• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!
What is your definition of better? What do you want an upgrade to do?
Better in terms of features. 9038d has great performance & power but lacks features like volume buttons, indicator light or display, driver support, balanced output etc. I may buy a nice headphone which requires 4.4mm port but 9038d wont work. I cannot install 9038d drivers on my laptop as they give popping sound and the only fix is to uninstall the drivers. Also I cannot use TRRS connector headphones or earphones with 9038d as it does not work with them. Only 3.5mm TRS connector is compatible.

If there are better DACs out there in these aspects I may consider them.
 
HD600 is not difficult to drive, but if you want to use PEQ, the TANCHJIM Space Portable is too weak, the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro has a bit more power.
both DACs are overhyped and too expensive for the performance offered!

the FIIO KA17 (ES9069Q +THX AAA 78+) comes close to the THX Onyx

Interesting comment since I saw one guy telling sonata BHD pro was better than Mojo 2. If we only pay attention to clarity and definition, sound quality in general, and no to features, which dongle would sound better than sonata BHD pro, and why if can develop a little the answer.?
 
Is there any portable Amplifier only that worth so as to drive HD600 or K701?

Portable I mean without need to be connected to external power.

Thanks
Going back through this thread...
The Onix Alpha fits the bill. Has gotten great reviews although there are some issues.
First, I noticed that over time the USB-C socket became loose on my unit. (My fault and this isn't limited to the Onix Alpha. Not the best idea to use it while on the run, getting jostled around. )

If you want to run it off your phone, its great, although it doesn't work w all phones. It does work w an iPhone which is what I use.
As to an external battery... its something that makes a bit of sense. If you use it a lot... it puts a draw on your phone's battery. So it limits the life of your phone's battery due to the increased charging. (LiON batteries have a limit where they start to degrade.) Easier to use an external battery than get your phone battery replaced.
Not to mention... depending on the phone, you can get more power out of the USB-C connection.

@modder-6 ,
Sound wise? No.
Value (Bang for your Buck)? Maybe, but the Alpha seems to be the best, albeit w some issues. The IBasso DC Elite seems to be the best in terms of the latest reviews.
(But at 4X the price... almost at the Mojo2 prices)

I like the Mojo2, but their insistence to stick w older micro-USB connectors may not be the best decision. They could upgrade to USB-C which would be better and then sell an adapter for those who don't want to get a new unit.

While the OP focuses on power... there's more to a DAC than the AMP. CS vs ESS vs AKM vs Rohm for example. Then R2R and other designs. Not apples to apples in terms of sound and features.

I kinda like the xDuoo Pro that allows you to mod the op-amps, and switch out the different DAC boards. Its a beast, capable of powering any headphone you toss at it.
(Also size wise) Not a dongle dac.
 
Looking at a couple of these threads...
Someone needs to get an Onix Alpha to Amir for testing. (Mine is a little borked on the USB socket... )

I was looking at the Fiio K17... they added a second USB connection for power only. Seems that they realize running these things off the phone's battery is sub-optimal.

There seems to be some design considerations.
Add a battery... you remove the reliance on your audio source (e.g. iPhone) to power the unit... but you increase the size of the DAC. Also the complexity and price.

You can buy a splitter cable. But ... length and quality are also going to be an issue. The iBasso is on the short size but it works and if you're going to velcro the cases of the dac to the phone's case... it works well. (Or velco to the battery)

Because I borked my Alpha... I'm limited to using it w my laptop only and use an iBasso DX180 for portable music. I can either BT or use wi-fi to my phone if I want, or download the music to the unit.
 
Back
Top Bottom