Lately, after reinstalling Windows 11 from scratch in my Lenovo X280 Laptop, I started hearing stuttering, pops, and clicks in digital audio playback. I noticed that this problem was only occurring with my Xmos XU208-based Topping D10s, which I had bought to use as USB-coax converter for my primary custom DAC. The same problem never… » Read the full article
Sources
Yulong DAART Aquila III
The Yulong DAART Aquila III is an audio device that combines a high-quality DAC, versatile connectivity options, and a built-in preamplifier/headphone amplifier. Let us explore each component objectively to provide an informed evaluation of its capabilities. Construction and Connectivity The Yulong Aquila III showcases solid construction, with a unibody aluminium chassis and a sleek design…. » Read the full article
Qudelix-5K
I purchased a Qudelix 5K because, for my portable audio, I did not want to be tied to a cable between my smartphone and a DAC/amp dongle. The Qudelix is connected in Bluetooth and has very stable connection. It is small and has a large clip to attach it to the trousers, which helps adding… » Read the full article
HifiMan round-up: EF400, Edition XS and HE-R9
In this review I am going to evaluate a few new Hifiman items: the EF400 amp/dac and two headphones, the R9 and the Edition XS. You can watch the video review here: The EF400 is a budget all-in-one dac/amp combo which uses HifiMan proprietary R2R DAC chip. The R9 is a dynamic headphone and it… » Read the full article
YuLong DA11
This is a review of Yulong DA11 DAC / preamplifier / headphone amplifier. The DA11 comes out 3 years after the DA10, and marks the return to an ESS Sabre DAC chip over the former AKM AK4497 of the two former models. The Yulong DA11 receives input from the following connections: – USB (which… » Read the full article
Yulong DA-ART Aurora
This is the review of DA-ART Aurora, latest DAC of Yulong DA-ART line, which is aimed to offer high performances at an affordable price. The Aurora uses the recent ES9068AS DAC chipset, which offers compatibility with several bitrates and frequencies, reads Tidal MQA format, and has very high signal to noise ratio. While the DAC… » Read the full article
Hidizs S9 Pro Portable Headphone Adapter
The Hidzs S9 Pro is an ultraportable amp/DAC adapter for smartphones and computers. It uses ESS9038Q2M DAC chip, in order to support up to 32bit/768kHz (for PCM) and up to DSD512. It has two headphone outs: balanced (2.5mm) anmd single ended (3.5mm). It has a USB Type C input for connection. The S9 Pro… » Read the full article
Hidizs AP80 PRO-X Portable Balanced Music Player
The AP80 Pro-X is a portable digital audio player made by Hidizs. This player is the bigger brother of the AP80, upgrading from ES9218P to ES9219C DAC chip in order to improve performances and extend format compatibility to Tidal MQA. Furthermore, the AP80 Pro-X has a 2.5mm balanced headphone out in addition to the… » Read the full article
Quick Thoughts: Stax D50
I have been listening to Stax D50 DAC/amp solution, but I am very unimpressed. The device is very expensive, beautiful and sturdy looking. It’s quite powerful for the size. I have tested it with Stax SR-009 and L300 Limited. Unfortunately, with the L300 Ltd it’s too cold and 2D sounding. With the SR-009, it… » Read the full article
Yulong DA-Art Aquila II
This time, I am testing Yulong DA-ART Aquila II, newborn DAC of the DA-ART line, the collaboration between Yulong and a team of musicians, offering natural sounding products at a competitive price. The Aquila II uses ES9038Pro DAC chipset, which is a change of pace compared to the former latest Yulong DAC’s, where AKM AK4497… » Read the full article
