The BEST headphone dongles for every budget

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses the evolution of dongle DACs (digital-to-analog converters) in light of the removal of headphone jacks from smartphones. While initially praising the Apple dongle as a great budget option, the creator explores various alternatives across different price points, highlighting models that offer better power output, sound quality, and additional features like microphone support. The video covers ultra-budget, mid-range, and premium dongles, and offers insight into the technical aspects of DAC chips and op-amps, concluding with a recommendation for those seeking top-tier performance in portable audio solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Apple dongle is still a solid, budget-friendly option, but its power output is limited, especially in the EU market where it only provides 0.5 volts.
• 😀 For users in the EU, the Apple dongle's reduced power output might not be enough for high-impedance headphones, but in the US, it still delivers 1 volt of power.
• 😀 The CS46 L41 chipset is a popular alternative in the ultra-budget segment under $10, offering a comparable performance to the Apple dongle.
• 😀 The CX 31993 chipset, when paired with the MAX 97220 OPA, offers a significant power boost, delivering up to 1.4 volts, making it a good step-up from basic dongles.
• 😀 For more power and better sound quality, the J Kelly JM6 Pro is a good option with the CX 31993 + MAX 97220 combo, offering enhanced performance and reliability.
• 😀 The CS 43131 chipset with the SGM 8262 OPA offers a huge power output (up to 2.4 volts) but may be overkill for most users, especially for in-ear monitors (IEMs).
• 😀 Dongles with the CS 43131 chipset may not support microphones, making them unsuitable for users who require mic functionality.
• 😀 The biggest downside of high-power dongles like the CS 43131 combination is their power draw and heat output, which can impact battery life and cause discomfort during use.
• 😀 Thumb-drive-style dongles with dual-chip setups (like the MoonDrop Dawn Pro) offer better flexibility, supporting both single-ended and balanced outputs for different headphones and IEMs.
• 😀 The FiiO KA5 is a top recommendation for those looking for a premium dongle with dual DACs, dual OPAs, mic support, and DSP functionality, offering a robust solution for high-end audio users.

Q & A

What is the main point of the video?

The video discusses various dongle DACs (Digital to Analog Converters) available at different price points, comparing the Apple dongle to alternatives, and offering recommendations based on price, power output, and user requirements.

Why does the speaker still stand by the Apple dongle despite newer alternatives?

The speaker believes the Apple dongle remains a good option, especially for those who need an affordable, simple solution with adequate performance. However, newer alternatives do exist that can offer more power and features for specific needs.

What is the limitation of the EU Apple dongle compared to the US version?

The EU Apple dongle has a lower power output of 0.5 volts, compared to the 1 volt in the US version. This reduction can affect performance, especially with higher-impedance headphones or earphones.

What is the significance of the CS46 L41 chipset mentioned in the video?

The CS46 L41 chipset is used in ultra-budget dongle DACs and serves as a good alternative for users who don't have access to the Apple dongle. It's commonly found in generic OEM products and offers comparable performance in the budget segment.

What makes the CX 31993 chipset a better choice compared to basic solutions like the Apple dongle?

The CX 31993 chipset, when paired with a dedicated op-amp (like the Max 97220), provides higher power output (more than 1.4 volts), making it suitable for higher-impedance headphones and improving overall audio performance.

Why does the speaker recommend the J Kelly JM6 Pro?

The speaker recommends the J Kelly JM6 Pro because it offers a good balance between power output, quality, and reliability, as well as a dedicated op-amp for better performance compared to basic dongles.

What is the trade-off when using a more powerful dongle DAC like the FK1 or Shanling UA mini?

The trade-off is that these more powerful dongle DACs can quickly drain battery life and generate excess heat, making them less suitable for casual use, especially with portable devices like smartphones.

What are the downsides of using the CS43131 chipset in dongle DACs?

The CS43131 chipset provides a lot of power, but it lacks microphone support, which can be a dealbreaker for users who require mic functionality. Additionally, its high power output may be overkill for most users, particularly for in-ear monitors (IEMs).

What does the speaker mean by 'thumb drive style' dongle DACs?

A 'thumb drive style' dongle DAC refers to a more compact and versatile design that uses a removable USB-C connection and typically offers both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, providing more flexibility for users.

What is the advantage of dual-chip dongle DACs like the MoonDrop Dawn Pro?

Dual-chip dongle DACs, such as the MoonDrop Dawn Pro, allow for both single-ended and balanced outputs, doubling the power output compared to single-chip designs. This makes them ideal for users who require more power or use balanced headphones.

Why does the speaker suggest not going beyond the FiiO KA5 or other high-end dual DAC options?

The speaker suggests that while the FiiO KA5 and similar high-end options offer excellent performance, they deliver excessive power that most users will never need. The price-to-performance ratio might not justify the upgrade for the majority of users.

What is the problem with heat generation in powerful dongle DACs?

Powerful dongle DACs can generate a significant amount of heat, making them uncomfortable to handle and potentially damaging to the components over time. This heat can also reduce the lifespan of the device, especially in compact designs.

What are the advantages of the FiiO KA5 over other similar products?

The FiiO KA5 uses a newer CS43198 chipset, offering better performance and mic support compared to older models. It also includes DSP functionality, allowing users to upload EQ profiles, which is especially useful for devices that lack system-wide EQ, such as iPhones.