Best DAC Under $100 and My Top Picks

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  • čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
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    / gizaudio Best Portable DAC under $100 and my top picks. In this video, I compare the Moondrop Dawn, Sevenhertz 71, Hiby FC4, Fiio KA2, Fiio KA3, Ikko Zerda ITM02, Muse Hifi M1, and Muse Hifi M1 Smart. And determine which offers the best bang for your buck, and the best DAC under $100.
    Purchase Sevenhertz 71 here: hifigo.com/products/7hz-seven...
    Purchase Hiby FC4 here: hifigo.com/products/hiby-fc4
    Purchase Ikko ITM02 here: hifigo.com/products/ikko-itm0...
    Purchase Moondrop Dawn here: hifigo.com/products/moondrop-...
    Purchase Fiio KA2 here: hifigo.com/products/fiio-jade...
    Purchase Fiio KA3 here: hifigo.com/products/fiio-ka3
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Komentáře • 192

  • @Espada_no_4
    @Espada_no_4 Před rokem

    This is exactly the video I was looking for, thanks 👍👍👍

  • @silantr0757
    @silantr0757 Před rokem +7

    I've been wanting to dive deeper into the world of DACs/Amps for a while now and this video served as a great introduction on what I should look out for when getting a DAC for myself. Thanks for the great video Dave 😊

    • @Sharmac77
      @Sharmac77 Před rokem

      I really think with all the extra wiring, stress on your phone usb port (always first thing to break) and battery usage, that a dedicated dap is the better way to go.
      You end up spending this and that chasing dongles, replacing wires, killing the life of your (£1000) phones battery.
      Additionally they are just a pain in the pocket.
      Balanced outputs give another boost to sound quality…something impossible from your phone, without heavy battery drain.
      Spending the extra on a dedicated dap solves all the problems associated with independent dacs or amps.

  • @ggman8216
    @ggman8216 Před rokem +7

    Thanks! The timing is just perfect. I just received 2 hours ago my first IEM, the Midnights, and was thinking about DACs

    • @UNSCPILOT
      @UNSCPILOT Před rokem +1

      Lots of good choices here, hard to go wrong really, hope you find one you like!
      How are the Midnights for you, enjoying them?

    • @ggman8216
      @ggman8216 Před rokem

      @@UNSCPILOT I never knew the music I liked so much could have so much Air, and in a good way. I’m not a trained audiophile but I could feel how soft and rich the treble feels on these IEMs and it’s amazing. The subbass is also present just in the right amount for me. I wish it could have a little bit more impact on the mid bass but it may be just me being too used to mass consumer type headphones for too long.
      Overall it’s an amazing pair of IEMs and I could feel it instantly.

  • @MuriloUrubudosCortes
    @MuriloUrubudosCortes Před rokem +4

    Well explained and this videography was really cool... Keep it up!

  • @KH-qk3kv
    @KH-qk3kv Před rokem +13

    Hey Dave, thanks for the video. Just wanted to let you know I appreciate your opinion and expertise as much as I do Timmy's. The b-rolls on your videos are always gorgeous, and I like your confident, calm tone as opposed to Timmy's excitement. Looking forward to your next appearance!

    • @Gizaudio
      @Gizaudio  Před rokem +5

      Oh man, thank you so much! Appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching!

    • @bryantgonzalez9902
      @bryantgonzalez9902 Před rokem +1

      @@Gizaudio yeah you’re way better than timmy pls come more

  • @btfr5129
    @btfr5129 Před rokem +30

    Nice videography man

  • @chrisk6474
    @chrisk6474 Před rokem +40

    For me personally, my number issue consideration is the replaceable cable.
    I generally keep my gear in pretty good condition. But I use it on the go quite a bit.
    So things like strain relief and cable quality are my primary concern.
    I wish that manufacturers would either make the cable/strain relief bomb proof or have the option for a replacement cable.
    Excellent content.

  • @sonhouse9636
    @sonhouse9636 Před rokem +1

    Very well done, thanks!

  • @ThNamesAL
    @ThNamesAL Před rokem +5

    Woah perfect timing!! Been wanting to get my friends into the hobby and they've been wanting to get some budget DACs.

  • @memoli801
    @memoli801 Před rokem +2

    I have the Fiio KA3, bought it for 74 and am very sadisfy with the performance.
    Since the majority will use only the 3.5" , I would not take the performance of the 4.4" that serious. Even though, I heard it is better, both in quality and power and 3.5" does have more than enough to power my 250 Ohm Bayerdynamics 770Pro or planar Hifiman Sundara.
    More important, I do have also a Sharkoon dongle that is very powerfull but it has a lot of noice with KZ IEMs that I got as well but are absolutly quite with KA3 from Fiio. Superb quality! no noice at all even with super sensitive devices.

  • @iisakei2369
    @iisakei2369 Před rokem +16

    I think the output power of a DAC is very important, but not many reviewer compare it, so this video was very helpful. thank you!

    • @Audio-In-Reviews
      @Audio-In-Reviews Před rokem

      You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

    • @spaceriot23
      @spaceriot23 Před rokem

      agree, my number one concern buying a DAC, power output!
      and also zero noise floor, I don't really care about sound quality

    • @johncena-zo1uf
      @johncena-zo1uf Před rokem

      @@Audio-In-Reviews fac you. you ain't gizaudio

  • @josephornelas1358
    @josephornelas1358 Před rokem +4

    Yeah, wow. Technology just refuses to stand still. I just started to get into IEMs and coming from passive speakers I must say IEMs are the biggest secret in hi fi. If you can't afford to spend tens of thousands on the latest and greatest speaker or amp, IEMs are the greatest value in hi fi. Thank you for the video!

  • @gundamOPS
    @gundamOPS Před rokem +29

    I appreciate that you did not talk about the apple usb dongle. Every time someone asks about portable dac, the automatic answer was always the apple usb dongle, and I am sick of it. Yes it does its job well... until it breaks, and you get a new one, and then it breaks. Again.

    • @SlipScope
      @SlipScope Před rokem +7

      Tbh other dongles I’ve used have issues other than durability, there’s nothing better for the price than an apple dongle in a custom case.

    • @919julio
      @919julio Před rokem

      doesnt apple have a lightning to usb type c cable? would that not work on the type c dacs?

    • @paulmcdevitt2038
      @paulmcdevitt2038 Před rokem

      Of course, these reviews aren’t lifetime testing these devices so might break as well

    • @symonyeal1372
      @symonyeal1372 Před 6 měsíci

      Broke three of those and decided to upgrade

  • @gee3883
    @gee3883 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the help here dude, this is such a minefield for a DAC novice like me. Quick question do you think the Hibi FC4 be a good choice to go with a pair of Oppo PM'S, specs for those > Frequency Response: 10 - 50kHz
    Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
    Impedance: 26 Ohm.
    Sensitivity: 102dB/mW cheers

  • @mlagathomason2555
    @mlagathomason2555 Před rokem +3

    Hiby fc4 made the kph40 sound like liquid gold, it was warm and filling

  • @xeenon12
    @xeenon12 Před rokem

    good review

  • @jyip1442
    @jyip1442 Před rokem +10

    KA1 is also quite good, its my first portable DAC and it drive my KATO and Talos just fine!

    • @doodlebug4947
      @doodlebug4947 Před rokem

      I'm considering getting the KA1, I just got the Kato's. I'm currently just using them on my Galaxy A13 headphone jack. Would it sound better than just my headphone jack?

    • @jyip1442
      @jyip1442 Před rokem +1

      @@doodlebug4947 Yes, it sounds better than my Galaxy Fold,s stock type c to 3.5 converter. For the price now I think there are better options than the KA1, like the ibasso dc03 pro and truthear shio which has better chip and also gives you more control to the dac like the volume buttons and ability to change gains. But if you want a plug and play, small size, low power consumption, then KA1 is still a great choice

  • @abdulrasyiid
    @abdulrasyiid Před rokem +2

    can i ask? i've been thinking to buy 7hz 71 and i want to use it on pc, if i am using usb converter type c to type A will the mic from earphone work? and will it affecting the sound quality?

  • @DavidMcMahon
    @DavidMcMahon Před rokem

    Came across this video while looking for a rather specific use-case. I just want something to plug into a USB switch to easily switch audio between 2 systems with a 3.5mm out. While these mini-DACs sounds great and would really fit the bill for just plugging into the switch, how much premium would I be paying for the smaller size? Could I get away with something bigger like a Fosi K5 for desktop use and get same/better quality? Don't need any volume/tone control as speakers already have it, but if Fosi (or something similar for desktop use) has good bang for the buck on components and processing, might as well go that direction. Suggestions from your viewpoint welcome. Thanks!

  • @Andallnosm24
    @Andallnosm24 Před rokem

    i was using conexant cx31993 on my phone, and around 2 weeks ago i got moondrop click for my laptop, and while the price is higher, i don't really notice any changes in sound. I'm planning to get moondrop Dawn or KA1/KA2, but is there gonna be any changes in the sound? and does it work with MQA songs? For the IEM, I'm currently using Blessing 2

  • @Im_DJ
    @Im_DJ Před rokem

    Thanks!! Dave

  • @stevengleave9241
    @stevengleave9241 Před rokem

    Which one would power my beyerdynamic DT 990 the best through both 3.5 & 4.4? Thanks for the videos

  • @DherielAdha
    @DherielAdha Před rokem +3

    I actually thought that I came to a wrong channel "where's Timmy?" no wonder lol 😂

  • @cfilorvyls457
    @cfilorvyls457 Před rokem +4

    Curious, have you tried tempotec dongles? I have a Tempotec Sonata e44 and it's a really capable dac/amp from my experience. I haven't seen much talk about it but everyone that did review it seems to rate it really highly.

    • @Audio-In-Reviews
      @Audio-In-Reviews Před rokem

      Unfortunately, I haven't. There are so many dongles out there I haven't tried. Thanks for watching!

  • @loopsbrother2903
    @loopsbrother2903 Před rokem +1

    I really really REALLY need to know, how does the apple type c DAC compare to these if only paired with a easy to run headphone like shp9500 or the sr850 or any low budget IEMs?????

  • @renatobdc
    @renatobdc Před rokem

    If I have a p2 conector in my mobile, will I feel any improvement in the audio quality if I use a Dac such as the moondrops?

  • @muhasri1985
    @muhasri1985 Před rokem

    Muse M1 😁 so i Will try and Pair with Kz pr1 Pro 😁 nice Review 😁

  • @hatimdalal1050
    @hatimdalal1050 Před rokem +1

    Fiio KA3 vs Fiio BTR5 which is better if considering 3.5mm wired audio quality?

  • @SileDevil
    @SileDevil Před rokem

    which one sounds the warmest with the most bass from all of these?

  • @duke86fan
    @duke86fan Před rokem +5

    im stuck between thinking about getting one of these higher end dongles but at the same time im curious about DAPs and the BTR5/Qudelix so there are a ton of options but no idea how to get the best (if only phones had the headphone jack again and actually sounded good.. make more jean pocket suitable hifi)

  • @whiteshadow1976
    @whiteshadow1976 Před rokem +1

    How does stand an LG G7 ThinQ with quad dac stand up to other portable DAC setups?

  • @vijaybhat5379
    @vijaybhat5379 Před rokem

    Thank you.

  • @whitetiger047
    @whitetiger047 Před rokem

    I'm using Audirect Atom 2.. 100% better than my Btr3k.. no dangling wire, compact and sounds so good.. the only problem is it gets a little hot after long usage..

  • @jimawhitaker
    @jimawhitaker Před 7 měsíci

    My personal small DAC under $100 is the Helm Bolt. Very clean with plenty enough power. My #2 is periodic audio rhodium... Tiny clean and enough for all my IEM's... I have a tiny DAP and even use the Helm with it as I think it sounds better than the built in DAC.

  • @leonasj9633
    @leonasj9633 Před rokem

    what is most powerfull from them? i need for audeze lcd-2c closed back. 70ohm-98db

  • @Foobymaster1
    @Foobymaster1 Před rokem +1

    So I currently have ve abigail and xduoo link2bal. I am looking to upgrade the Abigail in the same format factor as it gives a bit of feedback static. I was thinking about the periodic audio rhodium. Have you tried it before?

  • @711jastin
    @711jastin Před rokem +12

    just received my KA3 last week, is thinking of repurposing my old Huawei P10 into a full time player instead of buying shitty players for almost the same cost. After using it for a few days, it's a significant increase in experience comparing to my ROG phone 5, which already has a decent 9281 pro DAC.

    • @nerdynumen
      @nerdynumen Před rokem

      It sounds better then your phone? I just ordered the new Fiio Ka5 for my phone, and my desktop, so I'm hopeful it adds, I use flac only and Blessing 3's

    • @711jastin
      @711jastin Před rokem

      @@nerdynumen the built-in dac have a hard time driving my hd600 so it's definitely better. Ka5 is too new and I'm not into it right now coz I just bought a second hand zx507, which I think is better. Regarding iem, I won't go too far on dac, ka3 is good enough imo.

  • @TonyA-ex1sj
    @TonyA-ex1sj Před 5 měsíci

    What do you think about the 7hz 71?

  • @stevengleave9241
    @stevengleave9241 Před rokem

    I also have some jvc over ears with a claimed range of 8hz-20,000 with awesome bass and am wondering does the frequency range on these dacs effect there potential? The hiby is 20-20,000 while the moondrop is 7-20,000 so does the moondrop help the headphones better as they have the same range? Im a rookie if you cant tell and thanks again for the videos.

    • @ropeburn6684
      @ropeburn6684 Před 8 měsíci

      It doesn't matter, because you can't hear below 20Hz anyway. All these subsonic signals do is eating power and stressing speakers unnecessarily.

  • @kamwardmama-o2424
    @kamwardmama-o2424 Před rokem +3

    Why is jcally jm10 not included here ? Its way better than the 7hz 71 imo.

  • @rajkumar.6182
    @rajkumar.6182 Před 11 měsíci

    which is best for instrumental separation,open balanced sound (xduos basic,fiio k3, fiio q11,fiio k5,zen air dac) reply me bro🤔🤔🤔🤔

  • @iDTecKt
    @iDTecKt Před rokem

    Best mini dac for Xcover 5 and 7hz timeless? i like my bass, thanks!

  • @landarr
    @landarr Před rokem +1

    Why is there no Venture Electronics DAC? There's the Odyssey ($10) and the Megatron ($50)

  • @d0nj03
    @d0nj03 Před rokem +1

    Those specs on the FC4 are not what they seem to be though. L7 Audiolab found that those "340 mW" of power are only achieved at a staggering 11% THD+N, it's a ridiculously inflated spec. If you want reasonably clean BAL output (0.003%-ish THD+N) you have to keep it below about ~190 mW or 2.5 Vrms for 32 ohms.

  • @watch3r9
    @watch3r9 Před rokem +2

    Hiby FC3 in the future?

  • @rahulsls
    @rahulsls Před rokem +3

    I like the channel to consider, to stream the video in 4k stream if possible, Any way good review 👍

  • @marmar3579
    @marmar3579 Před rokem +4

    You forgot the Tanchjim Space which comes in at $90 and has both a 3.5mm and 4.4mm output.
    Highly encourage everyone looking for a Dac/amp under $100 to look into it!

    • @davidponce6132
      @davidponce6132 Před rokem

      I haven’t watched the whole video and maybe won’t m. Is it better than fiio ka3 or the best one from this video?

  • @Islwynpaul
    @Islwynpaul Před 26 dny

    I purchased the Dawn and within a matter of weeks it failed (apparently this is common) and I cannot get any sound from it. I purchased the 7hz to replace it and it sounds great and it is still working after months.

  • @zaibi4800
    @zaibi4800 Před 6 měsíci

    Hi anyone who has knowledge about dac,amps
    I want to buy dac amp cam anyone help me choosing between Moon Drop dawn pro and Fiio KA3 ?
    Which one is better

  • @andreinoue7583
    @andreinoue7583 Před rokem +3

    Absolute noob question, but would you be able to use an IEM’s mic when it’s connected to those DACs?

    • @englim1576
      @englim1576 Před rokem +1

      need answers to this

    • @mr.2minutes161
      @mr.2minutes161 Před 10 měsíci

      im a noob too but i dont think it could, i remember from somewhere that dac are just dac, digital to analog converter, and dont have analog to digital function.
      if they really couldn't use mic, the workaround on laptop/computer would be using audio splitter, plug the mic to microphone input on your device, then set the input device in sound setting inside windows.

  • @Michiganman08
    @Michiganman08 Před 11 měsíci

    I bought the Space Lite, very NICE for sure, I am thinking of going to the SPACE ,...with a node to the SHANLING UA2 Plus ES9038Q2M Dual RT6863 Balanced Portable USB DAC & AMP which is now 68.32 I'd like comments on these 2 Please...Thanks

  • @lrvan
    @lrvan Před rokem +3

    Why should we opt for single-ended 3.5mm jack if balanced output available at the same price and give us much better audio sound? Just replace the cable of our IEM and it will give better resolution, right?
    Or does the balanced output have some cons? Maybe it will drain the phone/source battery faster or it will give us poor quality than single ended when playing audio format below lossless (lossy)?
    Please i need your explanation and opinion, thanks.

    • @rizki4883
      @rizki4883 Před rokem +1

      Output on 4.4mm have more power than 3.5mm (as far as i know 3.5mm output have half of the 4.4mm)
      4.4mm output have better performance tho but drain battery fast, really fast
      3.5mm less power and less perfomance but it's make your phone's battery last longer,
      IDK why we opt for single-ended 3.5mm
      Colorfly CDA M1 have 4.4mm output (not yet tried the 4.4mm because i didn't have the cable)
      But the Colorfly 3.5mm output & Moondrop Dawn 3.5mm output perfom the same, i can't even tell the difference
      I've been asking on local group, someone said the 4.4mm did perfom better than 3.5mm

    • @lrvan
      @lrvan Před rokem

      @@rizki4883 thanks Riski. Knowing that you are using some good DAC.. in your opinion, is it worth it to buy $50+ DAC if my music files is still lossy and mostly just streaming through some app like spotify/Joox? I just want to know how big the improvement if we use it with lossy files. Many people saying that Spotify have lame music quality, and yes i kinda feels it too, somehow.
      but apps like Tidal and Amazon HD is still out of my reach rn since they are very pricey, and it also require big internet data.

    • @rizki4883
      @rizki4883 Před rokem +1

      @@lrvan i've been do quick test on Spotify (Free) with Dawn,
      Yes it does make it sounds better (idk if there's a difference between Free & Premium on Audio Quality) but the difference you get is not really big, but noticeable tho,
      If you don't mind about more battery consumption you can buy it, it's good Investment tho,
      if you planning to buy another IEM that have high Impedance or you wanna play Flac format
      Compared to music player that capable to bypass DAC like UAPP & HiByMusic music,
      Spotify (free Version) it's less noticeable
      TBH even with UAPP the difference we get is about 30%± i think, because yeah it's not big but barely noticeable
      Better but just slightly
      On dawn 3.5mm it does make it sounds more clear, better separation also Soundstage
      Can't really said about 4.4mm output because i don't have it

    • @human9458
      @human9458 Před rokem

      @@rizki4883 there's no difference in sound quality between free and premium version (I tried both)

    • @human9458
      @human9458 Před rokem

      @@lrvan Try turn off the sound normalisation setting on your spotify. They kinda make the songs sound weird in my ear. Idk if anybody else has the same experience with me

  • @dimitabitha3280
    @dimitabitha3280 Před rokem +1

    I just bought the 6xx, and I'm wondering if any of these would power the 300 ohm headphones properly, whilst still having a pleasant sound. Any advice anyone?

    • @PaulPlay
      @PaulPlay Před rokem

      I have the same question and am in the same situation. According to my calculations (idk if they are correct lol) you‘d need around 90mw/32ohm to drive the 6xx comfortably. I‘ve read online that the Ka3 is not very power efficient (as it runs a dual chip) and therefore the iPhone sometimes fails to deliver enough power. What I‘ve found is the TempoTec Sonata HD V which only has a 3.5 single ended output but it can deliver 95mw at 32 ohms so it should be fine. It also has a detachable cable and costs around 60 bucks on hifigo. I also found the iBasso DC05 which can deliver 93mw/32 ohms and it looks better but it has a fixed cable and according to reviews, it boosts the bass slightly and is not completely neutral

  • @HobbyTalk
    @HobbyTalk Před rokem +5

    7hz Dongle is pretty great for the price :)

    • @Audio-In-Reviews
      @Audio-In-Reviews Před rokem +2

      No doubt a good rec for the price. Thanks for watching!

  • @omersheraz7822
    @omersheraz7822 Před 11 měsíci

    How do FC4 compare to Fiio BTR5

  • @TTaDJIA
    @TTaDJIA Před rokem

    colorfly cda m1/musehifi m3/dunu dtc500? :///

  • @aryanjohnsharma
    @aryanjohnsharma Před rokem

    I need the cheapest and bestest dac, can you recommend the cheapest one

  • @rovanmohammed6995
    @rovanmohammed6995 Před rokem +4

    Which one is best for planar IEMs ?

    • @jb678901
      @jb678901 Před rokem +1

      At the moment, I am using my Shuoer S12's with a set of KZ AZ09 Pro BT5.2 earhooks (AptX) in power mode (3 successive clicks to left earhook). About 5+ hours playtime. Earhooks cost me $26 on deep discount from early 2022. Love them. The BTR5 and cables have been collecting a bit of dust since the arrival of these earhooks. Use them daily at both home and at the office.
      There is a simple mod to be done with the earhooks; to convert the C-Pin (QDC type) to B-pin by carefully shaving 2-3 mm of the QDC shroud's leading silicone rubber edge, to reveal sufficient pin length for a clean B-Pin coupling.

  • @adilsonnogueira6468
    @adilsonnogueira6468 Před rokem +2

    The problem with the Moondrop Dawn is with iPhone. Using an adapter will cut the power to 32mW. So I keep my FC1 and FC4. Much better for iPhones.

    • @itellsri
      @itellsri Před rokem +1

      Is this issue on both balanced and unbalanced ports. Is this stated anywhere on their site ?

  • @MrJabinho
    @MrJabinho Před rokem

    Hi. This must be the bang for bucks device in its category. Topping DX1

  • @mimotojiyt
    @mimotojiyt Před rokem

    The Ifi go link has been released, reviews on that soon ?

    • @mimotojiyt
      @mimotojiyt Před rokem

      @@roleasahuman tbh im kind of fine with that

  • @muhammadzakyzahran7260

    Is 7hz 71 best option for my Shp 9500 headphone? Its sound bit bright and lack on sub bass. I dont have power issue because its just have 32ohm. And i can drive easily with only my phone with 60% volume. For some reason i just want to try use dac. Because previously i only just use usb converter no dac. Is it worth or not for the price?

    • @samza9622
      @samza9622 Před rokem

      Get a warm dac.

    • @muhammadzakyzahran7260
      @muhammadzakyzahran7260 Před rokem

      @@samza9622 thanks bro, i already buyed 7hz 71 its nice for price. I got it with only 26$ at my country

  • @eLcHiNoChannel
    @eLcHiNoChannel Před rokem

    I understand my question is regarding a product outside this price point. I am just curious about THX The Onyx. It is double the price. I'd appreciate any advice, feedback, or general comments regarding it's performance in comparison to the contenders in this video. Thanks in advance.

    • @matthewherrera9858
      @matthewherrera9858 Před rokem +1

      I have owned the Onyx for a year it worked and sounded great but then randomly stopped working. I recommend a cost effective amp like the ka3. This is just a random viewers two cents though.

    • @eLcHiNoChannel
      @eLcHiNoChannel Před rokem

      @@matthewherrera9858 Thank you. I appreciate the input. Hard to land on the "best" w/o testing a few. Wondering if the price difference is justified in quality. There is a review by "Z Reviews" I believe where he mentions everyone raving about The Onyx. That's the reason I want to hear about it.

    • @matthewherrera9858
      @matthewherrera9858 Před rokem +1

      Judging by the reviews on the Ka3, some of them were written by previous owners of the Onyx. They also had similar problems with the unit like myself. Overall, I may have never used a dongle aside from the Onyx, but I don't feel alone in saying you're just paying for the THX logo. In the end I hope you find what you're looking for.

    • @eLcHiNoChannel
      @eLcHiNoChannel Před rokem

      @@matthewherrera9858 Thank you for following up. Based on all of this and the good reviews the portable R2R DACs are getting, I am leaning towards something like that. To your point, The Onyx might have been over hyped due to the THX logo

  • @josephornelas1358
    @josephornelas1358 Před rokem

    IEMs are the best kept secret in hi fi. They sound so much better than similarly priced speakers these days.

  • @aryanjohnsharma
    @aryanjohnsharma Před rokem +2

    Does the 7hz salnotes zero require a Dac, like I have a headphone jack on my Xiaomi phone with Qualcomm hifi sound thingy, so will I get better output with a cheap dac?

    • @human9458
      @human9458 Před rokem +1

      I have POCO X3 Pro (it has a 3.5mm jack built in) and bought Moondrop Click (their cheapest dongle DAC/AMP at $20). Testing both the jack and dongle repeatedly using my Moondrop Spaceship ($20) and Tin HiFi T3 Plus ($70). I get a better separation and cleaner sound. Worth the money I spent but I wouldn't recommend you to buy it. Instead, I think it's better to upgrade your IEM first rather than buying a cheap (not to mention expensive) dongle

    • @Rsalmond83
      @Rsalmond83 Před rokem +3

      It’s easy to drive and doesn’t need an external amp. Your phone is fine.

    • @aryanjohnsharma
      @aryanjohnsharma Před rokem

      @@human9458 understood

    • @zengerz
      @zengerz Před rokem +2

      @@aryanjohnsharma
      buy a cheap dac anyway for your phone. your phone is not made to play music, just audio. A dac is made te play music.
      20 dollar will upgrade the sounds quality by miles

    • @aryanjohnsharma
      @aryanjohnsharma Před rokem

      @@zengerz gotchu, any good recommendations?

  • @william3k
    @william3k Před rokem

    Why did the Moondrop Click not make this list?

  • @ryanreviews8566
    @ryanreviews8566 Před rokem

    moondrop dawn vs truthear shio?

  • @manhle-zp8yg
    @manhle-zp8yg Před rokem

    Do you think Sevenhertz 71 able to let 64 audio u12t run at its best?

    • @sleazymiguel6882
      @sleazymiguel6882 Před rokem

      If you've those expensive iem why would you seek to buy that cheap low power amp DAC. Dude use your brain 🧠

    • @manhle-zp8yg
      @manhle-zp8yg Před rokem

      @@sleazymiguel6882 because u12t got something call LID. Use your brain dude

  • @user-pt7sk1pu7r
    @user-pt7sk1pu7r Před rokem

    dc06?

  • @WWeiss-nv5vz
    @WWeiss-nv5vz Před 8 měsíci

    Fiio KA13 under $100, most powerful?

  • @davidponce6132
    @davidponce6132 Před rokem

    Does the hibby fc4 beat the helm bolt dongle which costs about 100 bucks?

    • @d0nj03
      @d0nj03 Před rokem

      FC4 is more powerful but the Helm Bolt is much cleaner. However you could get the Hiby FC3 which is cheaper than both, same power as the Bolt but way cleaner at 0.00025% THD+N vs. the 0.0008% of the Bolt.

    • @davidponce6132
      @davidponce6132 Před rokem

      @@d0nj03 in which way do you say the FC4 is more powerful? And I’m guessing by saying the helm bolt is cleaner you mean sound wise

    • @d0nj03
      @d0nj03 Před rokem

      @@davidponce6132 FC4 can put out ~190 mW into 32 ohms at its BAL-out for THD+N=0.003%, the Bolt I think only does about 70 mW. And cleaner as in lower noise and distortion (THD+N).

  • @Sashko_Dee
    @Sashko_Dee Před 10 měsíci

    Forget the DACs, I wanna know more about those snazzy stained glass windows.

  • @daravimeanrattnakse5347
    @daravimeanrattnakse5347 Před rokem +1

    What about LG quad DAC? I know they discontinued their phones, but they're still around and I even own one (LG v60).

    • @ridhoputra8603
      @ridhoputra8603 Před rokem

      you need a high impedance adapter to unlock the high impedance feature

  • @cult2
    @cult2 Před rokem +1

    does portable dac works with PC?

    • @T1Man11
      @T1Man11 Před rokem +3

      Yes, you might need a usb c to a adapter, though.

    • @cult2
      @cult2 Před rokem

      @@T1Man11 oh so it doesnt work if i plug in directly to my pc? it has usb c port. ive tried it with my cheap usb c to 3.5mm converter for my phone to my pc. it doesnt detect anything

    • @juanblanco7898
      @juanblanco7898 Před rokem +1

      @@cult2 It should work. Maybe you have to install audio drivers for that device. Depends on the OS, though. Maybe it's the adapter itself. Most of these "dongle" DAC/Amps work with PCs without any issues.

    • @mdk12172633sg
      @mdk12172633sg Před rokem +1

      @@cult2 with windows ypu need to install drivers ... And cheap DACs dosent offer those things ... You need to buy either moondrop or Fiio device... My FIIO KA3 works great with pc ,
      With MAC its just plug and play no matter its cheap dac or what .

    • @cult2
      @cult2 Před rokem

      @@mdk12172633sg thank you. it was a cheap dongle. maybe thats why. i dont think it audio driver. brand is Vention

  • @Adel2utube
    @Adel2utube Před rokem

    you forgot the TempoTec Sonata HD V

  • @sipenarekbecha7193
    @sipenarekbecha7193 Před 8 měsíci

    really want timmy to touch the DAC segment too 😢

  • @1antonioorlo1
    @1antonioorlo1 Před rokem

    Moonriver2? Questyle M15?

  • @mirzarazwan07
    @mirzarazwan07 Před rokem

    💙💙

  • @owlnite_
    @owlnite_ Před rokem

    Ikko ITM02 or Moondrop Dawn?

  • @seanmackay6739
    @seanmackay6739 Před rokem

    What about the apple dongle?

    • @zengerz
      @zengerz Před rokem

      crap

    • @seanmackay6739
      @seanmackay6739 Před rokem

      @@zengerz I know, he must be saying the same thing because he forgot to include it

  • @Mykeoguns
    @Mykeoguns Před rokem

    Which one has the most soundstage?

    • @logk
      @logk Před rokem +1

      they usually say its the FC4

  • @samarchandra07
    @samarchandra07 Před rokem +1

    why isn't Fiio KA1 on the table?

  • @nickwestedt2344
    @nickwestedt2344 Před rokem

    Which ones have mqa?

  • @dracoangad
    @dracoangad Před rokem

    Btr 5 2021 or shanling up4 22.

    • @AleDJacobo
      @AleDJacobo Před rokem +1

      For me Btr5 because of the display and the neutral sound.

    • @juanblanco7898
      @juanblanco7898 Před rokem +1

      Depends on whether you want a more neutral or "warmish" sound signature.

    • @bojankozz9211
      @bojankozz9211 Před rokem +1

      Up4 is such a joy to held in your hand. I am using older version and I am very satisfied with it.

    • @juanblanco7898
      @juanblanco7898 Před rokem +1

      @@bojankozz9211 That's true. At least I'm sure that it is. I had a Shanling UP2 before BTR5 and while the latter was also amazing to hold and look at, UP2 was even better thanks to it's volume weel which was such a pleasure to use. I have a Shanling M3X now and it's volume weel feels as a downgrade, though.

    • @user-rj9di4fm4g
      @user-rj9di4fm4g Před rokem +1

      hello..can this two handle planar iems?

  • @tejo4081
    @tejo4081 Před rokem +1

    please make part 2 with under 50$ list

  • @markusschulzbro
    @markusschulzbro Před rokem

    Where’s Tim?

  • @mensrea1251
    @mensrea1251 Před rokem

    Wow, nice move Giz. Diversify and differentiate the channel.

  • @W31rdG
    @W31rdG Před rokem

    Just an FYI, you said Hiby FC5 at the end of the video.

  • @shiro214okane
    @shiro214okane Před rokem

    me just using apple usb c to 3.5mm >.>

  • @paulosilva8200
    @paulosilva8200 Před rokem +1

    Prefer daps. Waste of space to have days dongles.

    • @UNSCPILOT
      @UNSCPILOT Před rokem

      I kinda thought so too since I already have a Fiio M9 DAP, but just decided to get the Moondrop Moonriver 2 for my Steamdeck cause I want to use my balanced IEMs and Planar Headphones with it because in Bluetooth mode and directly connected my Fiio M9 has a rather heavy delay (0.5 seconds to a whole second) that's really annoying even though the audio is otherwise amazing.
      Sure that's a lot of money to spend on something that will be used with only one device, but I've been enjoying the Steamdeck too much and an upgrade like this just makes sense to me

    • @paulosilva8200
      @paulosilva8200 Před rokem

      @@UNSCPILOT makes sense. I hate Bluetooth. I only listen to music when I go gym. And for that I use the nw55 sony attached to a lace vip neck. And I have an hidizs 80 Pro and a hiby. All small for the same reason. Hard to find good good small daps this days

  • @samuelchan3920
    @samuelchan3920 Před rokem +1

    Qudelix 5k....?

    • @fridg3339
      @fridg3339 Před rokem +2

      Dongle dacs and Bluetooth dacamps are a different thing, some people don't want another device to cary

  • @mho1493
    @mho1493 Před rokem

    Nice video but add chapters please!

  • @dylanangel2870
    @dylanangel2870 Před rokem

    would have liked to see it with the tried and true apple dong in there

    • @UNSCPILOT
      @UNSCPILOT Před rokem +2

      No point really, no matter how you slice it it gets butched against even tge cheapest item here, you can take it as implied that any of these will be a flat improvement across the board.
      You can always buy the cheapest one and do the comparison yourself if you want though, no one is stopping you!

  • @m4nc1n1
    @m4nc1n1 Před rokem

    These are dongle DACs under $100...not DACs

    • @iDTecKt
      @iDTecKt Před rokem +2

      lol its still a dac 🤡😆

  • @danjcla
    @danjcla Před rokem +1

    THIS GUY IS A SCAM ARTIST. Although artist is going a bit far considering how blatant the scam was. ("Win" items, but oh you have to pprepay $67 for stuff probably worth less than that.)

    • @roleasahuman
      @roleasahuman Před rokem

      Yeah... i'm glad you are happy with your $2 earphone and not buying this overpriced stuff.

  • @markevinlagsac3252
    @markevinlagsac3252 Před rokem

    now, do Bluetooth adapters. cable is ancient nowadays

    • @zengerz
      @zengerz Před rokem +1

      cable is for people with good hearing. bluetooth is for degenertes who dont like music or soundquality.
      People who say cable is ancient are clueless as fk

    • @markevinlagsac3252
      @markevinlagsac3252 Před rokem

      @@zengerz please don't buy any bluetooth adapters when they actually made good bluetooth adapters in the future. stay ancient and don't move forward.

    • @Sunset13118
      @Sunset13118 Před rokem

      @@markevinlagsac3252 what is Bluetooth adapter

  • @bullwinklemoose7232
    @bullwinklemoose7232 Před rokem

    You say they are Windows compatible but I dont see a single Windows compatible dongle here
    Show me one of them working with Windows XP (without a driver) in USB audio class 1 mode
    The Fiio BTR3K is Windows compatible and driverless
    These are not!

    • @UNSCPILOT
      @UNSCPILOT Před rokem +1

      Even as someone building a Windows XP desktop right now as a fun retro project, I'm not going to judge any of these for not having XP drivers, I wouldn't judge them too much even if they lacked Windows 7 drivers, given I only know maybe 1 person still running 7, the install base for most older OS like that are tiny and mostly stuck in the business space on things where audio is irrelevant or said company just doesn't care.
      Even then I doubt most XP games or software could really take advantage of a powerful DAC just given the limitations of the era, though I might attempt testing my Moonriver 2 on my XP build just to see if it works, and as a test of the USB 3.0 card I will install, but that DAC is largely intended to live with my Steamdeck
      I would be concerned if it lacked good Linux support however, but that's probably because the Steamdeck has converted me into a Linux user

    • @bullwinklemoose7232
      @bullwinklemoose7232 Před rokem

      @@UNSCPILOT
      You do not need drivers for Windows XP or Windows 7
      USB Audio Class 1 hardware does not require drivers!
      See, here's the thing.....
      If you do not have any music files over 96Khz and 24bit, you do not need a DAC that runs @ 352Khz
      Most modern DAC's perform optimally @ 88.2Khz and 96Khz anyway, meaning.........they sound their best at those sampling rates
      If you want a DAC for Windows XP with XP drivers, then get the Micca Origen G2
      It will give you an optical SPDIF output so you can add an even better sounding DAC to your ancient XP machine

    • @kenbalbari3229
      @kenbalbari3229 Před rokem

      Windows since 2017 has had native driverless support for USB audio class 2, and Linux and Mac have had that since 2010. So I guess, Windows compatible for up to date versions of Windows 10 or better.
      As for USB audio class 1, it generally won't support better than 24/96k resolution (BTR3K is 16/48k), but there's really no point to more than that for playback anyway. BTW, 7hz 71 here seems to have same DAC chip as that BTR3K.

  • @tsa4983
    @tsa4983 Před rokem

    Baaad! Not Apple dongle included!!! Baaaaad! Buuuuuuuuuuuuu!!