Need help in choosing USB DAC

[theywantmysoul]

Hello everyone,

I have Beyerdynamic Tygr 300r headphones, and they sound very low on Apple 3.5 mm to USB-C dac. On some audio files, Aria 2 (2021) also is desired to be played one notch above the maximum sound on Apple DAC.

There are few DACs available in India with warranty support. One of my confusion is whether do I need a DAC with onboard PEQ support if use apps like Wavelet on Android and EAPO on Windows. I use local FLAC files for listening.

Following devices are available for purchase with warranty and (hopefully good) support for me (in order of increasing price) -

Snowsky - Melody (onboard PEQ, beautiful and better tactile feel)
FiiO - KA13 (Prefer KA15 for design and PEQ, but expensive)
iBasso Jr. - Macaron (no opinion)
Fosi Audio DS2 (one of the best measured devices, boring design, no tactile difference between volume buttons, also no response to Cirrus Hump issue yet, unlike Fiio who released firmware updates)
MOONDROP DAWN Pro (good measured, cool design, different volume sized buttons for identification, but users complained of things/ dust getting stuck in holes)
MOONDROP DAWN Pro 2 (better CS43198 chips?)

I couldn't find measured reviews of Snowsky Melody, otherwise Fosi Audio's DS2 is one of the best measured on ASR reviews. I have been waiting for months to make a decision, thinking whether should I wait for new batch of devices or not.

Can you please recommend how/which to choose one of these DACs?

Thank you very much for your time and help.

 

[jkim]

If you're cost-conscious, you may refer to this post.

For some background about the current state of budget-friendly headphone dongles, you may want to read this review.

If you're in India, FiiO models should be available at reasonable prices. Right? If so, I recommend the FiiO Melody. There's no reason why it would measure worse than the Fosi Audio DS2. It is basically the same device as the TRN Black Pearl that I measured. With new firmware, the FiiO Melody should be completely free of DRE-induced distortion.

 

[theywantmysoul]

Dear jkim,

Thank you very much for your reply. I have been following your in-depth reviews of dacs with cirrus hump distortion. Thank you very much for your hard work.

Fiio's Snowsky Melody is available for €39/$46 and Fosi Audio DS2 for €51/$59. Yes, dacs like TRN Black pearl or Tanchjim Stargate II aren't available here.

I didn't notice your recent post. That is helpful. I will go ahead with your recommendation of Fiio Melody.

Thank you once again, have a good day ahead.