Which USB-C DAC Amp dongles I choose when I'm not reviewing and why - Honest Audiophile Impressions
- dbstechtalk
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
People frequently inquire about the USB-C DAC/Amp dongles I use in everyday, non-review scenarios. Honestly, I'm usually in reviewer mode, utilizing products that are either being reviewed or compared for a review. Yet, on the rare occasions when I'm not in reviewer mode, like during vacations or personal time, which USB-C DAC/Amp dongles do I prefer and why?
Let's begin with trips or vacations that require flying or long car rides where I'm not driving. In these cases, I often use USB-C DAC/Amp dongles, unless I'm using Bluetooth headphones. The decision mainly depends on which IEM I plan to use.
I usually opt for the Fosi Audio DS2 when I'm on the go. This USB-C DAC/Amp dongle isn't the smallest or lightest option available, but it offers superb sound quality. The Fosi Audio DS2 delivers a sound that is as close to neutral as one could desire in a portable USB-C dongle. It has sufficient power for all my IEMs and doesn't alter the sound, allowing the IEM to take center stage. Additionally, the DS2 features a 4.4mm output, enabling me to use my upgraded Kotori Audio cable with my Westone Mach 60.
Another choice I opt for is the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini. While it isn't a dongle, it connects through USB-C. This compact aluminum chunk with 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs doesn't occupy much space and only slightly extends your phone. The Allegro Mini offers a neutral and natural sound that always brings a smile to my face. With sufficient power for most IEMs, the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini is essential for all my travels.
What do I use when I'm not traveling by plane or car? Do I bring USB-C DAC/Amp dongles to use in the hotel? Which USB-C DAC/Amp dongles do I use at home when I'm not reviewing?
In a hotel room, I usually choose IEMs unless I'm using my Edifier Stax Spirit S5 headphones or reviewing a specific pair of headphones that I'm comfortable bringing on a trip. This means I frequently use USB-C DAC/Amp dongles.
So let's talk about what I use at home when I am not in reviewer mode.
I choose the Muse Hifi M5 Ultra because of its sound quality. This larger-than-average USB-C DAC/Amp from Muse Hifi delivers a neutral and natural sound with precise detail. The M5 Ultra supports both USB and Bluetooth modes and offers tube and transformer modes. It provides ample power and multiple gain settings for all IEMs. It is my current reference USB-C DAC/Amp dongle and my favorite for personal use. Due to its glass front and larger size, I avoid using it on the go to prevent potential damage.
Beyond my reviewing responsibilities, I often use various other USB-C DAC/Amp dongles. However, as you can observe, I mainly rely on the same reference USB-C DAC/Amp dongles for my personal listening. Some notable mentions, besides those already listed, include the DUNU DCT480, Hiby FC4, Moondrop Dawn Pro, Hidizs XO, and Aune Yuki. I truly value the neutral, natural presentation that I use as a reference and seldom stray from it except during review periods.
I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy!
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs
Discord: https://discord.gg/ZveuNxKxXY
Website: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com
YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgMj7xJ1SDxGqqxZ5l3g_jg/join
The Honest Audiophile research/review process: https://youtu.be/UkSnoZZNyYc Tierlist:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing
Audio Terms/Definitions: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide
Test Tracks: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions
Amazon playlist: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/afb5506483ba4ae3be17c2184797ebb6sune?ref=dm_sh_ycUHvBw1lOkeqCrwPFcc45NAl
Tidal Playlists:Jazz: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ea7f58ba-f05d-466f-9714-936d0ab7fa0f
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: https://www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-empyrean
Hifiman Ananda:Â https://hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD660s2:Â https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-US/p/hd-660s2/clcrij55r0b570bw9bubufphu/
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: https://austrian.audio/headphones/hi-x60/
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
CTM Da Vinci X:Â https://cleartunemonitors.com/products/da-vinci-x-universal
Westone Mach 60: https://westoneaudio.com/product/mach-60/
Tin Hifi T2: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tinhifi-t2?_pos=1&_sid=7cddd72dc&_ss=r&variant=34447375302811
Sony NW-A105: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwa105-b
Sony NW-WM-1a: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwwm1a
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: https://mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-287#attr=Mytek Liberty THX HPA: https://mytek.audio/shop/liberty-thx-285#attr=
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: https://www.headamp.com/products/gs-x-mini
Tor Audio Roger: https://toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: https://schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:Â
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: https://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one-linear-amplifier?utm_source=linkshare&referer=FTSS2S
If you like the content of this channel and want to see more like this in the future, please consider donating. All funds donated to the channel will be used to purchase headphones and audio gear for the channel.
Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/dbsylvia
Venmo:Â @David-Sylvia-6Â
If you would like to contact the channel please send an email to: dbstechtalk@gmail.com
Affiliate links:
Apos Audio:Â https://apos.audio?sca_ref=45218.8XN5h6dArS
ADV-Sound:Â https://adv-sound.com/?mct=8ENJK5lBÂ promo code:Â DavidS10