Review: Apple vs Google USB-C Headphone Adapters

[maramara]

Is there any downside in using the EU version with the HiFiMAN Ananda on iPhoneXS?
In terms of distortion maybe or something like that...
Thank you

 

[Dcd564]

I bought one without hesitation for use with my 2018 MacBook Pro… but then was wondering how it compares against the MBP‘s built-in headphone out jack. Has this been measured?

I’m interested in this as well. Is there any benefit to using the dongle over the MacBook Pro’s built in headphone jack?

 

[infinitesymphony]

I’m interested in this as well. Is there any benefit to using the dongle over the MacBook Pro’s built in headphone jack?

I would say, doubtful. There's probably a slightly better Cirrus Logic-based audio section in the MBP, and from what I understand, the MBP targets 2 Vrms output vs. the dongle's 1 Vrms, so it should offer more volume.

 

[Alex-D]

Got this dongle, US version.

During the first test when I crudely matched volume "by the ear" I liked it more than Dragonfly 1.2 (not surprising) and Grace Balanced DAC (highly surprising) with punchy and defined bass, detailed and natural timbre of acoustic instruments and so on.

The next day I matched the volume as good as I could using cheap noise meter and 1khz tone.

After that I wasn't able to spot these differences I've been "hearing" before, lol.

 

[SDX-LV]

Where is the review of
Surface USB-C™ to 3.5mm Audio Adapter ?

https://www.cabledo.com/surface-usb-c-to-3-5mm-audio-adapter-teardown/

@amirm this is it! Can Apple be finally beaten with 24Bit/96Khz ?

 

[Veri]

https://www.cabledo.com/surface-usb-c-to-3-5mm-audio-adapter-teardown/

@amirm this is it! Can Apple be finally beaten with 24Bit/96Khz ?

Uses same DAC chip as the Google adapter second gen
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...attle-of-google-pixel-headphone-dongles.4863/

 

[wizzie]

Would this dongle (EU version) be an upgrade over a midrange motherboard (Asus Prime X370-Pro) with my MH751's?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Would this dongle (EU version) be an upgrade over a midrange motherboard (Asus Prime X370-Pro) with my MH751's?

That motherboard has a decent Realtek codec that can handle headphone output, so in your case, probably not a significant upgrade unless there's something wrong with the implementation.

 

[Veri]

Would this dongle (EU version) be an upgrade over a midrange motherboard (Asus Prime X370-Pro) with my MH751's?

For IEMs the dongle might actually have less noise overall. So, perhaps.

 

[Head_Unit]

Now please forgive me as I go drown out my sorrows as an ex-Microsoft guy having to recommend an Apple product....

Zune forever!!!
Oh...wait...

 

[Michael YYZ]

This, I would like to know, too. If both dongles use the same DAC/amplifier, viz. Cirrus Logic 46L06-CWZR (https://www.cabledo.com/apple-usb-c-digital-to-3-5-mm-headphone-adapter-teardown/), then the performance should be similar.

For information, the Google dongles use:

• V1 Realtek ALC4021 + Realtek ALC5663 (https://www.cabledo.com/google-usb-c-digital-to-3-5-mm-headphone-adapter-disassembly/)
• V2: American Synaptics CX21986 (https://www.cabledo.com/new-google-usb-c-to-3-5mm-adapter-teardown2nd-gen/)

Is there any known differences with usb-c and lightning versions? I mean measured technical performance.
https://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/lightning-adapter-audio-quality.htm

 

[Michael YYZ]

@amirm

It would be very interesting if Amir could test the Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Jack Cable (A1879). This is a two-way ADC-DAC cable, intended recently to be used as ADC with the new Apple AirPods Max headphones.

“This bi-directional cable can be used with both 3.5mm audio-out and audio-in ports, allowing you to connect your AirPods Max or Beats Solo Pro headphones to 3.5mm audio sources, or to connect your iOS or iPadOS device to speakers with 3.5mm audio ports.“ (https://www.apple.com/ca/shop/product/MXK22AM/A/lightning-to-35mm-audio-cable-12m-white)

The cable appears to be back ordered - shipping in 4-6 weeks - so, if someone has it already and could kindly loan it to Amir, it would be fantastic. Thanks!