Apple promises that Lossless audio will appear in Apple Music in the next few weeks. But if spatial audio will be available on almost all Apple devices, then not everyone will be able to try “lossless sound”. Apple previously confirmed that Lossless audio will not work over Bluetooth. Also, to listen to songs in high quality you will need good headphones and a DAC.
In this collection, we decided to collect several models of digital-to-analog converters that will allow you to try out new features of the Apple music service. Not surprisingly, there are many good models on Aliexpress that are designed specifically to work in conjunction with the iPhone.
DAC ES9318
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DAC ES9318 is an inexpensive converter based on the ES9318 chip. According to him, it supports all popular uncompressed audio formats and can “play” compositions in quality up to 384 kHz/32 bit, DSD256.
The power of this compact solution is not enough for “tight” full-size headphones, but paired with an inexpensive in-ear headset, the DAC ES9318 performs remarkably well. At the same time, the DAC ES9318 does not have a special focus.
In general, the DAC ES9318 can be considered a good solution to “try.” It is not very expensive, but with it you can easily try to listen to music in higher quality. The main thing is to choose headphones and play a little with the settings.
What is responsible for the sound in iPhone X?
To connect the iPhone X with regular headphones, we will use the adapter that comes in the kit. Inside it is a digital-to-analog converter and a headphone amplifier.
Since the company decided to get rid of “unnecessary connectors,” why don’t they start doing everything through adapters?
We previously wrote about what is inside the iPhone X, you can read about it in detail here. There are also two chips inside:
- audio codec Apple 338S00248 (highlighted in red in the photo);
- audio amplifier Apple/Cirrus Logic 338S00296 (highlighted in blue).
By the way, these chips are quite budget-friendly, their cost is about $10-15. Also, the adapter costs about $10.
TempoTec Sonata HD Pro
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Many people call the TempoTec Sonata HD Pro the people's DAC. The model has actually been on sale for a long time and is popular among lovers of good sound. Also, the not very high price adds to the people's love for this DAC.
As with the DAC ES9318, this converter is best not paired with high-impedance over-ear headphones. Sonata HD Pro was created for slightly different purposes. It performs well with lighter headsets.
In terms of sound, the TempoTec Sonata HD Pro can be called more of a universal device. The DAC plays accurately and correctly, and many people love it for this reason. It would also be useful to mention the presence of several replaceable adapters included with the device. Thanks to this, it can be connected not only to iPhone, but also to Android or Mac smartphones.
Sound
The following headphones were used to listen to the device: iBasso IT03, Meze 99 Classics, Lear LHF-AE1d, Audio Zenith PMx2, Noble Kaiser K10AU, 64 Audio U12, HUM Pristine and others.
Describing the sound of the i1 by itself doesn’t make much sense; the more interesting question is: how does it sound compared to the usual output of older iPhones and the included adapter from Apple. I armed myself with an audio signal switch and three devices: an iPhone 6 Plus with a 3.5 mm output, an iPhone 7 with an Apple adapter and an iPad Air 2 c i1, loaded the same set of files onto all three devices and spent several hours with this stuff.
The main and most audible difference of the i1 is the better development of the midrange; after this, the DAC seems that the “standard” sound of iOS devices has failed midranges, although in fact the frequency response of the iPhone is flat, and we are talking more about the level of development. In general, the difference is not huge, the i1 does not replace the player, even entry-level devices like the Fiio X1 will be noticeably better. But if you don’t want to purchase a separate player, the hero of today’s review is quite capable of improving the sound a little.
The low frequencies remain virtually unchanged, although against the background of the improved midrange, the bass also sounds more “adequate”, fitting better into the presentation. HF also improves a little, becoming less frizzy, but still this part of the range remains, perhaps, the most “smartphone”, betraying the simplicity of the codec used.
The power reserve is approximately the same as that of the Apple adapter, so the i1 is intended primarily for IEMs, and only needs low-impedance and sensitive full-size headphones.
SMSL ICON/I2
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SMSL ICON /I2 can be considered a DAC from the conventional mid-price segment. It differs from most commercially available models in its rather long body, on which several physical buttons are located. In addition, SMSL ICON /I2 has a built-in microphone.
The DAC supports most popular high-quality audio formats. And after connecting it to the iPhone, the sound immediately becomes denser, and the bass begins to sound more energetic.
Testing the iPhone X using the RMAA program
Especially for this test, we made an adapter to connect the iPhone X to our audio card. Thanks to this, you can easily take measurements with a load as headphones.
We will test the iPhone X at medium volume.
Hidizs S8
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In addition to models in the price range from 30 to 50 dollars, there are also more expensive DACs on Aliexpress. They already have great potential. For example, thanks to the increased power, more expensive models can be paired with full-size headphones, although not with all. A striking representative of the more expensive price segment is Hidizs S8.
It sounds superior to its more affordable counterparts. In short, the sound feels more “adult”. A slightly more pronounced bass appears, the mids are better guessed, and the highs are slightly shifted back. Many people love this model precisely for these “settings”.
The advantages of this particular model also include the presence of several adapters in the kit.
Crystal Sound: Top 6 Audiophile USB DAC/Amplifiers for iPhone and iPod
Experts from the iXbt publication, as part of the Crystal Sound project, conducted comparative testing of six external digital-to-analog converters. These gadgets are compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and are designed for fans of high-quality sound.
All testing participants are distinguished by their small dimensions and the ability to operate autonomously from a built-in battery. Thus, the devices are primarily designed for use with smartphones and players. However, nothing prevents you from using them with a desktop computer and laptop - after all, the built-in headphone amplifier can cope not only with portable headphone models, but also with full-size ones, and even with very low sensitivity.
For testing, all six gadgets were simultaneously connected to one computer. 6 portable copies of foobar2000 were created. The test composition was started and a comfortable volume level was set. Next, using the RMAA program, the same volume was set for all devices with headphones connected, in order to eliminate the influence of voltage drop from the load. The volume of all devices was set with an accuracy of 0.1 dB.
6th place
The Venture Craft Go DAP BXD sounds good and smooth, but this DAC is too simple. In justification, let's say that its DAC function is not the main one, it is more of an analog headphone amplifier. There is a strong feeling that the Japanese have the DAC screwed to the side, just in case. Well, you never know.
5th place
Tento Porta DAC 1866 stands out with its sound character compared to all the others. Apparently, this was the main goal of the developer. The sound level is high, but you won't swoon over the quality or detail. You won’t personally hear any “golden age of numbers” here. The sound is not bad, a little rough. Mid frequencies are transmitted most well and reliably. We are confident that the device will find its fans of pure R-2R converters. The headphone amplifier is very well made; judging by the complete absence of sag from the load, the device has a powerful buffer and zero output resistance.
4th place
The FiiO E18 Kunlun performed very strongly. You don't expect such a sound from 1798. Such a democratic, affordable, high-quality level. The gap from the leaders is very small - at a very attractive price. The model is certainly successful. High frequencies are very clear and detailed. Great sound.
2nd and 3rd places
The Sound Blaster E5 amazes with detail at mid frequencies and captivates with a very wide stereo panorama. There is literally just a little left to the leaders, and if your headphones or speakers are not Hi-End class, then you will most likely not hear any difference. The sound is almost optimal. This is exactly what you want from a USB DAC. You can listen for a long time even on the most expensive equipment and not see any flaws. In comparison to the Denon, none of these devices can be preferred. Both are on the same level, with the sound of the highest category.
The Denon DA-10 is a great sounding DAC. Particular merits are achieved at high frequencies; the character of the sound is closer to audiophile rather than analytical. It feels like it has its own special interpretation. For fans of the brand and stationary devices of this Japanese company, it is highly recommended.
1 place
Oppo HA-2 outperforms everyone, although very slightly, but confidently. This portable hybrid amplifier (class AB) is equipped with a built-in battery that charges the gadget connected to the USB input. Inside there is a DAC that accepts PCM 384 kHz and DSD256 streams from mobile devices running iOS and Android.
Experts cannot say that the sound is reference, but it is as detailed as possible, and this is immediately captivating. To unlock your full potential, it is better to choose the highest quality headphones and speakers, and then something new, previously unheard, will be revealed in the sound. There is no sense of any color or interpretation here. The emphasis from the equipment is immediately transferred to the music.
As experts noted, in comparison with the integrated sound of a laptop and even with the sound of a good smartphone codec, any of the tested USB DACs play an order of magnitude better. And the better the headphones or speakers play, the better the difference is heard, the more new details appear in the sound. This means that it makes sense to purchase these devices, but only for owners of a normal audio path, the publication says. Not necessarily Hi-End, but successful models of Hi-Fi equipment or studio monitors are the required minimum.
Shanling UA2 DAC
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Shanling UA2 came closest to the psychological mark of $100. Now on Aliexpress this DAC can be purchased for $95-99. However, such prices are not always available. From time to time the price tag exceeds “a hundred”. However, the model is definitely worth the money.
Shanling UA2 is built on the basis of the ESS ES9038Q2M and has a solid power of up to 195 mW into a 32 ohm load. In addition, it supports compositions in quality up to 768 kHz/32 bit, DSD512 - and this is already a level.
As for the sound, the Shanling UA2 is quite capricious in terms of headphones. Paired with some models, despite the high parameters, it will surprise you with a boring sound, whereas if you find a suitable model, then everything changes immediately. The sound acquires volume with a pleasant analogue warmth and an abundance of all sorts of shades and nuances. And it doesn’t matter what exactly is playing - classical, electronic or power metal.
Specifications
- Codec: NAU88L25
- Supported resolution: up to 48 kHz (up to 192 kHz possible in the future)
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Recommended load impedance: 16Ω ~ 32Ω
- Output Power: >30mW @ 16Ω
- Total harmonic distortion: <0,003%
- Channel separation: ≥60dB
- Output impedance: <1Ω
- Signal to noise ratio: ≥105dB
- Cable length: 80cm
- Dimensions: 45.5 mm in length, 9.5 mm in diameter
- Weight: 11.5 g
Testing in flight mode, without load
We will conduct the first test without load, simply connecting the iPhone output through an adapter to the audio card input. We will also switch the phone to airplane mode. This will turn off cellular communications and Wi-Fi. In the future, this will allow us to compare the results and understand whether they cause interference with sound.
See all the results from this RMAA test here.
From the test we see a slight rollover at high frequencies, otherwise everything is fine.
Testing in normal mode, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular enabled
See all the results from this RMAA test here.
As you can see from the test, there is no difference between airplane mode being enabled and disabled.
We test in normal mode with native headphones
See all the results from this RMAA test here.
With native headphones there is also a slight rollover at high frequencies. In addition, the interpenetration of channels has become worse: -30.3 dB.
Testing in normal mode with Koss SportaPro headphones
See all the results from this RMAA test here.
With Koss headphones we see a rise of +0.5 dB at a frequency of about 100 Hz and the same dip at high frequencies. The channel interpenetration is poor and amounts to -34.3 dB.
