If you’re looking for a great way to improve your listening experience, look no further than Lossless Audio. Lossless audio is an uncompressed digital audio format that maintains the same quality as the original recording. It typically requires more storage space than compressed formats, but offers the best sound quality.
By streaming in high-resolution lossless audio from Apple Music or Tital, you can enjoy your music like never before. To take advantage of this feature, you’ll need an external DAC. The good news is that there are plenty of great DACs on the market that will work with your iPhone or iPad. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best DACs you can buy right now.
Read also: Best Dacs Under 1000
FiiO JadeAudio KA3 Headphone Amps
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
The FiiO JadeAudio KA3 Headphone Amp is a beautifully designed and well-crafted piece of equipment. It is made of high-quality materials and has a modern, sleek look. This small but mighty amp offers both a 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced output, making it compatible with a variety of devices. The touch-sensitive RGB LED light tells you at a glance what sampling rate is being used – blue for 48kHz and below, yellow for 48kHz and above, and green for DSD.
- For iOS, if you want to use the FiiO JadeAudio KA3 with your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to buy an extra Lightning to Type C OTG cable. It only supports iOS 10.0.2 and above.
- For Android, the FiiO JadeAudio KA3 is compatible with most Android devices that support USB-C. So, just use the Type C cable that came with your phone to connect it to the amp.
- The FiiO JadeAudio KA3 is also compatible with Windows and Mac computers. However, you need to download the DAC driver to use it on Windows, and the Mac driver is not needed.
The FiiO JadeAudio KA3 is a great option if you are looking for a portable and affordable headphone amp. It has a lot to offer in terms of features and sound quality, and it is sure to give you many hours of enjoyment.
Apogee GROOVE – Portable USB Headphone Amp and DAC
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
The Apogee GROOVE is a great portable headphone amp and DAC. It has a USB 2.0 connection to Mac and PC with up to 24 bit/ 192kHz audio, which enhances your Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora or other music listening experience.
It also has Constant Current Drive technology which provides smooth frequency response with any headphones, and Quad sum DAC which is 4 DACs per channel for highest dynamic range and lowest distortion. It can also connects with USB-C iPad Pro Models.
The Apogee Groove is small and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use, and it has a really nice aluminum build quality. Overall, the Apogee Groove is a great option for anyone looking for a good quality DAC and headphone amp in a small and portable package.
Audiolab 6000A 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
The Audiolab 6000A 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier is a great amplifier for anyone looking for quality sound. This amp delivers high-quality sound thanks to its DAC-ES9018K2M and Bluetooth aptX. It also has a dedicated high performance MM phono input, making it perfect for vinyl lovers.
The 6000A also features separate pre-power sections for flexibility, and an automatic equipment activation via 12V trigger. The 6000A also has an auto standby function to help save energy. If you’re looking for a great amplifier with high-quality sound, the Audiolab 6000A is perfect for you.
iFi Hip-dac Portable Balanced DAC for Android, iPhone
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
The iFi Hip-dac Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier is a great product for anyone looking for a quality audio experience. This small and lightweight amplifier is perfect for carrying with you wherever you go, and it has up to 6 hours of battery life so you can keep listening even when you’re not near a power outlet.
It also comes with a USB input so you can directly connect it to your smartphone, and it supports high-res audio formats so you can enjoy all your favorite music in stunning quality. Whether you’re using in-ear monitors or over-the-ear headphones, the Hip-dac has enough power to deliver an incredible listening experience.
FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
If you’re looking for a great DAC headphone amp that supports up to 384kHz/32bit, the FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp is a great option to consider. This device is very easy to use – all you need to do is connect it to your computer via the Type-C USB port and you’re good to go.
It also comes with various ports including lineout single-ended/balanced headphone output, coaxial and optical, so you can connect it to a variety of different devices.
The sound quality is excellent thanks to the high-performance discrete headphone drive and circuit protection. Overall, the FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality DAC headphone amp.
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB DAC Converter
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
The AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt is a USB digital-to-analog converter that supports resolutions up to 24-bit / 96kHz. It also features the DAC chip ESS ES9038Q2M, which provides for a more natural sound. The Dragonfly Cobalt is compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices (both require a USB adaptor).
In addition, it can be used with Apple and Windows PCs. The Dragonfly Cobalt is also compatible with a wide range of low- to high-efficiency headphones. Based on the features above, I think that the AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt is a great product.
It has a lot of features that make it versatile and compatible with many different devices. In addition, the sound quality is excellent, making it great for listening to music or watching movies.
FiiO Q1 Mark II Native DSD DAC & Amplifier
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
The FiiO Q1 Mark II DAC&lifier is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality audio experience. The device is capable of decoding up to DSD256, and the XMOS platform ensures that the sound quality is outstanding.
The volume knob employs a unique obconical design, and it’s easy to fine-tune the sound with the bass levels. And the included carrying pouch and silicone bands make it easy to take the Q1 Mark II on the go. Overall, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality DAC & Amplifier.
Fosi Audio Q4 Headphone Amplifier, Gaming DAC
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
The Fosi Audio Q4 is a great little headphone amplifier that can also act as a DAC (digital-to-analog converter). It’s very easy to set up – you don’t need any special software or drivers, and it’s a true plug-and-play device. It has a built-in Hi-Fi headphone amp chip that can drive most 16ohm to 200ohm headphones, and it also has bass and treble control so you can customize the sound to your liking.
The Q4 is also a mini DAC, meaning it can stream bit-perfect 24bit/192KHz HD audio with low jitter. It comes with a 5V USB power supply cable, as well as an optical cable and a USB type B cable. It also has a full metallic shell to ensure high quality sound. With 18-month warranty, the Fosi Audio Q4 is a great deal for the price.
EarStudio ES100 MK2-24bit Portable High-Resolution
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
If you’re looking for a great pair of earbuds with studio-quality sound, then the EarStudio ES100 is definitely worth a look. These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.0 and the latest Qualcomm CSR8675 chipset, which ensures smooth, high-quality audio streaming. They also come with a dedicated app that features a 10-band EQ and Ambient mode, so you can tailor the sound to your liking.
Additionally, the analog volume control keeps the audio performance optimal even at low volume levels. And if you need to answer a call while using the earbuds, no problem – they come with a built-in microphone. All in all, the EarStudio ES100 is a great option for anyone in the market for a high-quality, Bluetooth-enabled pair of earbuds.
FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Last update on 2023-09-21 | Details
The FiiO E10K is a great little device that has an incredibly low noise floor. This means that you can really hear all of the music that is playing, without any distortion or noise obscuring the sound. The DAC chip is also great, and can handle files up to 24-bit/96 kHz, which results in amazing audio quality. Additionally, the USB connection is very convenient and provides power to the device.
The portable design is perfect for taking on the go. The aluminum shell and chassis are durable and look great. Overall, the FiiO E10K is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great sounding DAC/amp.
Recent Update:
- Updated the contents… (Jan 30 2023)
- Added FiiO JadeAudio KA3 Headphone Amps Tiny Amplifier USB (28/07/2022)
FAQs
Portable USB DACs
Portable USB DACs offer an easy and convenient way to get better sound quality when listening to music on your smartphone or tablet. They are also small enough to take with you when you travel, making them a great option for people who want high-quality audio without having to carry around a lot of bulky equipment.
Most Portable USB DACs can be powered by the USB port on your computer, so you don’t have to worry about finding a separate power source. And because they are so compact, they won’t take up much space in your luggage or carry-on bag.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve the sound quality of your music listening experience, a Portable USB DAC is a great option to consider.
Headphone Amp/DACs
A DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is a crucial component in any headphone setup. It takes the digital audio signal from your computer, phone, or other device and converts it into an analog signal that your headphones can understand.
If you’re using sub-par headphones, a DAC can be the difference between sounding like you’re in the room with the artist and feeling like you’re listening to a tinny radio in another room.
When shopping for a DAC, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, how much money are you willing to spend? DACs range in price from a few bucks to several hundred dollars.
Second, consider what features you want. Many DACs come with built-in headphone amps, preamps, and even volume controls. If you’re using them with a computer, you may also want to look for one with a digital output.
Apple Music Lossless
Apple Music is one of the most popular music streaming services in the world. It offers its users a huge library of songs to choose from, and today it announced that it’s bringing industry-leading sound quality to subscribers with the addition of Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos. This means fans of immersive audio experiences can now enjoy true multidimensional sound and clarity.
Not only does this make the listening experience more lifelike and engaging, but it also allows artists to create even more immersive audio experiences for their fans.
Listeners with Apple Music subscriptions will also be able to hear more than 80 million songs in Lossless Audio. This is the way the artists created them in the studio, with every single bit of the original audio file preserved.
Subscribers who use the most recent version of Apple Music can find it in Settings > Music > Audio Quality and turn Lossless Audio on. Different connection options and resolutions are available here.
