Any thoughts on this dongle dac?

[D4v3]

In my ongoing quest to find the best dac under $50, because OCD, I came across this. It seems there are several people selling this under different names which isn't usually a good sign but it seems decent

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007552931646.html

 

[Chrispy]

Did you try and find the test here? OCD means what particularly in your buying decisions? Why do you need this particular dac/feature set?

 

[D4v3]

Did you try and find the test here? OCD means what particularly in your buying decisions? Why do you need this particular dac/feature set?

This dac seems to be sold under a few names, tried google searching for a few of them but no dice. I'm just trying to find the best possible dac for what I can afford right now. This one has the CS43198 dac chip which, from what I've read, is quite good. OCD = obsessives compulsive disorder.

It's got the

 

[JSmith]

In my ongoing quest to find the best dac under $50

Why buy some unknown dongle DAC on Ali not tested here or elsewhere, when you can just get one that has been?

This recently reviewed one is $29 and 112 SINAD;

JCALLY JM20 Headphone Dongle Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the JCALLY JM20 USB-C headphone adapter (DAC and Amp). It is on kind loan from a member and is on sale for US $24. Not much to say about the construction so let's get into measurements. Speaking of that, I finally have a fix for this class of...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[D4v3]

Why buy some unknown dongle DAC on Ali not tested here or elsewhere, when you can just get one that has been?

This recently reviewed one is $29 and 112 SINAD;

JCALLY JM20 Headphone Dongle Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the JCALLY JM20 USB-C headphone adapter (DAC and Amp). It is on kind loan from a member and is on sale for US $24. Not much to say about the construction so let's get into measurements. Speaking of that, I finally have a fix for this class of...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

The JM20 looks fine, done t get me wrong. I might still get one but I'm trying to see if I can find something a bit better. The tests here are great but they are not exhaustive, there's lots of stuff out there that could be great but just hasn't been tested. I like to find the absolute best things for the money, whether it's great discount or just not a well known product. Unfortunately not many great deals on anything right now. JM20 seems good but I think I can do better.

 

[Doodski]

The JM20 looks fine, done t get me wrong. I might still get one but I'm trying to see if I can find something a bit better. The tests here are great but they are not exhaustive, there's lots of stuff out there that could be great but just hasn't been tested. I like to find the absolute best things for the money, whether it's great discount or just not a well known product. Unfortunately not many great deals on anything right now. JM20 seems good but I think I can do better.

Just because a DAC has a snazzier chip in it does not mean it is always better. DACs have been tested here with mid range quality DACs and they have tested exemplary because the engineer(s) did their work well. The JDS Labs ATOM DAC+ comes to mind. But anyway you won't find anything better for ~<$40 range than what was recommended to you a couple of posts ago.

 

[Somafunk]

The JM20 looks fine, done t get me wrong. I might still get one but I'm trying to see if I can find something a bit better.

Learn to accept adequate for your needs as otherwise you’ll end up with decision paralysis,

 

[D4v3]

Just because a DAC has a snazzier chip in it does not mean it is always better. DACs have been tested here with mid range quality DACs and they have tested exemplary because the engineer(s) did their work well. The JDS Labs ATOM DAC+ comes to mind. But anyway you won't find anything better for ~<$40 range than what was recommended to you a couple of posts ago.

I know the implementation is just as, if not more, important. I was hoping someone had some experience with it here. That Atom dac looks pretty nice, I wonder if I can find ithere.

 

[JSmith]

I might still get one but I'm trying to see if I can find something a bit better.

Do you mean better build quality, aesthetics or functionality? I don't see one getting better measurements that what I posted as an example of a dongle DAC.


JSmith

 

[D4v3]

Learn to accept adequate for your needs as otherwise you’ll end up with decision paralysis,

My friend, I have set up residence in decision paralysis, I am running for mayor.

 

[Somafunk]

My friend, I have set up residence in decision paralysis, I am running for mayor.

I previously held a platinum membership for the decision paralysis club, even had my own corner seat with table service where I would be served a multitude of opportunities for procrastination before I managed to make a decision

Thankfully I received help for my illness

 

[Doodski]

I know the implementation is just as, if not more, important. I was hoping someone had some experience with it here. That Atom dac looks pretty nice, I wonder if I can find ithere.

The JDS Labs ATOM DAC+ is made in The USA.

 

[D4v3]

Do you mean better build quality, aesthetics or functionality? I don't see one getting better measurements that what I posted as an example of a dongle DAC.


JSmith

The problem is it's not what I really want so I'm trying to find something that I feel good about purchasing. Sadly the used audio gear market around here stinks so I can't even go that route. As much as the JM20 measures well, I'm having a hard time convincing myself that a USB dongle is a good solution, it just feels wrong even though I know it's not bad.

 

[kemmler3D]

it just feels wrong even though I know it's not bad.

This is electronic audio gear, not romance. Let your head make the decisions.