1mii Lavaudio DS400 Review (DAC & HP Amp)

[respice finem]

Kind of reminiscent of a certain artwork:

File:MagrittePipe.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[signalpath]

Just look at the latest DAC review, the latest chart will be there.

Thanks Jae. The latest DAC review I can find is here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-dm7-8-channel-dac-review.35661/

I see the SINAD all-products-tested chart, but I don't see the dynamic range chart (i.e., pure signal-to-noise without THD). Memory tells me that I've seen a pure dynamic range listing on ASR in the past, but I can no longer find it. Any ideas?

 

[jae]

I think most would want a digital connection to avoid noise and degradation etc...

The add on box is probably for the small minority that still use an analog only device I would assume.

Well it already has USB for that purpose doesn't it? That fits probably 99% of people's needs what would use using this with some kind of PC/laptop, phone, tablet etc. I can't really see anyone choosing to use this device as a DAC for something like a TV or CD player even if the spdif was a digital IN because the use case of needing headphones and bluetooth in that instance isn't really there.

To me this product is only interesting/useful because of the supposed digital OUT, which pretty much no products have except RME's top of the line stuff, and purpose built USB -> spdif interfaces like the Douk U2 etc. I think there is a definitely use case for someone what wants a minimal device to power both active speakers and occasionally use headphones: for example a music producer that wants a lossless digital datastream to the DAC in their speakers but will also monitor a mix on headphones from time to time and wants one less device. The $1000-2000 RME would probably be "overkill" for most people, but this is palatable at <~$100. But in terms of just powering headphones alone there are many similar or better devices out there at all price ranges.

 

[jae]

Thanks Jae. The latest DAC review I can find is here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-dm7-8-channel-dac-review.35661/

I see the SINAD all-products-tested chart, but I don't see the dynamic range chart (i.e., pure signal-to-noise without THD). Memory tells me that I've seen a pure dynamic range listing on ASR in the past, but I can no longer find it. Any ideas?

Ah, as far as I can remember only headphone amplifier/dac combo unit reviews have a 50 mv SNR chart

 

[milus]

I love the dual USB C input for power and data,
Topping:

But the Spdif/toslink output shuld be an input and and i would buy it instantly.

They did it!
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/.../topping-g5-review-portable-dac-hp-amp.36542/

 

[Palladium]

I don't think this has any bluetooth connectivity after checking out their product page on Amazon.

 

[Phoney]

The bass boost starts at 5khz.

 

[SKBubba]

To me this product is only interesting/useful because of the supposed digital OUT, which pretty much no products have except RME's top of the line stuff, and purpose built USB -> spdif interfaces like the Douk U2 etc.

Topping d10 has this. Using it now for usb->s/pdif converter. About the same price, measures slightly better, but no headphone amp.

 

[laudio]

Surprised the panthers are good as they are given it's not a DAC and is misleading. But at the price point I suppose that's OK. USB to digital out converters aren't all that rare.

 

[jae]

Topping d10 has this. Using it now for usb->s/pdif converter. About the same price, measures slightly better, but no headphone amp.

Almost forgot about that one actually. It would be nice to have a device with digital volume control as well if someone would make it

 

[Joe Smith]

I'm seeing this on Amazon now for $199.99 new, not the lower figure in Amir's review topper...

 

[Nathan Raymond]

I'm seeing this on Amazon now for $199.99 new, not the lower figure in Amir's review topper...

There are two listings for it on Amazon, and oddly the listing for the one sold by Lavaudio Direct doesn't come up as the first search result, but rather the second. $149.99 with a $50 coupon right now:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B12TRTHR/

If you want to save a bit of money, another company sells what looks like an identical device with slightly different case aesthetics for $87.99 ($109.99 - 20% off), the YMOO DS400+:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5N2TV8X/

Amazon seller info shows that Lavaudio Direct and YMOO Office are based out of Shenzhen, I wonder if they are connected, or if there is another ODM who makes the device for both of them?

 

[Graham849]

Amazon just suggested the YMOO device to me, so I googled it and landed here. I don't need loud volume so the DS400+ may work well for me. Ordered @$124AUD

 

[Graham849]

And just like that YMOO emailed me to see if it had arrived. A few hours later it did arrive. I added some Häfele 12.7mm plastic door buffers to base. Initial impressions a solid bit of kit. Plugged in my Samsung note 10+, a battery pack and Sony 7506s and sound came out. Quite pleasant. Gain and bass work without any jarring effect. Plugged a optical cable in, lit up at other end. Leaflet states blue led for Bluetooth connection? A 400 mile return car journey to see overseas relatives prevents further testing today.

 

[Graham849]

Ok optical cable plugged into Fosi Q4. Listened to below YouTube -very good sound. I don't have fancy terms for what I hear but it's clear lifelike realistic.
If it is a product match((edited just noticed on back of box 'Model: Lavaudio DS400+ ')) for the Lavaudio then both devices are useful. A USB to optical out box is AUD$75 at a local audiophile retailer. This gives much more. Coax test to come.

Marks Park Ep9

 

[DatBoomerGuy]

There are two listings for it on Amazon, and oddly the listing for the one sold by Lavaudio Direct doesn't come up as the first search result, but rather the second. $149.99 with a $50 coupon right now:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B12TRTHR/

If you want to save a bit of money, another company sells what looks like an identical device with slightly different case aesthetics for $87.99 ($109.99 - 20% off), the YMOO DS400+:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5N2TV8X/

Amazon seller info shows that Lavaudio Direct and YMOO Office are based out of Shenzhen, I wonder if they are connected, or if there is another ODM who makes the device for both of them?

Thanks for that link to the coupon. I was able to snag one of these with the $50 coupon. I needed something to push my beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro (250 ohm) headphones better than my motherboard's on-board sound. This little thing does that. It DOES NOT get as loud as I was hoping...but it's still an improvement.
As for the Presbycusis chart by age...that's fairly accurate for me. I'm pushing 68, and after 8,000 Hz...things go silent. Funny enough though...in the "how old are your ears" test, there were some..."gurgling" sounds in the 12,000-15,000 Hz ranges...then silent again until just over 8,000.
Since I got the Lavaudio DS400 from Amazon, I have 30 days to evaluate it and decide whether it's worth keeping or sending back.

EDIT: Since 1Mii doesn't provide much info on this device, and I see it's been reviewed by amirm, can anyone provide the necessary info for this driving the DT 880 Pro headphones? Sadly, they don't give enough info to plug into the various headphone/amp calculators that I find through google.

 

[DatBoomerGuy]

Welp...the Lavaudio DS400 lasted less than a week before I sent it back to Amazon. It drove my beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro (250 ohm) headphones better than my crappy motherboard's on-board sound chip, but not by a lot. Then, add to that, the 3.5mm headphone jack was...wonky. Wiggle the headphone cord a bit...one side would cut out.
Because my motherboard is pretty crappy, (ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 4) I'd like to avoid one that gets both signal and power via USB, so looking for one that gets the audio signal via USB and power from the wall.

So, being retired on a very fixed income, and with my limited budget, I'm left with only a few options.
FX-Audio DAC-X6 (didn't review very well here) ( review here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...c-compared-to-topping-d30-and-fiio-e10k.2097/)
https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Dig...7TW2JQNN/ref=dp_fod_1?pd_rd_i=B07TW2JQNN&th=1

Fosi Audio Q-5

Fosi Audio DAC Converter 24-bit/192kHz Optical/Coaxial/USB Digital-to-Analog Adapter Decoder & Headphone Amplifier & Mini Stereo Pre-Amplifier Q5 - Newegg.com

Buy Fosi Audio DAC Converter 24-bit/192kHz Optical/Coaxial/USB Digital-to-Analog Adapter Decoder & Headphone Amplifier & Mini Stereo Pre-Amplifier Q5 with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Fosi Audio K5

Fosi Audio K5 Mini Stereo Gaming DAC HiFi Headphone Amplifier Support Microphone

Fosi Audio K5 mini headphone amplifier Support 3.5mm headphone output with the microphone, Stereo Gaming DAC HiFi headphone amplifier all-in-one, supporting optical, coaxial, USB Type-C. Treble and Bass Volume Adjustment.

fosiaudioshop.com

Aiyima DAC-A5 Pro

https://www.amazon.com/AIYIMA-DAC-A5pro-Headphone-DAC-ESS9018K2M/dp/B09PMDN86V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OE161KZWBDTY&keywords=aiyima+dac+a5+pro&qid=1661109765&sprefix=aiyima+dac%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1

Or a used Fiio K5 Pro-NON ESS version. (don't know the seller, across the country from me)
(example, not the actual unit) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=headfi-20

Not ideal, but MIGHT work (depending on my USB for power) is the Creative SoundblasterX G6 or similar. I think I'd prefer to avoid an internal sound card. IME, they're prone to picking up "noise" from the various components.

unfortunately, while I'm KIND OF in amirm's neighborhood (western WA)...I'm so far out past the outskirts of BFE that the closest thing I have to an electronics shop within about 75 miles is Walmart. That leaves me with having to buy things on-line, sight unseen and without being able to actually test them.

Any help, insights, and/or input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nathan Raymond]

Welp...the Lavaudio DS400 lasted less than a week before I sent it back to Amazon. It drove my beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro (250 ohm) headphones better than my crappy motherboard's on-board sound chip, but not by a lot. Then, add to that, the 3.5mm headphone jack was...wonky. Wiggle the headphone cord a bit...one side would cut out.
Because my motherboard is pretty crappy, (ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 4) I'd like to avoid one that gets both signal and power via USB, so looking for one that gets the audio signal via USB and power from the wall.

So, being retired on a very fixed income, and with my limited budget, I'm left with only a few options.
FX-Audio DAC-X6 (didn't review very well here) ( review here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...c-compared-to-topping-d30-and-fiio-e10k.2097/)
https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Dig...7TW2JQNN/ref=dp_fod_1?pd_rd_i=B07TW2JQNN&th=1

Fosi Audio Q-5

Fosi Audio DAC Converter 24-bit/192kHz Optical/Coaxial/USB Digital-to-Analog Adapter Decoder & Headphone Amplifier & Mini Stereo Pre-Amplifier Q5 - Newegg.com

Buy Fosi Audio DAC Converter 24-bit/192kHz Optical/Coaxial/USB Digital-to-Analog Adapter Decoder & Headphone Amplifier & Mini Stereo Pre-Amplifier Q5 with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Fosi Audio K5

Fosi Audio K5 Mini Stereo Gaming DAC HiFi Headphone Amplifier Support Microphone

Fosi Audio K5 mini headphone amplifier Support 3.5mm headphone output with the microphone, Stereo Gaming DAC HiFi headphone amplifier all-in-one, supporting optical, coaxial, USB Type-C. Treble and Bass Volume Adjustment.

fosiaudioshop.com

Aiyima DAC-A5 Pro

https://www.amazon.com/AIYIMA-DAC-A5pro-Headphone-DAC-ESS9018K2M/dp/B09PMDN86V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OE161KZWBDTY&keywords=aiyima+dac+a5+pro&qid=1661109765&sprefix=aiyima+dac%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1

Or a used Fiio K5 Pro-NON ESS version. (don't know the seller, across the country from me)
(example, not the actual unit) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=headfi-20

Not ideal, but MIGHT work (depending on my USB for power) is the Creative SoundblasterX G6 or similar. I think I'd prefer to avoid an internal sound card. IME, they're prone to picking up "noise" from the various components.

unfortunately, while I'm KIND OF in amirm's neighborhood (western WA)...I'm so far out past the outskirts of BFE that the closest thing I have to an electronics shop within about 75 miles is Walmart. That leaves me with having to buy things on-line, sight unseen and without being able to actually test them.

Any help, insights, and/or input would be greatly appreciated.

What headphones are you trying to drive? If they aren't too hard to drive (or you don't have a balanced cable for them), you might want to take a look at the Sabaj DA3, which used to be over $100, but is selling for $62 right now, and has both a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a 2.5mm balanced jack which would deliver more power for hard to drive headphones:

https://www.amazon.com/Sabaj-Headphone-Amplifier-Portable-SABRE9018Q2C/dp/B073SSB81X/

 

[DatBoomerGuy]

What headphones are you trying to drive? If they aren't too hard to drive (or you don't have a balanced cable for them), you might want to take a look at the Sabaj DA3, which used to be over $100, but is selling for $62 right now, and has both a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a 2.5mm balanced jack which would deliver more power for hard to drive headphones:

https://www.amazon.com/Sabaj-Headphone-Amplifier-Portable-SABRE9018Q2C/dp/B073SSB81X/

Sorry, forgot...beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro. 250 ohms.

 

[Nathan Raymond]

Sorry, forgot...beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro. 250 ohms.

I think you should be ok. Amir said in his review of the DA3, "I did listen to my power hungry Sennheiser HD-650s with the Da3 using unbalanced output and it seemed to have sufficient drive for it toward the end of its volume scale. Sonically I did not detect any faults or signatures." The HD-650 is 300 ohms.