, are transmitted in the form of sound waves and enter our ears in the form of a continuously changing analog signal.
One of the first ways to store analog recordings was the prototype of today's vinyl records, and later tapes appeared, but the unwanted noise during playback and the fragility of these formats required something new. And this new product was the compact disc (CD), invented by Sony and Philips in the 80s of the last century and making a digital revolution in the process of storing music recordings.
Digital audio is very different from analogue. Digital music files are typically created using pulse code modulation (PCM), or PCM in its English acronym, and are created by continuously, strictly periodically measuring the amplitude of an analog signal.
The amplitude value is then encoded as a binary number (a set of 1s and 0s), and the width of this number is often called the bit depth. The time interval between measurements is determined by the sampling frequency.
When burning a standard CD, measurements are taken 44,100 times per second (44.1 kHz). Each measurement is recorded for storage in binary format with 16-bit precision. When recording high-resolution audio tracks, use up to 24-bit bit depth, with a sampling rate of 192 kHz or higher.
Generally speaking, digital audio data can be encoded at different bit depths and sampling rates, and then into different file formats with different compression ratios to reduce volume. But no matter how they are created, the DAC's job is to recognize it all and translate it as accurately as possible from the binary format in order to get as close (as possible) to the analog original.
Why do you need a separate DAC?
In reality, almost every modern digital audio device has a built-in DAC, but it is also clear that not all DACs are created equal. Low-end converters may introduce unwanted noise due to the limited capabilities of the chip used. They cannot support all data rates, not to mention introducing additional distortion due to loss of synchronization (jitter effect).
Loss of synchronization is defined as a time delay. Accurate timings are extremely important when receiving a digital music stream, and if they are not maintained (usually due to poorly designed digital clock circuitry), sound quality suffers.
Problems associated with loss of synchronization can occur during digital signal transmission and are especially dangerous when the signal is transmitted between two devices. Therefore, in recent years, asynchronous DACs have become widespread, which use their own clock source.
The clock generators in the most high-end DACs tend to be more stable than those found in mid-range PCs, so the sound will be correspondingly better (all other things being equal).
Source material determines quality
Of course, to get the most out of your new DAC, you need to start with good source material. Don't expect miracles if you send music in MP3 format, 128 Kbps to the converter. In fact, improved decoding of such an over-compressed audio signal may make any audio shortcomings even more apparent.
Optimal results, with quality at CD level or higher, can be obtained by playing back lossless compressed FLAC, WAV or ALAC (Mac) files in PCM or DSD format.
DSD or PCM?
The DSD or Direct Stream Digital format is an alternative to PCM and was originally developed for Super Audio CDs (SACDs) by Sony and Philips in the late 90s.
This much rarer format differs significantly from PCM (Pulse Code Modulation). Here, pulse-width modulation (PWM) is used for encoding, using only single-bit encoding, but with a significantly higher sampling rate - 2.8 MHz for DSD64 and 5.6 MHz for DSD128.
The debate about which coding systems are better continues to rage to this day. So it's simply a matter of pointing out that if you're a diehard supporter of DSD music, it's worth making sure the DAC you choose supports DSD, which isn't always the case.
Which DAC should you choose?
DACs come in different shapes and sizes, and differ in functionality and interface capabilities. So you need to first understand how you will use it. And choose taking into account the cost you want to meet.
Compact USB DACs are portable, reasonably priced and easy to use. Sizes range from a standard plug-in USB module to a pocket-sized unit that connects via a separate USB cable.
Most often, such DACs do not require a separate power source, receiving the necessary electricity from the USB port. Such DACs have a largely simple set of interfaces. There is a headphone jack and, possibly, a line output for connecting active speaker systems or other Hi-Fi audio equipment.
If you need more connectivity options and don't need a wearable converter, you should choose a desktop unit. They tend to be larger and require a separate power supply, but often offer several additional digital and analog audio inputs, along with USB for connecting to a computer. Please note that there is a headphone amplifier if you need one, as not all converters have one.
Finally, there are DACs that are specifically designed for use as part of a large home audio system. They typically have even more inputs, including little-used ones like AES/EBU, and feature an expanded range of capabilities, supporting a full range of high-resolution music formats or providing Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your smartphone or tablet.
And some even have their own volume control, so they can also be used as a preamp.
Conclusion
Despite all the seeming absurdity of double conversion from analog to digital and from digital back to analog, we cannot wait for the vinyl revolution and will have to be content with digital sound. The digital form of storing and transmitting audio recordings is too convenient, both for home use and in professional equipment.
Of course, digital sound is just a copy of the analog original. A copy that even in the last century seemed imperfect and was used for purely utilitarian, narrowly professional purposes. But the sound quality of the best examples of today's audio equipment, even to the ears of a music lover, approaches the best analogue samples. Digital-to-analog converters play an important role in this, making it possible to squeeze the maximum possible out of music recordings in high-resolution formats.
- Supported modes: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz, 16 and 24 bit
- Entrance: USB
- Outputs: audio 3.5 mm combined with optical
- Output Level: 2.1 Vrms at 4.7 KΩ load, 1 Vrms at 30 Ω load
- Dynamic Range: 112 dB
Design
U2's look is incredibly minimalistic. It fully lives up to its name in the sense that the developers made do with small-scale production. U2 does not have a box, it comes in a regular bubble polyethylene bag. The case is a small rectangular parallelepiped, on one end of which there is a short USB cable for connecting to a computer, on the other - a 3.5 mm output for an audio signal. The same connector serves as an optical output socket, which allows you to use the U2 as a converter from USB to optical. An LED indicating operation is located in the corner of the device.
In general, the design is simple, without any frills, but given the marginal price and compact size, it’s stupid to find fault here. Moreover, it is worth noting that the internal performance of the DAC is at a fairly high level, the soldering is of high quality, and they did not skimp on parts (within the budget of the device, of course).
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- Apple MacBook Pro 15″ early 2011
- Decibel as a player
- Recordings in lossless formats
- Audio-GD NFB-6 as an amplifier
- Headphones: Fischer Audio TBA-04, VSonic GR01
ESS Saber 9023 is an almost self-sufficient chip. It does not require complex wiring (although it does not exclude it if the developers wish), so the main thing in creating DACs on it is not to spoil it. The U2 developers succeeded in this to the fullest extent. They used the SA9023 chip from SAVITECH as a USB interface (despite the coincidence of indices, this chip is not related to the DAC chip itself). A 27 MHz resonator with a PLL1705 chip is used as an oscillator. The DAC design uses a circuit without coupling capacitors at the output, which also has a beneficial effect on the sound. 
Windows users can take advantage of ASIO drivers developed by SAVITECH.
The funny thing about this device is that it plays no worse than many much more expensive solutions, and even outperforms some. First of all, this is due to a good DAC and controller, and secondly, to a competent circuit design.
Out of the box, the U2 sound is detailed, rather cold, but without annoying excess highs. The sound has a lot of air and lightness, although the bass also plays well. Sibilance is weak, background noise depends on the quality of your USB output (see below about the filter). The volume headroom is sufficient for most thin headphones. This DAC combines well with various amplifiers; due to its “transparency,” it introduces virtually no distortion into the sound image.
Modification
To bring out the full potential of the U2, I sent it to a friend of mine for revision. During the development, the DAC underwent many changes:
- tantalum capacitors were removed from the analog circuit and replaced with electrolytic capacitors of higher capacity
- the filter was recalculated and its components were replaced with higher quality ones, and the amplitude of the output signal was slightly reduced to achieve greater detail
- Implemented separate power supply for the DAC chip
- Some of the capacitors are shunted with ceramics
Since this modification could not fit in the original case, holes were cut in the cover for the capacitors and the entire DAC was tightened with heat shrink. The look turned out to be a little artisanal, but the increase in sound quality more than justifies it.
After modification, the player's sound becomes less pronounced and cold, low-frequency drive is added, which makes the DAC sound more musical. The sound becomes “multidimensional”, the imaginary scene becomes more voluminous, and the separation of instruments improves.
USB filter
Since the U2 is powered by USB, and its small size does not allow for a serious power filter, the sound of the DAC depends on the quality of the USB bus implementation in your computer. To solve this problem, HiFiMeDIY offers a simple but effective isolator. It is made in the same form factor as the U2, but instead of an audio jack it has a USB connector. By connecting it before the DAC (it doesn't have to be U2), you can noticeably improve the quality of the USB power and improve the sound. 
Conclusions
A very inexpensive device with huge potential. Don’t be confused by its very simple appearance; for its modest price, this small DAC can please its owner with a very good sound.
If your music is stored on a laptop, a portable DAC is a must. Your headphones will thank you
Anyone who listens to music from a laptop or desktop will likely notice an improvement in sound quality by ditching the built-in DAC and headphone output. Portable devices, including a DAC and a headphone amplifier, take on the task of processing the audio signal, ensuring the highest possible quality. We're testing four affordable portable models that can radically enhance your PC music enjoyment.
In human language
DAC
A digital-to-analog converter turns digital information into an analog signal; the amplifier and speakers create sound from it. Any digital device is equipped with a DAC.
Asynchrony
An asynchronous USB port allows the DAC to control the flow of information, improving sound quality; in other cases it is done by the computer.
Audioengine D3
The D3's aluminum body, assembled with tiny screws, feels very durable and resists any attempt to bend it. Turning what at first glance seems like a simple USB flash drive into a nice-looking hi-fi component is no easy task, but Audioengine has managed to do it.
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Thanks to its small aluminum body, Audioengine is very similar to a flash drive - to complete the picture, only a cap is missing
It's a shame, however, that it doesn't come with the same aluminum cover to protect the USB connector when it's not plugged in or in your pocket. However, the D3 is equipped with its own woolen case - so at least the DAC will be warm in the long cold winter.
In addition, the kit includes a short but clear installation guide and a cable with an adapter that will allow you to connect headphones with a 6.3 mm plug to the 3.5 mm output. We tested the D3 with AKG K550 over-ear headphones and Klipsch X7i in-ear headphones.
HD audio support
The Audioengine DAC is compatible with Mac and Windows computers; unlike some other models, it does not require an additional driver for Windows. Like AudioQuest DragonFly v1.2, the D3 accepts files up to 24-bit/96 kHz “as is”; High-resolution formats with 24-bit/192 kHz sampling will have to be pre-encoded by the computer to 24/96. The D3 also allows asynchronous data transfer from a computer's USB output for improved sound quality.
There are two tiny indicators on the front of the device. The outermost one glows blue if Audioengine is processing recordings with a sampling rate of 88.2 kHz or higher; otherwise it remains dark. The near white LED indicates that the DAC is turned on and ready to receive data.
Unlike the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS, the D3 is not equipped with a volume control - as is the AudioQuest DragonFly v1.2. You will have to control it using a program that plays music.
Detail and strength
D3 manages to extract a decent amount of detail from a WAV copy of Eminem's Bad Guy. The device prefers direct, unsophisticated sound. The dark bass notes strike with sufficient force; The claps scattered throughout the song are delivered precisely and clearly - although the emotion of Eminem's voice is not recreated as convincingly as AudioQuest.
We would have liked more fine detail and a more complete development of note textures. The lack of sophistication of the sound slightly reduces the joy of listening.
Lily Allen's Christmas cover of "Somewhere Only We Know" shows the focus and expressiveness of the singer's graceful piano work and soft voice, but the overall sound is less natural and authentic than the DacMagic XS. In addition, it is inferior to that of DragonFly in the quality of conveying the subtlest nuances and emotional content of the song.
Audioengine's design isn't bad, but it fails to fully capture the listener's attention and leave a lasting impression. And considering the price - not the lowest among the test models - the D3 doesn't have much of a chance.
Price: $250
Grade: 3
FOR: Pleasant, weighty sound; workmanship; good detail
AGAINST: The sound lacks purity, detail and dynamics; price
VERDICT: The sound is generally not bad, but competitors have it better and the price is lower
Figures and facts
- Add. inputs:No
- Outputs: 3.5mm
- Dimensions (H×W×D):6.5×2×1 cm
AudioQuest DragonFly v1.2
When it was introduced in 2012, the DragonFly made a splash. AudioQuest has taken two traditional hi-fi components - a DAC and a headphone amplifier - and combined them into a convenient, compact package with excellent sound.
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Externally, the new model is indistinguishable from the first, although in fact it is DragonFly v1.2. The difference can be detected by the sticker on the case, as well as by the color of the ring around the headphone output (it used to be black, now it is grey). In addition, there are several new lettering and logos.
However, a lot has changed inside. In an effort to further improve audio quality, the company has shortened the signal path between the DAC chip and the analog output, and also redesigned the internal power supply.
The list of DragonFly stats has not changed; it's still asynchronous, compatible with PC and Mac, and volume control will have to be done on the playback device. Files with sampling rates up to 24-bit/96 kHz by DragonFly are played “as is,” while high-resolution formats with 24-bit/192 kHz parameters have to be re-encoded by the computer to 24/96.
Color coding
We've always really liked the design and construction of the DragonFly; it has a solid weight to it, and the matte black finish is very nice to the touch. The logo glows in different colors to match the characteristics of the files being played: green - 44.1 kHz, cyan - 48 kHz, amber - 88.2 kHz, and magenta - 96 kHz.
Just listen to a couple of songs and you will see that the openness, spaciousness and detail of the sound of the first version of DragonFly is fully preserved, but it has acquired additional purity.
The new DragonFly reveals even more detail and is equipped with increased dynamic power. The performance is closer to the original than before.
"Up Is Down" from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack has a big sound - powerful, rhythmic and dynamic - and DragonFly easily conveys all these qualities to the listener. In the WAV version of this composition, the strings exhibit a natural fluidity, and the horns combine with percussion to create a dynamic, explosive finale.
Luxurious tempo and rhythm
DragonFly boasts impeccable rhythm and accurate transmission of tempo rhythms. Calvin Harris's upbeat dance tune "Under Control" showcases groovy enthusiasm and an equally upbeat tempo; Listening to it instantly improves your mood.
LFs delight with density and depth; it highlights rapper Jay-Z's confident and compelling performance of Empire State Of Mind - both in a CD-quality copy and streaming from Spotify. The drums hit sharply and powerfully, their attack clearly defined, as well as the piano notes in the background. Alicia Keys' voice comes out a little less soft than in the Cambridge Audio version, but the transparency and detail are higher in the DragonFly.
The great thing about this is the combination of amazing sound quality with a truly tempting price. DragonFly's successful flight continues!
Price: $350
Grade: 5
FOR: Incredibly clear and detailed sound; luxurious dynamics; amazing rhythm; spectacular design;
AGAINST: For this price - nothing
VERDICT: The first version was wonderful, but the quality of the new one is even higher
Figures and facts
- Add. inputs:No.
- Outputs: 3.5mm
- Max. Sampling:24bit/96kHz
- Dimensions (H×W×D):6.2×1.9×2.1 cm
Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS
Cambridge Audio already has two excellent DACs - DacMagic 100 and DacMagic Plus; however, they are both fairly large desktop devices that are mains powered. The ultra-portable DacMagic XS is miniature and USB powered.
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Don't judge the size by the photo; in life DacMagic XS is much smaller: 5 cm high, 3 cm wide, 1 cm deep
This is one of the most inexpensive components in its class, but you can’t tell from the appearance of the DacMagic XS: a stylish compact body, pleasant finish. It is slightly wider and thicker than the DragonFly and Audioengine models, but the build quality is very high; This DAC makes a very good impression.
There are few connectors here: only a microUSB input on one end, which is used to connect to a computer using the included cable, and a standard 3.5 mm headphone output on the other.
A single LED indicates the sampling rate of the input signal: when receiving files with a frequency of 44.1 bit/48 kHz it glows blue, with 88.2/96 it glows green, and with 176.4/192 it glows purple. It also shows the volume level.
Very easy to use
If when playing music through AudioQuest and Audioengine DACs, the volume has to be controlled from the computer, then Cambridge Audio has its own controls - round “+” and “-” buttons. If you press both at once and hold for a few seconds, they switch the DAC from USB 1.0 to USB 2.0 mode. In the second case, DacMagic XS is capable of receiving a stream in the original high resolution - 24 bit/192 kHz. USB 1.0 mode is limited to 24 bit/96 kHz (PC users need to download the driver from the Cambridge website for this).
USB 2.0 mode has another advantage: the sound quality in this case is usually higher. Even a standard 16-bit/44.1 kHz CD copy of Lady Gaga's "Do What You Want" performs better in USB 2.0 mode: more focused, stable and confident, with lots of finely organized detail.
The Cambridge DAC imparts pleasant weight and energetic dynamics to the composition; Precise, agile and well-developed bass forms its foundation. DacMagic's pleasant tonal character helps soften the sound of overly harsh or bright recordings. If you're used to listening to music from your laptop or desktop through the headphone output, you'll instantly feel the difference with DacMagic.
Soft, full-blooded sound
Higher resolution files are even more pleasing to the ear. Kate Bush's 50 Words For Snow at 24/96 sounds sophisticated and intricate; Cambridge demonstrates enviable meticulousness and special care in recreating vocals, which are characterized by natural warmth and fullness. The recording of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Minor Op.58 is no less admirable.
However, it seems to us that the AudioQuest DragonFly has a slightly clearer sound, as well as slightly higher detail and quality of dynamics.
The Cambridge Audio DAC easily beats out competitors from Fiio and Audioengine; its main problem is the AudioQuest DragonFly with its new ultra-low price. It costs just $150 more, and many buyers will pay a little extra for the significant increase in sound quality.
Price: $200
Grade: 4
FOR: Excellent tonal character; pleasant sound; support for 24/192 formats; quality of finish
AGAINST: Detail and dynamics are not ideal
VERDICT: DacMagic XS is very good and perfect for those who can't afford to spend more
Figures and facts
- Add. Inputs:Micro USB
- Outputs: 3.5mm
- Dimensions (H×W×D):5.4×3×1 cm
- Weight:100g
Fiio E17
Externally, the Fiio E17 looks more like an MP3 player than a compact headphone amplifier with a DAC. However, it is portable enough to carry in your pocket and is generally in the same class as the DragonFly and D3 models.
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Having a screen is good; a device with a display is much more convenient on the road, as well as during initial setup
Lots of features
The E17 immediately scores a few points thanks to its very high level of equipment for this price category. Firstly, it has a small OLED display. Whereas on other devices in this class, data on the sampling rate is limited to color coding (often incomprehensible) and miniature LEDs, here you can simply look at the display - at the same time specifying the name of the song.
The mini-USB port for connecting to a computer's USB port operates according to the USB 1.0 standard, so the Fiio is capable of receiving streams up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Files in 24/192 format can be fed through the dedicated digital input E17 using a coaxial cable and the included adapter. The optical input is only compatible with 96 kHz.
In addition, you can also receive a signal from another source, such as a CD player, using the Fiio's built-in DAC, and then send it to an amplifier or a pair of powered speakers.
Speaking of amplifiers, on the bottom edge of the E17 there is a special connector for connecting to the Fiio E09K desktop amplifier. A 3.5mm input for a smartphone or MP3 player allows the Fiio to be used as a headphone amplifier.
A CD copy of the song La La La by Naughty Boy with 16/44 sampling is perceived as high quality and convincing; Fiio's pleasant tonal character is more soothing than aggressive.
When listening through the AKG K550 headphones, the strings sound soulful and delicate, and the bass is quite energetic, allowing them to convey the cheerful tempo of the music.
The higher sample rate version of the Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter shows a noticeable increase in detail, and the Fiio copes well with the increased resolution. Keith Richards' guitar solo is heard quite sharply and clearly, although it is inferior in dynamics and emotionality to the DragonFly and DacMagic XS models.
Not the most transparent sound
We would also like greater purity of reproduction: while the DragonFly reveals the composition, giving it volume, transparency and detail, then the E17 is meticulous enough to give the listener a general idea of the music - but it cannot convey the subtlest nuances that make the performance exciting. strength.
The sound gets better after setting the volume on the E17 to maximum, and on the source (MacBook Pro) to a slightly lower level. The result is increased volume and improved dynamics, but not enough to disturb the class leaders.
The composition Royals by singer Lorde is performed well, but the bass lacks a little power and purpose. Fiio fails to recreate the dynamics and scale of a recording as fully as, for example, DragonFly.
In theory, Fiio is quite good; the list of its functions and characteristics can impress fans of good sound. However, the sound quality is noticeably inferior to its closest competitors. It is acceptable - and nothing more.
Price:$225
Grade: 3
FOR: Pleasant, non-aggressive sound; balance and detail; equipment
AGAINST: The sound isn't the most energetic or exciting; lacks transparency and depth of elaboration
VERDICT: E17 is universal and versatile, but in quality it is far from the leaders
Figures and facts
- Add. inputs: 3.5 mm, optical/coaxial digital, mini USB
- Outputs: 3.5mm
- Max. Sampling:24bit/192kHz
- Dimensions (H×W×D):9.6×5.5×1.5 cm
- Weight:112 g
Let's sum it up
Winner AudioQuest DragonFly $350
The new version of DragonFly costs a third less than the first, and sounds even better; It seems to us that today competitors simply have nothing to oppose
The cute and compact AudioQuest DragonFly DAC with excellent sound flies to success on the wings of the wind.
We feel a little sorry for the Cambridge Audio DacMagicXS, which lost its fifth star as a result of the collision with the winner; If you can spend $200 and not a cent more, the DacMagicXS is a very good option - it has high quality workmanship and unusually refined sound for its price range.
But the cost difference with the AudioQuest DAC is not that great, but the quality difference is definitely much greater. The new version of DragonFly v1.2 is even better than its magnificent predecessor.
With a noticeable reduction in price, sound quality has increased to the same extent; the music delights with its extraordinary purity and amazing detail, and the dynamic capabilities of the DragonFly cannot be compared with any model in this class.
Fiio E17 performed quite well. It is slightly larger than its competitors, but is equipped with additional and very useful functions. Its sound is more cautious than exciting; we would have liked more richness and spice - but we shouldn't judge too harshly, given the price and equipment.
And finally, Audioengine D3. The sound quality is roughly the same as the Fiio: quite good, but not amazing. With a rather inexpressive sound, this is the most expensive model in the test; so we were forced to give it only a C.
BEFORE BUYING
File Permission
It's easy to get confused by the technical specifications. Many of the test participants accept formats with sampling up to 24 bit/96 kHz via USB, but do not support 24/192. How important this is to you depends on your collection. If you buy tracks on iTunes or rip them from a CD without compression, then 96 kHz is more than enough for you. If you prefer the highest resolution recordings, make sure your DAC understands them.
COMPLETE THE SYSTEM
This couple will help DragonFly's talents to fully reveal themselves
Laptop
Apple MacBook Pro from $1200
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We love the ease of use of the MacBook Pro and the convenient interface for storing music.
Headphones
Philips Fidelio M1 $250
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Warm and natural sound with an amazing amount of detail.
