Indecisive: Choosing between four budget Cirrus Logic CS43131 balanced dongles

[denydog]

It’s been rough though. I’ve been dealing with indecisions all my life.

My past relationships failed because I wasn’t able to make iron-blooded quick decisions and there were other men who were less indecisive. I’ve tried to be more decisive for sure and I’ve become better with it.

You’re totally right that asking you or GPT won’t get me the answer I seek and it’s like the same reason all my past experiences failed.

I’ll try to make my own decision and thanks everyone for the guidance and help.

I hope it turns out well whichever way you go.

 

[Deleted member 86885]

Thank you denydog and you gave me solid advice and I appreciate the well wishes *fist bump*

Can't wait for my Q5K to arrive. Super hyped. Though I need to read a bit more on how to run EQ on a non-Windows environment. Seems like Equalizer APO as well as Peace Equalizer are built for Windows users.

 

[kemmler3D]

Qudelix-5K Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amp

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Qudelix-5K USB DAC and balanced headphone amplifier with Bluetooth receiver. I purchased this myself but a member kindly donated one third of the cost. The Qudelix 5K costs US $110 on Amazon including shipping. The Qudelix comes in a nice...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Not too flash in the DAC department...


JSmith

5 years on it's no longer near SOTA, true. On the other hand, it maintains >80dB SINAD in pretty much any situation, which means noise and distortion will be inaudible except in edge cases. By 2025 standards you're correct, but let's not muddy the waters and give OP a relapse of acute indecision.

 

[kemmler3D]

I need to read a bit more on how to run EQ on a non-Windows environment. Seems like Equalizer APO as well as Peace Equalizer are built for Windows users.

For Mac OS I've used SoundSource to good effect. It costs money, the free solution is Blackhole <--> AU host, but unfortunately I could not quite figure out how to get that working.

On Android or iOS I think the most reliable option is actually running the EQ/DSP on your DAC, which you will be able to do.

You can also just load your listening test music into a DAW and play with EQ in there. They all have robust PEQ plugins.

 

[Deleted member 86885]

Thanks! But what about for:

GNU/Linux
Linux (non-GNU)
OpenBSD
FreeBSD
NetBSD

Any equaliser APO equivalent?

 

[melomane13]

camilladsp ( multichannels on linux, mac, windows)
easyeffects ( 2 channels linux)

EQ Software for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android.

Any suggestions are welcome. Post suggestions here. I will gather the details and add them. Thanks. :D This will be organized as results come in. @sweetchaos made a guide for PEQ filter data input and operation. For crossover software go here. Windows: AutoEQ four easy steps to make your...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Anomander Rake]

If you're looking for a fuss-free, great-sounding DAC under $70, I can personally recommend the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro. It’s compact, well-built, and has proven itself reliable over time. One of its standout features is the onboard volume control with excellent granularity—perfect for fine-tuning levels without relying on software controls. It delivers clear, balanced audio and works smoothly across devices.

Another option I’ve used is the EarFun UA100, which is an interesting case. It uses a higher-grade ESS chipset—not just an entry-level component—and appears to be either a clone or a rebranded version of the Shanling UA2 Plus. While it lacks physical volume buttons, it offers solid sound quality and can often be found at a very affordable price. For anyone looking to dip into better audio without investing too much, it's a compelling alternative.

Both are plug-and-play, deliver surprisingly refined sound for the price, and have become part of my regular audio setup.

Is Sonata's volume control compatible with android? Android's volume implementation is horrible and it could very well force software control. TIA

 

[Michou]

Is Sonata's volume control compatible with android? Android's volume implementation is horrible and it could very well force software control. TIA

What exactly do you mean by “compatible”? If you’re referring to synchronized volume control—then no, Android’s system volume isn’t linked to the Sonata’s hardware volume. They operate independently. I usually set my phone’s volume to just below maximum and then fine-tune the output directly from the Sonata for better control and sound quality. Cheers.

 

[Anomander Rake]

What exactly do you mean by “compatible”? If you’re referring to synchronized volume control—then no, Android’s system volume isn’t linked to the Sonata’s hardware volume. They operate independently. I usually set my phone’s volume to just below maximum and then fine-tune the output directly from the Sonata for better control and sound quality. Cheers.

Excuse my noob-ness. I was reading up on dongle dacs and found that sometimes android doesn't let the on board buttons work independently until you give hardware permissions through UAPP, etc. Also the issues with Apple dongle happens with some other dongles too. Also, android resamples the signal when you reduce volume through it's buttons and you can't take full advantage of dac or something like that. I don't understand this much as this is literally my 3rd day and I am still deciding on DAC after ordering my first pair of IEM (Activo × Dita Q1). And, so the question.

Do you know if Fiio KA13 volume works the same? I am leaning towards it because Sonata is not available where I live and importing it would cost me 40-50% in customs. TIA

 

[Michou]

Excuse my noob-ness. I was reading up on dongle dacs and found that sometimes android doesn't let the on board buttons work independently until you give hardware permissions through UAPP, etc. Also the issues with Apple dongle happens with some other dongles too. Also, android resamples the signal when you reduce volume through it's buttons and you can't take full advantage of dac or something like that. I don't understand this much as this is literally my 3rd day and I am still deciding on DAC after ordering my first pair of IEM (Activo × Dita Q1). And, so the question.

Do you know if Fiio KA13 volume works the same? I am leaning towards it because Sonata is not available where I live and importing it would cost me 40-50% in customs. TIA

You’re right that Android’s volume buttons usually control system volume, which can cause digital attenuation affecting sound quality. Some apps like UAPP and HiBy Music allow hardware volume control for certain DACs, but it depends on the device and software.

I don’t have info on the Fiio KA13, so I’d recommend checking user reviews and forums; most answers are readily available if you take the time to look.

Since Sonata isn’t available or affordable for you, may I ask what sparked your interest in it?

Hope this helps and take care!

 

[Anomander Rake]

Since Sonata isn’t available or affordable for you, may I ask what sparked your interest in it?

Your comment about dedicated volume control. Though I am moving away from it. Apart from availability people are reporting QC issues.

I don’t have info on the Fiio KA13, so I’d recommend checking user reviews and forums; most answers are readily available if you take the time to look.

I asked about KA13 because I am getting conflicting reviews. One said it's not independent, other said they fixed it with firmware update. Hope that's true.

I am also leaning towards Cayin RU6. All the technical jargon seems very inviting, though I don't understand what any of it means. Lol! Looks like I have a lot of reading to do.

Thank you for all your help!

 

[torgeirs]

understand the CS431XX chips are flawed

Manny implementations that use the chip are flawed. But the chip is stellar.
Just bad engineering around it.

 

[hawk01]

Well, my choice was #4 - TRN Black Pearl (TE-C) (before any DRE issues shown up here).
Why? - 1. Nice competitive specs (no issues with my device so far, works great, no glitches or distortions)
2. Modern new device (negative - no detail tech reviews, as you've mentioned)
3. Compatible with my also new IEM TRN Shell (balanced + 3.5mm out), well satisfied sound overall
4. Available now on Amzn (so no more lost items from Ali)
5. Right price i am willing to risk
6. Works with PEQ App (not yet tested)
7. TRN TE-C seems like a real product from real brand with its own website, providing product warranty (not sure how good, hope will never need to find out), updatable firmware (from v.0.1 to v.0.2) and change of internal settings (similar to FiiO App)

just a quick one: months down the road is the TRN BLACK PEARL usable? no funky audible issues?