Best performing Unbalanced portable DAC / Amp

[Svensson]

Is there a "better" performing DAC/amp for those of us with unbalanced headphones and IEMs, than the E1DA9038D. Looking at the reviews, the differences in SNR etc would be well below my personal ability to hear any differences. The E1DA9038D currently costs $99, 93 Euro or £78.

Amir's review of 2021 still holds it in great standing: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/e1da-9038d-review-portable-dac-amp.21556/

The latest comparison charts for the Fosi DS1 are below. Note, some are for balanced output, so divide those figures by 3 or 4 to estimate the unbalanced power.

 

[johny_2000]

Currently, E1DA sells the #9039S dongle, which has the highest performance among portable DAC+headphone amp dongles at ~125dB SINAD. It only provides balanced outputs, so it does not meet the requirements of your topic.

The model #9038D6K provides unbalanced outputs and typically has a SINAD of 118-120dB, which is again one of the highest in the world of portable unbalanced DAC + headphone amps.

Lastly, you won't hear any difference between this and many other models.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

The Fosi DS2 @ $50 doesn't work for you? (works for me)