Dongle/Simple DAC/AMP for Windows 11

[Tapik]

Good day, sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this (please move this to the right one in that case or point me to the right direction).
I want to upgrade my motherboard audio card a bit and looking for some under 100$ solution (cheaper is better) for Windows 11 PC that should have:
- good sound quality overall
- type-c connection (preferably separate from the dongle, but not necessary)
- have a stable sound without gimmicks and power cuts - so I can have it always on and have all notification sounds
- without hissing and don't catch sounds from mobile phone on the table

I had Fosucrite Scarlett Solo, but the old one, and it gave my headphones some pleasant bass addition, but disconnects from time to time and had annoying clicks when I change from game to movie etc.

So I need something simple and reliable for everyday use. Without cut-outs and other problems.

I'm in Ukraine, so I guess it should be about 80-100 USD max, but if there are some dongle half the price it will be better, because I could have some IEMs as addition for my cans.

My current headphones are Philips SGH9500 and Beyers 770 Pro X 48 Ohm one (LE), and maybe I'll add something later on, but for now I have no planars etc. with big power consumption.

 

[Aryzon]

Fiio KA11 should do the trick. It will have enough power to drive any headphone short of those infamous for requiring nuclear power plants to operate such as HE6 and Susvara. And it costs practically nothing.

 

[perceptionist]

Fosi Audio DS2, check it out.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...fosi-audio-ds2-portable-dac-amp-review.57063/

 

[Donuts123]

Have you tried telling Windows to not turn off the USB port? That may be worth trying if there are issues when audio plays after a period of silence.

Google something like: Windows stop USB turn off

In Device Manager, un-check "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" for the device (and maybe its parent port/hub).

 

[Mr. Reeee]

Fiio KA11 should do the trick. It will have enough power to drive any headphone short of those infamous for requiring nuclear power plants to operate such as HE6 and Susvara. And it costs practically nothing.

The KA11 is a decent DAC. Can’t beat the price. I paid $30 from Amazon.

However, after a couple of round trip flights to Europe the cable frayed at the ends.
Those flights are the only times I’ve used it, except for sitting at my desk comparing it to my Apple USB-C headphone dongle and Mojo 2.
Not a good sign in my book.