This is the ultimate Buyer’s guide to the Best portable dac/amp and most important is that, In picking this portable dac/amp, we have considered a lot of factors like quality, features, product price and many more so you can not go wrong with your product purchase.
We have spent around 26 hours to find the right option for you and based on our research HIDIZS DH80S Portable Balanced DAC & AMP, Supports MQA Audio Technology, DSD64/128 Portable Audio Decoding Amplifier, 4.4mm/3.5mm Port Output for Windows 10/Mac OS/iPad OS/Android/iOS System (Blue) is our top pick for you. This is one of the best products currently available in the market. However, if you don’t want to spend extra hours then we have another great option for you is iFi iDSD Diablo Purist Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier – USB/SPDIF Input – 4.4mm Balanced Output – 4.4mm & 6.3mm Headphone Jacks. Here is a review of some of the best portable dac/amp, together with their features and functions.
As you read, through the article, you will understand some of the top portable dac/amp and learn more about their features. Let’s proceed without wasting any more time.
Best portable dac/amp
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Product Title
Score
FiiO K5 Pro Amplifier Stereo Headphone Amps High Resolution Portable Desktop DAC 768K/32Bit and Native DSD512 for Home/PC 6.35mm Headphone Out/RCA Line-Out/Coaxial/Optical Inputs (K5PRO ESS)
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9.4
Monolith 124460 Portable Headphone Amplifier and Dac – Black with THX AAA Technology, Analog Input, Slim Design, Dirac Sensaround
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9.1
iFi iDSD Diablo Purist Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier – USB/SPDIF Input – 4.4mm Balanced Output – 4.4mm & 6.3mm Headphone Jacks
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8.8
EarMen Sparrow High-Performance Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amp with Balanced Output – PCM, DOP, DSD64, DSD128, and MQA
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8.4
HIDIZS DH80S Portable Balanced DAC & AMP, Supports MQA Audio Technology, DSD64/128 Portable Audio Decoding Amplifier, 4.4mm/3.5mm Port Output for Windows 10/Mac OS/iPad OS/Android/iOS System (Blue)
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7.8
XDUOO XD05 BAL DAC HD Bluetooth ES90382 Portable AMP Decoder 4.4 Balanced USB DSD512 32Bit / 768kHZ Headphone Amplifier
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7.5
THX Onyx Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier: THX AAA – MQA Renderer – Direct Stream Digital (DSD) – ESS ES9281PRO DAC – Cross-Platform Compatibility – Magnetic Cable Management
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7.1
Xduoo XD-05 Plus Portable Headphone Amplifier Audio DAC Amp XMOS XU208 AK4493EQ USB/Optical/Coaxial DSD256 Decoder Lossless Portable MP3 Music Player (Black)
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6.4
Luxury & Precision W2 Portable USB DAC/AMP Headphone AMP
Luxury & Precision W2 Portable USB DAC/AMP Headphone AMP
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- High-Fidelity Performance With Powerful Dual DAC Chips:- L&P has equipped the latest W2 with not one but two high-performance flagship-grade CS43198 DAC chips. The CS43198 is a high-performance low-power consumption DAC chip from Cirrus Logics that provides excellent high-resolution audio signal decoding with low-power consumption.
- Authentic High-Resolution Output:- The L&P W2 is equipped with top-of-the-line professional audio chips collaborating on their specialties to bring an authentic true-to-life high-resolution audio experience for its users. We are pretty sure you are gonna love the smooth, well-detailed sound characteristics of the W2.
- One With The SPDIF Output:- The L&P W2 is the only USB DAC/AMP so far that features SPDIF Output. L&P’s professional SPDIF output enables a new playback solution with improved clarity and signal transmission.
- Balanced 4.4mm Headphone Out:- The L&P W2 features two different headphone output ports. It features one 4.4mm balanced and another 3.5mm single-ended headphone output ports. They have a power output rating of up to 230mW @ 32 Ohms.
- Low-Power Consumption:- Luxury & Precision has professionally designed the power supply for the W2. It features a separate power supply for USB and DAC chips resulting in pure sound output. Both the USB and DAC chips take very low power from the source device preserving the source device's battery.
FiiO K5 Pro Amplifier Stereo Headphone Amps High Resolution Portable Desktop DAC 768K/32Bit and Native DSD512 for Home/PC 6.35mm Headphone Out/RCA Line-Out/Coaxial/Optical Inputs (K5PRO ESS)
FiiO K5 Pro Amplifier Stereo Headphone Amps High Resolution Portable Desktop DAC 768K/32Bit and Native DSD512 for Home/PC 6.35mm Headphone Out/RCA Line-Out/Coaxial/Optical Inputs (K5PRO ESS)
$149.99 in stock
5 new from $149.99
2 used from $114.02
2 used from $114.02
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- [High-performance DAC&USB decoding chip]: The K5Pro ESS headphone amps achieves new heights in sound quality and comes with a high level of resolution sound. ES9038PRO with 32-bit processing, along with the XUF208 USB decoding chip with 768kHz and DSD256 inputs, and it also upportes mobile phone connectivity.
- [Variety of inputs]: Supports coaxial/optical/RCA line-in inputs, with optical and coaxial inputs supporting up to 192kHz inputs, K5Pro ESS amplifier is convenient for connecting various music players and digital interfaces.
- [Variety of outputs]: Supports 6.35mm (1/4 in.) headphone out/RCA line-out outputs, the RCA line-out line signal is adjustable up to a maximum of 2Vrms, so the K5Pro ESS portable DAC can be used with a variety of active speakers and external amplifiers.
- [Easily handles low or high impedance headphone]: For a total power output of up to 1.5 W under a 32Ω load, and up to 20Vpp at 300Ω, K5Pro ESS desktop amplifier can easily handles any low or high impedance headphone.
- [Various headphones with all kinds of sensitivities]: With ADC volume adjustment, K5Pro ESS portable headphone amplifier allows you to smoothly adjust volume at extremely fine increments without any undesirable noise nor with any channel imbalances. It means you could comfortably use various headphones with all kinds of sensitivities with it.
Monolith 124460 Portable Headphone Amplifier and Dac – Black with THX AAA Technology, Analog Input, Slim Design, Dirac Sensaround
Monolith 124460 Portable Headphone Amplifier and Dac - Black with THX AAA Technology, Analog Input, Slim Design, Dirac Sensaround
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- The world's most linear amplifier technology. The THX achromatic audio amplifier (THX aiaa) ensures the ultimate no-compromise Headphone audio experience by delivering the world's highest fidelity audio with infinitesimally low levels of noise, distortion, and power consumption
- Akm 4493 DAC detailed sound. Exceptional musicality. The AKM AK4493 is akm's new flagship 32-bit stereo Premium DAC. It supports PCM inputs up to 768kHz and a direct stream digital (DSD) input of 2.8/5.6/112 (Maximum) MHz, the industry's highest level. An internal circuit employs a newly developed 32-bit digital filter for the ultimate in sound quality and musicality
- Dirac sensaround expand your headspace. Music is usually mixed with loudspeakers in mind, Not headphones. As a result, Headphone listening is often plagued by a distorted soundstage Instruments and voices may seem incorrectly placed and trapped inside your heard, causing an unnatural listening experience. Dirac sensaround II creates a vast, clear, and realistically immersive soundstage free from the constraints of the space in your ear, much like a multi-speaker home Theater system. Whether you
- Versatile inputs digital or analog - We've got you covered. This amplifier features a USB and a 3.5mm Optical input, as well as an analog 3.5mm stereo input for devices without digital outputs. Tailor your sound: peq and shelf equ - use the powerful digital Tools to tailor the sound to your personal preference. Does your headphone have a little sibilance? Set a peq to tame that frequency peak. Use the shelf EQ to provide an adjustable boost or cut to frequencies above (HF) or below (LF) the
- Dynamic range control: Use the DRC functionality to set the shelving Filters. The DRC starts with low-pass and high-pass Filters to split the low and high frequencies (24dB/oct @ 140Hz), followed by two independent stereo compressors and a mixer to combine the low and high bands. A soft knee is not used, I.E. Compression starts exactly above the threshold level with no compression below the threshold. The LF offset simply adjusts the threshold level of the LF compressor relative to the HF
iFi iDSD Diablo Purist Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier – USB/SPDIF Input – 4.4mm Balanced Output – 4.4mm & 6.3mm Headphone Jacks
iFi iDSD Diablo Purist Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier - USB/SPDIF Input - 4.4mm Balanced Output - 4.4mm & 6.3mm Headphone Jacks
$999.00 in stock
3 new from $999.00
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- ✅ HIGH RESOLUTION - Dual Core Burr Brown True Native chipset supports all hi-res audio formats up to PCM 32 bit / 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA (decoder)
- ✅ POWERFUL AMPLIFIER - Up to 4,100 mW headphone amplifier with balanced topology and 4.4mm output. Easily switch between Turbo (4,100mW) /Normal (785 mW) /Eco (265 mW) modes
- ✅ AMAZING SOUND - Ultra-Low noise, low distortion (0.00006%) OV2028 OpAmp, devil bass reproduction, and unbelievable resolution provide an unbeatable experience
- ✅ PORTABLE - Rechargeable battery provides 6-12 hours of listening, or play while charging
- ✅ CONNECTIONS - USB A, S/PDIF digital and optical audio inputs; 6.3mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs
EarMen Sparrow High-Performance Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amp with Balanced Output – PCM, DOP, DSD64, DSD128, and MQA
EarMen Sparrow High-Performance Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amp with Balanced Output - PCM, DOP, DSD64, DSD128, and MQA
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- EarMen Sparrow is a high-performance USB DAC and Balanced Headphone Amp with MQA Support. Its balanced 2.5mm output provides up to 4Vrms for plenty of sonic headroom. It plays all 32bit/384kHz formats: PCM, DoP, DXD, DSD64/128 and MQA, and is compatible with iPhones, Android, MacOS and Windows with no need to manually install any drivers. Just plug and play.
- Audiophile SABRE DAC - Powered by flagship ESS ES9281PRO, providing best-in-class audio performance at 124dB DNR and less than 0.0003% THD+N. This impressive DAC comes with an integrated hardware Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) renderer, utilizing a decoding process that automatically unfolds extra information from the signal that was previously encoded.
- High End Partnership - Designed in cooperation with high end audio company Auris Audio, the Sparrow is engineered using the best components and materials and crafted in our own European facility to process digital high-resolution audio into analog with greater detail, clarity, and a level of precision that is close to the original studio recording.
- Noise Elimination - EarMen Sparrow uses Super LOW ESR tantalum capacitors, high grade components in the power-supply, and 4 layer gold plated PCB technology to reduce noise to a minimum. This improves super fine details, especially in Hi-Res audio tracks where you can feel and hear the difference.
- Design - After many years of experience in the audio industry, our engineers have used their knowledge to develop a device that will provide you with great sound. The EarMen Sparrow is light-weight, but with robust aluminum enclosure and beautiful glass design details giving it a premium look. Its compact design lets you use EarMen Sparrow wherever you want.
Lotoo PAW S2 Portable USB DAC-AMP
Lotoo PAW S2 Portable USB DAC-AMP
$279.00 in stock
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- Professionally Implemented AKM DAC Chip: Lotoo Paw S2 extracts every single bit of performance of the legendary AKM4377 DAC chip leaving nothing wasted. It brings the best out of our connected earphones/headphones by providing them a clean, high-resolution output signal with ultra-low distortion and high SNR ratings. The minutest of the details will pop out in your favorite music over a dark noise-free background with the PAW S2.
- High-End DAP Architecture: Lotoo has designed the Paw S2 like they design their high-end digital audio player systems. The Paw S2 features Blackfin DSP, advanced 2x8 layers of HDI PCB design. The analog board here employs a low-noise, low-temperature drift metal film resistor of millesimal accuracy.
- Highly-Accurate Phase-Locked Loop: Lotoo Paw S2 uses AK8142, a programmable clock generator IC with an integrated fractional N PLL. They had previously implemented the same clock in their high-end digital audio players. It is a highly accurate jitter clock that effectively reduces USB and SRC interface jitter ensuring a high-end performance with the device.
- Powerful Output With Standalone Headphone Amplifier: Lotoo Paw S2 features a standalone headphone amplifier that provides a powerful output of up to 150mW @ 32Ω through the 4.4mm balanced headphone output. With the 3.5mm single-ended headphone output port, the Paw S2 outputs up to 125mW @ 32Ω of load.
- Media Control Keys: Right below the “fn” key on the side, Paw S2 also has three media control keys. While two are just for volume and menu navigation, the center key can be used to play/pause the music playback.
HIDIZS DH80S Portable Balanced DAC & AMP, Supports MQA Audio Technology, DSD64/128 Portable Audio Decoding Amplifier, 4.4mm/3.5mm Port Output for Windows 10/Mac OS/iPad OS/Android/iOS System (Blue)
HIDIZS DH80S Portable Balanced DAC & AMP, Supports MQA Audio Technology, DSD64/128 Portable Audio Decoding Amplifier, 4.4mm/3.5mm Port Output for Windows 10/Mac OS/iPad OS/Android/iOS System (Blue)
out of stock
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- ♫『Support MQA Audio Technology & Native DSD64/128』MQA audio technology is supported in Hidizs DH80/DH80S Portable Balanced DAC & AMP, which can fully "unfold" the MQA file to deliver outstanding sound. Music services that support MQA should be installed on playback devices (e.g., HiBy Music, TIDAL) to realize 4X unfolding of MQA audio or even 8X. MQA support will be added to HiBy Music App soon. The powerful resolution, keep HiFi anytime anywhere.
- ♫『ESS9281C PRO DAC Chip + Dual Op Amps RT6863C』Hidizs DH80/DH80S Portable Balanced DAC & AMP features an advanced ESS9281C PRO DAC chip with more dynamic range, low power consumption, ultra-low distortion, close to 0 noise, and supporting MQA. Internal dual independent op-amps RT6863C supports up to 4Vrms for balanced 4.4mm output and up to 2Vrms for single-ended 3.5mm output.
- ♫『3-level Gain Selection & High Output Power』DH80/DH80S Portable Balanced DAC & AMP has three gain settings (High, Medium, Low) for high compatibility with all sorts of HiFi headphones. Balanced 4.4mm can power 150Ω over-ear headphones easily with its 210mW+210mW @32Ω output. And USB DAC compatible with Windows 10, Mac OS, iPad OS, Android, iOS. For iOS users, the Lightning OTG cable must be purchased separately.
- ♫『Advanced Configuration Improves Sound Quality & Sampling Rate Indicator Light』With 4 capacitors, dual crystal oscillators and dual op amps RT6863C, DH80/DH80S portable HiFi headphone DAC/amp achieves more dynamics and more pleasant separation. LED indicator lights up in different colors, Red: 44.1k-48k / Blue: 88.2k-384k / Pink: MQA. Synchronized with the sampling rate of the currently played track.
- ♫『Magnetic Adsorption Design & Unrivalled Sound with a Minimalistic Design』Thanks to a high-quality magnet inside, the powerful magnetic adsorption makes DH80/DH80S and AP80/AP80 Pro seamlessly connect and securely fix, with excellent unity. The connection ports are under good protection as well. Coming with an adhesive metal plate. Still the exquisite CNC aluminum alloy craftsmanship with a robust and stylish design. Available in black, red, gray, blue as well as champagne.
XDUOO XD05 BAL DAC HD Bluetooth ES90382 Portable AMP Decoder 4.4 Balanced USB DSD512 32Bit / 768kHZ Headphone Amplifier
XDUOO XD05 BAL DAC HD Bluetooth ES90382 Portable AMP Decoder 4.4 Balanced USB DSD512 32Bit / 768kHZ Headphone Amplifier
$429.00 in stock
2 new from $429.00
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- High Performance Decoder :Support DSD format, sampling rate up to DSD512, Support PCM/DXD format, sampling rate up to 32bit/ 768KHz .
- High Parameters :The THD up to 0.0009%,The crosstalk up to 100 dB, The S/N up to 117dB, and the noise is almost inaudible
- Multiple Input Interfaces .Support High-Definition USB Audio Input :It can be connected to the USB interface of a computer, mobile phone, tablet, or HIFI player, Supports up to PCM32bit/768KHz, DSD512
- Support AES Balance DigitalSignal Input .Support HD Coaxial, Optical Input ,Support High-definition Bluetooth Input
- Simple switch.onthe OP Amps, SO that you can change it by yourself!
THX Onyx Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier: THX AAA – MQA Renderer – Direct Stream Digital (DSD) – ESS ES9281PRO DAC – Cross-Platform Compatibility – Magnetic Cable Management
THX Onyx Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier: THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ESS ES9281PRO DAC - Cross-Platform Compatibility - Magnetic Cable Management
$199.99 in stock
2 new from $199.99
2 used from $145.35
2 used from $145.35
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA): THX AAA technology enables the world’s highest fidelity audio and maximum dynamic range with the capacity to support power-hungry, audiophile grade headphones. Crank it up and enjoy satisfyingly loud volumes and ultra-clean sound
- Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) Renderer: The THX Onyx MQA renderer can reproduce digital Master Quality Audio recordings from services like Tidal or USB Audio Player Pro
- ESS ES9281PRO DAC: This digital-to-analog converter provides best-in-class dynamic range and lowest distortion, with direct rendering of MQA files in the DAC - enjoy the studio quality of Tidal Master Quality files on-the-go
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: THX Onyx connects to any USB/USB-C port and works on Android, iOS, Windows 10, and Mac without the need for any drivers or installation (USB-C to Lightning adapter not included)
- Magnetic Cable Management: A built-in magnetic clasp enables quick and convenient cable management, ensuring there are no messy headphone wires dangling around
Xduoo XD-05 Plus Portable Headphone Amplifier Audio DAC Amp XMOS XU208 AK4493EQ USB/Optical/Coaxial DSD256 Decoder Lossless Portable MP3 Music Player (Black)
Xduoo XD-05 Plus Portable Headphone Amplifier Audio DAC Amp XMOS XU208 AK4493EQ USB/Optical/Coaxial DSD256 Decoder Lossless Portable MP3 Music Player (Black)
$299.00 in stock
Amazon.com
as of January 28, 2024 6:33 pm
Features
- XD05 PLUS adopts XMOS XU208 and AK4493EQ chips,work in asynchronous transfer mode, support up to 32Bit/384KHz and DSD256 signal, present more musical details.
- Support USB/COAXIAL/OPTICAL/AUX IN,connected various multimedia devices, all digital in support DSD signal.
- Dual interchangeable op amp,replaced by yourself.
- Connected to the 05bl,become to a Bluetooth DAC amplifier.
- 1000mW output power.And built-in 3.8V/5000mAh rechargeable li-polymer battery,long playback time.
With this, our list of best portable dac/amp has come to an end. Like we said in the earlier part of this post, we have done extensive research on these portable dac/amp. Not to mention, the prices of the portable dac/amp are also flexible. You should also check Monolith 124460 Portable Headphone Amplifier and Dac – Black with THX AAA Technology, Analog Input, Slim Design, Dirac Sensaround one of the most sold items in the market.
