Portable Headphones Amplifiers

FiiO KA17: 2x ES9069Q DACs and XMOS XU316 USB interfaceThe FiiO KA17 portable DAC headphone amplifier features two ESS Technology ES9069Q DAC chips based on a 32bit Hyperstream IV architecture, enabling it to achieve a dynamic range of 130dB and a THD+N of -120dB for pure, detailed sound reproduction. Rarely used on devices of this minimum size, FiiO has nevertheless chosen to integrate an XMOS XU316 USB interface. This well-thought-out set of chips enables the KA17 to support high-resolution PCM 32bit, 768kHz, DSD512 and MQA streams.FiiO KA17: an amplifier stage based on THX AAA 78+ technologyAlready used in the M11 Pro and M11 Plus, THX AAA 78+ technology is also present in the KA17. Here, it is coupled with the use of 8 AOPs working in parallel in a 4-channel symmetrical configuration for high output power and detailed sound reproduction quality. Indeed, its output power reaches up to 2x 650mW on its balanced 4.4mm jack output and up to 2x 270mW on its 3.5mm jack output.Desktop mode brings robust powerThe KA17 is equipped with an innovative Desktop Mode and features an external dedicated Type-C power port. When there is sufficient USB power, or the independent power port is connected to a power adapter, the Desktop Mode will be enabled, and it will automatically adjust the DAC, amp power, and headphone amplifier to a high-performance state, fully unleashing the potential and output power of the device.As a flagship model, the KA17 is FIIO‘s first USB dongle to incorporate the THX headphone amp circuit. It adopts a brand-new THX AAA 78+ headphone amplifier architecture with a configuration of 4 channels fully balanced + 8 channels parallel-connected op-amps. This architecture significantly increases the output power. In Desktop Mode, the KA17’s balanced output power can reach up to 650mW + 650mW, approaching that of a desktop amplifier, with stronger dynamics and better control, and more complete sound reproduction.Top configurations, worth being a flagshipThe KA17 adopts two newly released ESS dual-channel flagship DACs, ES9069Q, based on the fourth-generation 32-bit HyperStream architecture. It achieves higher performance and lower power consumption while further reducing digital noise inside the DAC, achieving a remarkable 130dB dynamic range and -120dB THD+N. The performance is outstanding, and the sound background is purer.The KA17 also features the professional-grade XMOS 16-core chip, XU316, rarely used in USB dongles. It offers lower latency, more stable transmission, better compatibility, and supports up to 768kHz/32bit, native DSD512 decoding, and MQA full decoding. Paired with dual audio crystal oscillators, it can accurately adapt to various sources and sampling rates.Comprehensive experience, flagship styleThe KA17 employs a 0.91-inch dot matrix display that can indicate different functions intuitively. Also, coupling with the physical buttons easily allows you to customize various settings such as screen orientation, filters and display sleep timer.In addition, the KA17 is one of the few USB dongles that supports PEQ adjustment. It supports ten customizable frequency bands, allowing users to fine-tune EQ bands, gain level, and bandwidth through FIIO’s independently developed adjustment algorithm and interface, greatly enhancing playability.The compact body houses a multistage HiFi audio architecture comparable to that of a player, with separate digital and analog boards to prevent crosstalk, a 3-stage 10-rail power supply design, and comes standard with a body-matching leatherette case. It also features built-in temperature detection and output DC detection, with 60 and 120 levels of volume adjustment, supporting SPDIF output…

Forged for Masters of Audio.GO bar Kensei is akin to a legendary sword meticulously forged for a Kensei. Embodying the dedication of a master swordsmith, we focused on purity, balance, and refinement to reveal the true essence of your music.Featuring cutting-edge Japanese audio processing technology: K2HD, and improved power supply and clock circuitry, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our journey of refinement in the GO bar range.Whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or traveling for pleasure, the GO bar Kensei offers a perfectly portable solution to elevate your headphone experience to heavenly heights.Kensei is a Japanese term that translates to “Sword Saint” in English, a title granted to the elite few who elevate the craft and artistry of swordsmanship beyond even that of the finest swordmasters.Revitalise studio recording sound with legendary K2HD.Despite their pristine clarity, digital recordings sometimes seem emotionally flat and lifeless.Engineers at Victor Studio noticed a lack of emotion between their original masters and digital sub-masters, sparking a quest for a solution. They meticulously compared countless finished recordings with the copy recordings by ear, relying on their instinctive feel and human expertise. Their solution: K2 Technology.The K2 Technology process revives rich, natural harmonics into digital sound, adding an organic quality unlike any other. K2 Technology processing revitalises the studio recording sound, infusing it with life once again.“The K2 parameter values provided by iFi this time are completely new K2 parameter values that have never been used before and were selected by JVCKENWOOD and passed a listening test by studio engineers at Victor Studios. While previous K2 parameter values were set with consideration of correcting the sound quality of the product itself, the K2 parameter values provided this time for iFi are purely the settings for the best K2 effect. In this sense, it can be said that the K2 parameter values allow you to hear the original ideal “K2 sound.” commented, JVCKENWOOD.Tailored. Sweet Sound.Listen the way you like with four bespoke digital filters and two analogue processing modes, each tailored to enhance your enjoyment across different music genres.Bit-Perfect: Delivers natural tones, ideal for all genres.GTO: Enhances sound details and density, particularly suited for Vocal tracks.Minimum Phase: Produces a warmer sound, blending characteristics of Bit-Perfect and Standard, perfect for Soul and Jazz.Standard: Offers a tighter sound with controlled highs, perfect for Pop music and Movie OST.Experience chest-thumping bass with XBass+ and immerse yourself in a spacious sound field with XSpace.Advanced chip. Accurate clock.The DAC section of the GO bar Kensei uses a powerful 16-core XMOS micro controller to process the audio data received at the USB input. Our in-house team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the 32-bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset.A customised digital filter minimises pre-echoes and ringing artefacts. Our GMT (Global Master Timing) precision clock system ensures ultra-low jitter.Supports higher-than-streaming audio formats:PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz ​Native DSD playback up to DSD256​2x DXD​Full MQA decodingCompact and Powerful.The GO Bar Kensei is crafted with Japanese stainless steel for maximum rigidity.With its compact dimensions of 65 x 22 x 13.2 mm, it matches the size of a USB flash drive. This makes it the perfect travel companion for your mobile, tablet or MacBook Pro, blending into your life for headphone use.Its USB-C connectivity ensures plug-and-play convenience, allowing for hassle-free use.The GO Bar Kensei offers a maximum output power of up to 477mW, which is about 10 times more powerful than an iPhone 15*.It incorporates two power tuning technologies: iEMatch for high-sensitivity IEMs, and Turbo mode for power-hungry headphones. This allows it to easily drive a wide range of premium earphones and headphones.*Compared to iPhone’s USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter.Cut the Crosstalk.Connect to the GO bar Kensei via 3.5mm S-Balanced or 4.4mm Balanced headphone outputs.iFi’s exclusive 3.5mm S-Balanced* technology cuts crosstalk and noise by 50% with regular single-ended headphones.

The Diablo 2 is the world’s first portable DAC/Amp with Bluetooth 5.4, it supports aptX Lossless, the only Bluetooth codec for lossless CD-quality streaming without sacrificing audio quality.The predecessor of Diablo 2 pioneered support for xMEMS solid-state micro-speaker technology, enhancing IEM and headphone performance with several unique benefits:A 15µsec mechanical response, 150 times faster than typical drivers.A 2° flat phase response for precise sound and precise +/- 1° phase matching for enhanced spatial sound accuracy.A speaker diaphragm made of silicon, 95 times stiffer than plastic, reducing speaker break-up and delivering clearer mid-high frequencies.Due to the high voltage requirements of xMEMS, iFi has partnered with them to integrate this technology into the new Diablo 2. It utilises the piezoelectric effect to create paper-thin solid-state speakers by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, exciting an integrated silicon membrane to generate powerful acoustic sound waves for enhanced audio output.Click here to read more about the xMEMS earphones application.“It’s got a NOS fogger system and a T4 Turbo, Dominic.”Struggling with your power-hungry headphones? Press the NOS button, and our Diablo goes into beast mode. The Diablo 2 offers three power modes: Normal for IEMs, Turbo for mid-sensitivity headphones, and Nitro for demanding headphones, boasting a 19.2V maximum output.A switch underneath activates iFi’s iEMatch technology. This feature is tailored for high-sensitivity headphones and earphones, greatly benefiting your in-ear monitors (IEMs). It removes background noise and increases the usable volume range.The Diablo 2 accommodates a wide range of headphones, from IEMs to power-hungry over-ears. It features a 6.3mm single-ended headphone socket and a 4.4mm balanced output. Additionally, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter is included for versatile connectivity.Ruling all Bluetooth codec and music formats.The Diablo 2 features the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology, supporting the new aptX Lossless codec, which provides a maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps. In comparison, aptX Adaptive has a maximum bitrate of 420kbps, while LDACTM offers a higher bitrate of 990kbps.The Diablo 2 used Qualcomm’s new QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip, is qualified to Bluetooth 5.4, supported all* Bluetooth formats including: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDACTM, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC.*As of 10 Nov 2023. Check your device for Bluetooth codec support.**LDAC and LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.Dual Core Burr Brown chipset provides Bit-Perfect DSD and PCM support at sample rates up to 768kHz, DSD512, and Full MQA decoding. Even as Spotify is moving towards Lossless, don’t get left behind.Wings of Inferno.The Diablo 2 comes with four wings that you can customise to position it horizontally, like a desktop DAC/amp, or vertically to save space.Additionally, it features twenty-two rails for improved cooling performance, with eight of these rails being compatible with the Diablo wings, enabling desktop stand use.Devil in the details.When examining the Diablo 2’s front panel, you’ll find a new Volume Lock switch next to the volume control, preventing accidental adjustments during transport.At the back panel’s left side, there’s a switch for mode selection and Bluetooth pairing. On the right side, two USB-C ports streamline cable management—one for audio and the other for charging.Sound So Moving. Even the Devil May Cry.Diablo 2 features PureWave, Servoless DirectDrive, OptimaLoop, and Advanced Jitter Reduction Technology, delivering exceptionally pure, detailed, and emotionally touching sound, these technologies elevate performance to unparalleled heights, even challenging desktop DAC/amps.PureWave’s full balanced dual-mono circuitry elevates clarity by separating channels and reducing noise. DirectDrive removes the need for coupling capacitors, ensuring purer audio.OptimaLoop employs tailored multiple feedback paths in amplifiers, refining gain control and reducing distortion. The enhanced GMT femto-precision clock with Smart storage cache minimises phase noise for cleaner sound.Diablo 2 is the most formidable DAC/Amp on the planet. Your headphones should be scared.Diablo’s Energy SourcesThe Diablo 2 can be powered by battery or mains.Battery power provides ultra-clean and stable DC current, avoiding mains electricity issues like dips, spikes, and noise inducing RFI/EMI pollution. However, there are sonic downsides due to low output voltage and inconsistent output impedance as batteries discharge.The bundled iPower2 power supply features Active Noise Cancellation II, effectively cancelling out all incoming EMI and RFI noise and making it more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.To make less efficient headphones, like planar magnetics, sing, the voltage needs to be stepped up from 3.7V to +/- 15V. We use a step-up converter operating at 1.2MHz – a frequency far beyond audibility and easier to filter than a typical switch-mode supply, ensuring high linearity and ultra-low noise.

COBALT'S PRECEDENT-SETTING PERFORMANCE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY MULTIPLE SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES: New, more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound. Microchip's superb PIC32MX274 microprocessor draws less current and increases processing speed by 33%. Improved power-supply filtering that specifically increases immunity to WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise. Includes a form-fitting DragonTail female USB-A to male USB-C Adaptor.All DragonTails use AQ's Carbon-level USB cable. AUDIOQUEST, GORDON RANKIN: A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIP Like all previous DragonFly models, Cobalt uses Gordon Rankin's precedent-setting StreamLength® asynchronous-transfer USB code. Further, in Gordon's monoClock® technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip runs the ESS chip functions as well as all microcontroller functions. This superior clock enables DragonFly Cobalt to provide greater resolution and clarity than DACs with multiple clocks. WHY THE "SLOW ROLL...?" Cobalt employs ESS's new flagship ES9038Q2M DAC chip. While the chips used in DragonFlys Black and Red are unbeatable for the price, the minimum-phase slow roll-off filter in the 9038 results in naturally expressive sound that is always emotionally engaging and never fatiguing—a beautiful combination of warmth and detail that we find equally exciting and soothing. KILLING THE NOISE In Cobalt, we've taken what we've learned from our recent research and development in noise dissipation to employ power-supply filtering specifically designed to dramatically reduce the increasingly prevalent noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. Successfully combating this noise is absolutely crucial to the preservation of the lowest-level musical details, particularly when it comes to high-res audio—and especially when applied to a portable-audio device such as DragonFly. BIT-PERFECT VOLUME CONTROL AND 2.1-VOLT OUTPUT Cobalt features the same ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp and bit-perfect volume control that give DragonFly Red its unique combination of power and grip over the music. This solution ensures maximum fidelity, thrilling dynamic contrast, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The 2.1-volt output makes Cobalt and Red compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. FIRMWARE UPGRADEABLE DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt are firmware upgradeable via our free Desktop Device Manager. In today's fast-paced digital world, longevity in a hi-fi component is increasingly rare—at any price. AudioQuest believes that today's digital devices should evolve as technology itself evolves, thereby delivering musical pleasure for many years to come. Our Desktop Device Manager will also allow you to identify your DragonFly's serial number and software version to ensure that the device is up to date. BEAUTIFUL SOUND IN A SMALLER PACKAGE... AND NOW WITH A TAIL All this goodness is packed into a sleek new case that measures just 2.26" x 0.73" x 0.47" (57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm), making the latest DragonFly 10% smaller and even a bit more pocket-friendly. Finally, to easily accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports, DragonFly Cobalt comes with AudioQuest's USB-A to USB-C adaptor. THE REST OF THE DRAGONFLY FLEET: DRAGONFLYS BLACK AND RED While the original DragonFly created a new category of portable DAC, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Black and Red answered the call of music lovers everywhere for DragonFlys that could be used with Apple iOS mobile devices and Android smartphones and tablets. These DACs proved for once and for all that convenience and performance need no longer be mutually exclusive. All current-production DragonFly models incorporate 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips. The DAC chips we’ve selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, yet we’ve intentionally limited DragonFly’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using DragonFly as simple as it’s always been: All models are fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience. STREAM TIDAL MASTERS EVERYWHERE DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt support Tidal Masters (MQA) playback from iPhones and Android smartphones. MQA's technology folds high-resolution files into smaller files that can be streamed on the go. As MQA Renderers, DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt complete the unfolding process, allowing music lovers to enjoy a wider selection of high-res music. STREAM QOBUZ’S VAST CATALOG OF OUTSTANDING HI-RES MUSIC DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt support Qobuz high-res playback from iPhones, Android smartphones, and MacOS and Windows computers. Qobuz streams and downloads music in bit-perfect FLAC, the most widely used format for mastering and archiving, at resolutions of up to 24-bit/192kHz. With DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt, listeners can enjoy more than 40 million tracks in lossless 16-bit CD resolution and over 2 million hi-res files. NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL SOUND IS RIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Whatever music turns you on, wherever you are, an AudioQuest DragonFly USB DAC delivers inspiring, dynamic, and beautiful sound to earbuds, headphones, powered speakers, or complete audio systems. With a DragonFly, music appreciation and exploration are limitless: Plug into an Apple or Windows® computer or connect to an iOS® or Android mobile device. Play YouTube or Vimeo videos. Go hunting on Bandcamp or SoundCloud. Explore playlists on Spotify or Pandora. Stream high-res audio from Tidal or Qobuz. No matter the choice of musical pleasure, DragonFly delivers beautiful sound, unraveling the emotional expression and nuance that makes music and movies so enjoyable. Now, more than ever before, naturally beautiful sound is right at your fingertips—however you want it, whenever you want it.

Launched in 2012, press and public alike have enthusiastically embraced AudioQuest’s multi-award-winning DragonFly USB digital-to-analog converter/preamp/headphone amp as the rare audio product that bridges the gap between die-hard audiophiles and mainstream music lovers. DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Small, affordable, easy to use, and remarkably effective, DragonFly was named Stereophile’s 2012 “Computer Audio Component of the Year” and 2012 “Budget Component of the Year;” Tone Audio’s 2012 “Digital Product of the Year;” Computer Audiophile’s 2012 “Computer Audiophile Product of the Year;” AudioStream’s “Greatest Bits;” and What Hi-Fi?’s 2014 “Product of the Year.” Perhaps most memorably, DigitalAudioReview.net’s John Darko quipped: “A DAC with the DragonFly’s performance at the DragonFly’s price point is as rare as rocking horse sh*t.” We couldn’t have said it better. THE NEXT GENERATION: DRAGONFLY BLACK & DRAGONFLY REDWhile the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version—one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. We’re delighted to present two new options that do just that: DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red. Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.AUDIOQUEST, GORDON RANKIN, AND MICROCHIP : A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIPAudioQuest and DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller solution that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the previous microcontroller, the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Further, we simply cannot overstate the significance of Gordon Rankin’s contributions to AudioQuest. The new DragonFly models embody many of Gordon’s most innovative, creative, and elegant digital-audio solutions to date.IMPROVED 32-BIT DIGITAL PERFORMANCEFor greater overall performance, the new DragonFly models also incorporate improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips—the 9010 in Black and the higher-performance 9016 in Red—both of which employ minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. While DragonFly Black uses the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in DragonFly v1.2, DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself—a sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio. DragonFly Black will output 1.2 volts—enough power to successfully drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of today’s efficient headphones. Meanwhile, with its higher 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Red will be compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. While the DAC chips we’ve selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, we’ve intentionally limited DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using the DragonFlys as simple as it’s always been: they’re fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience.FREE DESKTOP APPLICATION FOR SOFTWARE UPGRADABILITY (FOR DRAGONFLY BLACK AND RED ONLY)In addition, the new DragonFlys will be software upgradeable through a complimentary Windows or OS X desktop application. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software, DragonFly users will be able to incorporate those updates to their existing devices.ONLY THE BEGINNINGIntroduced to the media at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red were named “Stars of CES” by What Hi-Fi? Magazine. But this is only the beginning. We look forward to building stronger, more meaningful connections between music enthusiasts and the artists, albums, songs, and videos they love. Our hope is that with DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red, and future AudioQuest digital products, more people than ever before can enjoy beautiful music—wherever they go, whenever they please. Specifications :USB Stick-Sized Digital-to-Analog ConverterPlays all music files: MP3 to high-resCompatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)Drives headphones directlyFixed output feeds preamp or AV receiverAsynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrityMedium output (1.2 volts) drives a wide range of headphones32-bit ESS 9010 DAC with minimum-phase filterAnalog volume control

Launched in 2012, press and public alike have enthusiastically embraced AudioQuest’s multi-award-winning DragonFly USB digital-to-analog converter/preamp/headphone amp as the rare audio product that bridges the gap between die-hard audiophiles and mainstream music lovers. DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Small, affordable, easy to use, and remarkably effective, DragonFly was named Stereophile’s 2012 “Computer Audio Component of the Year” and 2012 “Budget Component of the Year;” Tone Audio’s 2012 “Digital Product of the Year;” Computer Audiophile’s 2012 “Computer Audiophile Product of the Year;” AudioStream’s “Greatest Bits;” and What Hi-Fi?’s 2014 “Product of the Year.” Perhaps most memorably, DigitalAudioReview.net’s John Darko quipped: “A DAC with the DragonFly’s performance at the DragonFly’s price point is as rare as rocking horse sh*t.” We couldn’t have said it better. THE NEXT GENERATION: DRAGONFLY BLACK & DRAGONFLY REDWhile the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version—one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. We’re delighted to present two new options that do just that: DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red. Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.AUDIOQUEST, GORDON RANKIN, AND MICROCHIP : A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIPAudioQuest and DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller solution that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the previous microcontroller, the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Further, we simply cannot overstate the significance of Gordon Rankin’s contributions to AudioQuest. The new DragonFly models embody many of Gordon’s most innovative, creative, and elegant digital-audio solutions to date.IMPROVED 32-BIT DIGITAL PERFORMANCEFor greater overall performance, the new DragonFly models also incorporate improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips—the 9010 in Black and the higher-performance 9016 in Red—both of which employ minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. While DragonFly Black uses the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in DragonFly v1.2, DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself—a sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio. DragonFly Black will output 1.2 volts—enough power to successfully drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of today’s efficient headphones. Meanwhile, with its higher 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Red will be compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. While the DAC chips we’ve selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, we’ve intentionally limited DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using the DragonFlys as simple as it’s always been: they’re fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience.FREE DESKTOP APPLICATION FOR SOFTWARE UPGRADABILITY (FOR DRAGONFLY BLACK AND RED ONLY)In addition, the new DragonFlys will be software upgradeable through a complimentary Windows or OS X desktop application. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software, DragonFly users will be able to incorporate those updates to their existing devices.ONLY THE BEGINNINGIntroduced to the media at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red were named “Stars of CES” by What Hi-Fi? Magazine. But this is only the beginning. We look forward to building stronger, more meaningful connections between music enthusiasts and the artists, albums, songs, and videos they love. Our hope is that with DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red, and future AudioQuest digital products, more people than ever before can enjoy beautiful music—wherever they go, whenever they please. Specifications :USB Stick-Sized Digital-to-Analog ConverterPlays all music files: MP3 to high-resCompatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)Drives headphones directlyFixed output feeds preamp or AV receiverAsynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrityHigh output (2.1 volts) drives almost all headphones, including power-hungry models32-bit ESS 9016 DAC with minimum-phase filterBit-perfect digital volume control

Apogee Groove is the best portable USB DAC and headphone amp for listening to music on your Mac or PC. Groove takes the same high quality audio technology found in the world’s most prestigious recording studios and delivers it to your laptop. Connect Groove to your computer’s USB port and your headphones or powered speakers to Groove’s audio output. It’s that easy. Groove’s output provides ample power at any impedance and Apogee’s Constant Current Drive technology makes your headphones sound their best. You’ll be amazed by the difference in sound quality – the precise stereo image, punchy bass and stunningly clear high-hats.For 30 years Apogee has been an innovator and industry leader in digital audio recording. From rock to classical, hip-hop to country, and reggae to jazz, the world’s most successful artists, producers and audio engineers rely on Apogee gear to capture GRAMMY winning recordings. Now, for the first time, Apogee Groove takes this same recording studio technology and makes it available in a simple take-anywhere device dedicated to delivering the ultimate listening experience.Specifications:USB 2.0 connection to Mac and PCUp to 24 bit / 192kHz audioESS Sabre DACEnhances your iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal or other music listening experienceConstant Current Drive™ provides smooth frequency response with any headphonesQuad Sum DAC™, 4 DACs per channel for highest dynamic range and lowest distortionAsynchronous clockingMulti-color LEDs for status and level indicationPowered by USBTop panel buttons for adjusting volume levelCompact and portable (95mm L x 30mm W x 16mm H)Premium aluminum build qualityBuilt in the USA

Highest quality stereo analog audio up to 384kHz/32bit available on your PC, Mac, Linux computer, iPad or Android tablet. 2.0Vrms line output level, 112dB THD+N. Very low jitter oscillators, asynchronous 2.0 Audio Class USB. Also drives most medium- or high-impedance headphones. Highest value-for-money.Compact size (2x1.4x8.8cm) with hi-end performance hiFace DAC has been conceived to make hi-end equipment performance at hand to budget-conscious audiophiles, without any compromise. One hiFace DAC and a laptop, Mac Mini or even an iPad make for a hi-end music file source at the cost of a middle range digital interconnect.The hiFace DAC includes all necessary features to be the perfect DAC for all kind of hi-fi systems: asynchronous data transfer mode on USB 2.0, compliancy to USB 2.0 Audio Class (no drivers needed for MacOS, IOS, Linux and Android), very low phase noise oscillators and last-generation conversion IC capable of 384kHz and 23 bits.Windows users will enjoy it in Direct Sound, Kernel Streaming, WASAPI and ASIO (depending on the OS version), while Mac users will be able to take advantage from Integer mode and Direct mode. While the hiFace DAC output is purposely designed to give its best with amplifiers’ and preamplifiers’ line level inputs, it may also be used to drive medium- and high-impedance headphones: try it with iPhone’s in-ear headphones.Specifications:Connections: Input 1 x USB A type maleOutput 1 x 3.5mm stereo jack socket
I/OStandard: Input USB 2.0 Audio Format, Output stereo analogSampling Frequency 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4khZ, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz
Resolution 16 up to 32 bitOutput voltage: 2.0Vrms @10kOhmsFrequency response: 5-22kHz (fs=44.1kHz) - 5-150kHz (fs=384kHz)THD+N: 112dB (@ 1kHz, A-weighted)Dimensions:8.8(d) x 1.4(h) x 2(w)
Power Supply:5V DC from USB bus
Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
Weight: 20gr approx.