2 best dac equipped with portable headphones

A Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) equipped with portable headphones is a setup that allows you to improve the audio quality when listening to music or other audio content through your portable headphones or earphones. Here's what you need to know about this combination:

Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC):
- A DAC is a device that converts digital audio signals, such as those from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, into analog signals that can be played through headphones or speakers.
- In the context of portable audio, there are both standalone portable DACs and DACs integrated into other devices like smartphones or digital audio players (DAPs).
- A quality DAC can significantly enhance the audio quality by reducing noise, improving clarity, and providing a more accurate representation of the original audio.
Portable Headphones:
- Portable headphones or earphones are designed for on-the-go use and are typically lightweight and comfortable.
- The sound quality of portable headphones can vary widely, and some may benefit from an external DAC to deliver the best audio experience.
Benefits of Combining a DAC with Portable Headphones:
- Improved Audio Quality: A dedicated DAC can provide better audio processing than the built-in DAC in many portable devices, resulting in clearer and more detailed sound.
- Noise Reduction: High-quality DACs can reduce background noise and interference, leading to a quieter listening experience.
- Better Compatibility: Some headphones have higher impedance or require more power to drive properly. A portable DAC can ensure that your headphones receive the appropriate power and signal.
Connection Options:
- To use a portable DAC with your headphones, you'll typically connect the DAC to your audio source (e.g., smartphone) using a compatible cable, such as USB, USB-C, Lightning, or Bluetooth, depending on the DAC and your device.
- The headphones are then connected to the DAC's headphone output.
Battery Life and Portability:
- When using a portable DAC, consider its battery life, as it will contribute to the overall battery drain of your setup.
- Many portable DACs are designed to be compact and easy to carry, making them suitable for use on the go.
Brand and Model Variations:
- There are numerous DACs and portable headphones available from various manufacturers, each with its own features and audio quality characteristics.
- The choice of DAC and headphones will depend on your budget, audio preferences, and specific use cases.

In summary, combining a DAC with portable headphones can enhance your mobile audio experience by providing better sound quality and compatibility with a wide range of audio sources. It's a popular choice for audiophiles and anyone who values high-quality audio while on the move.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dac equipped with portable headphones on the market

FiiO Q1 Mark II Portable Headphone Amplifier & DAC for iPhone, iPod, iPad, Walkman, Computers Bundle with Blucoil USB Wall Adapter, 3-FT USB 2.0 Type-A Extension Cable, and 5000mAh Portable Power Bank

FiiO

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

FiiO Q1 Mark II Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC

The FiiO Q1 Mark II is equipped with the XMOS platform that supports up to 384kHz/32bit PCM as well as up to DSD256 formats. It also features dual crystal oscillators, which deliver accurate digital-to-analog conversion. The Q1 Mark II employs AKM AK4452, OPA926 Headphone Amp, and OPA1662 chips. You can listen to exceptional music with extremely low noise distortion. Certified by the Japan Audio Society to be "Hi-Res Audio" capable, the Q1 Mark II grants a natural and realistic listening experience for iOS users. You can also connect Q1 Mark II to a Walkman player with a WM adapter cable (SOLD SEPARATELY).

TECHNICAL SPECS:

Headphone Driveability: 16-150 Ohm

Volume Control: TOCOS Potentiometer

Bass Boost: 0/5dB

GAIN: -7dB/4.5dB Aux-In, -3.5dB/8dB USB In

USB Sample Rate Support: 32/44.1/48/96kHz (16/24bit)

Connectors: Micro-USB Audio In, 3.5mm Line In/Line Out, 3.5mm Headphone, 2.5mm TRRS Balanced Output

Weight: 101g

Accessories: Lightning-to-Micro and Micro-USB Cables; 3.5mm Audio Cable; 4 Silicone Bands; Silicone Pad; Soft Pouch

Also Comes With:

Blucoil USB Wall Adapter 5V 1000mA (Model No. KA25-0501000US)

The Blucoil USB Wall Adapter features a USB 2.0 Type-A port and US plug. It transmits the correct amount of power to your electronic devices. This wall adapter provides an output current of 1000mA. The adapter has UL certified, Level VI external power supply efficiency.

Blucoil 5000mAh Portable Power Bank

The travel-friendly Blucoil Portable Power Bank is equipped with Grade-A 5000mAh Li-Polymer Battery and 12" charging cable. It features a micro-USB port that supplies 5V, 2.0A, and two USB ports that provide 5V, 2.1A power for your smartphone or other USB devices. A full charging can take up to 3.5 hours.

Get this bundle today and receive a Blucoil 3-Fott USB 2.0 Type-A Extension Cable!

DECODES HIGH SAMPLING RATE FORMATS - The FiiO Q1 Mark II employs AKM AK4452 DAC chipset to decode up to 96kHz sample rate and deliver high signal-to-noise ratio with low distortion.
SUPPORTS NATIVE DSD DECODING - The portable headphone amp is equipped with the XMOS platform to support 384kHz/32bit PCM and DSD256.
ENHANCES VOLUME ADJUSTMENT ACCURACY - The builtin ADC volume adjustment mechanism accurately reconstructs the ADC curve to solve volume imbalance between the left and right channels.
COMPATIBILITY - The Q1 Mark II DAC is compatible with iOS devices (iPhone, iPod, iPad), Walkman (WM Adapter sold separately), and Mac/Windows computers. *NOTE: Download the special driver for Windows at FiiO.
INCLUDES - FiiO Q1 Mark II Portable Headphone Amplifier & DAC; Lightning-to-Micro & Micro-USB Cables; 3.5mm Audio Cable; 4 Silicone Bands; Silicone Pad; Soft Pouch. Blucoil USB Wall Adapter 5V 1000mA (Model No. KA25-0501000US). Blucoil 3-Foot USB 2.0 Male to Female Extension Cable. Blucoil 5000mAh Portable Power Bank for Smartphones, Tablets, Digital Cameras, and USB Devices.

User questions & answers

Question:	i think i screwed up all i wanted was an amp for my headphones for my dap player x5ii fiio did i screw up? Maybe i can use in my ps4 or desktop
Answer:	The FiiO Q1 Mark II works as DAC for Windows computers. You can find the installation guide at [fiio.com/newsinfo/49924.html]
Question:	I think i make a mistake i got this as a headphone amp for my x5 dap player, will this work? As a boost
Answer:	You can't use the Q1 Mark II s a USB DAC for FiiO players. FiiO recommends the Q1 Mark II to be used as a DAC for iPhone/iPad and computers.
Question:	what i wanted to do was boost my headphones from mg dap fiio x5, is this possable
Answer:	FiiO recommends the Q1 Mark II to be used as a DAC for iPhone/iPad and computers. It can't be used as a USB DAC for FiiO players.
Question:	i got this to use as an amp for my headphones for my fiio x5 did i mess up big time? I dont have an iphone or anything like that
Answer:	You can still use the FiiO Q1 Mark II with desktop computers.

TUNAI Square Portable Bluetooth 5.0 USB DAC/Headphone Receiver Amplifier with aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, Discrete Cirrus Logic DAC, Low Noise Floor, Cord Management, Built-in Microphone

Based on 94 reviews Check latest price

CUT THE CORD - Instantly transform any wired earphones into Bluetooth wireless earphones - includes built-in cord management system with a clean, minimal design
WORKS WITH ALL APPS - Compatible with all streaming services like Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, YouTube, Google Play Music and all your favorite music apps
HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO - Enjoy CD quality thanks to aptX from Qualcomm, Bluetooth 5.0 technology and high quality CIRRUS LOGIC DAC with 114dB DNR to eliminate background noise (High quality MP3 or AAC is used for devices without aptX)
aptX LOW LATENCY - Get perfect audio sync with no lag when watching video and play games on your aptX Low Latency equipped device such as the Tunai Wand
FEATURES GALORE - Built in microphone for calls, Siri, Google Assistant - Bluetooth controls for play, pause, volume, etc. - Long 7 hour battery life - Range up to 164’ outdoors / 32’ indoors - Also performs as USB DAC

User questions & answers

Question:	Description and specs are NOT very detailed and do not list what ports this has or how charge it — anyone know
Answer:	Hi AngelGreeting~~It built-in a bluetooth headphone with stereo speaker,you can hands free phone call and listen to the music.Thank you for your attention.
Question:	Is the battery replaceable? If so, what battery does it take
Answer:	Not fleece,it is dual layer Soft Acrylic warmth,thank you for your attention.
Question:	My headphones have buttons for volume up and down. Will those headphone buttons control the volume through this device
Answer:	For such a small light pen, I was amazed how much light it put out
Question:	What’s the resolution? 16bit? 24bit
Answer:	The dial measures 1.5 inches.

Product features

Bring Bluetooth to any headphone

You've got great headphones but they aren't Bluetooth? Phone missing a headphone jack? TUNAI Square is the perfect device to bridge the gap and let your wired headphones connect with Bluetooth phones, stereos, PMPs and more.

Going wireless doesn't mean you have to compromise on sound quality thanks to the TUNAI Square. Pair it with your phone and enjoy wireless CD quality audio thanks to Qualcomm aptX* audio technology. TUNAI Square is the perfect companion for those times when you want to free yourself from cords and wires and just break free.

Use it anywhere! The TUNAI Square is small and light enough to take with you whether you're headed to work, the gym or on vacation.

The TUNAI Square connects directly to your phone or other Bluetooth device with no special apps needed, and you can play music, podcasts, audiobooks, video and more from any app you like.

* aptX functionality requires aptX capable device such as a smartphone, laptop or music player

All the features you need

Qualcomm aptX gives you CD quality audio over Bluetooth for aptX compatible devices; non-aptX devices use high quality AAC audio (iPhone/iPad) or MP3 audio (Android)
Qualcomm aptX Low Latency means no lag while watching video or gaming (works with devices that also support aptX Low Latency technology such as TUNAI Wand)
Built in remote buttons for play/pause, Siri/Google Assistant, skipping tracks, volume up/down
7 hour continuous playback time, and charges quickly via USB (cord included; charger not included)
Up to 164' wireless range in open areas (Bluetooth may be blocked by walls, your body, etc.)
Integrated cable management to keep your headphone cable tidy
Pairs with any Bluetooth playback device: iPhone, Android phones, iPad, laptops, PMPs (not for use with Bluetooth headphones) and upcoming TUNAI Wand Bluetooth Transmitter
Internal mic with Qualcomm cVc (clear voice capture) noise cancelling for clear calls / voice chat (does not support inline mics on your headphones)
Stream music from Spotify, Apple Music (iTunes), Good Play Music, Amazon Music, and SoundCloud and other music streaming App

Specifications

Bluetooth 5.0
Dimensions: 2" x 1-3/4" x 1/2" (50 x 45 x 12 mm)
Weight: 0.6 oz (17 g)

Discrete DAC + aptX = powerful, clear sound

The TUNAI Square contains a high performance discrete DAC from Cirrus Logic for converting digital audio into something you can hear. And you'll love how it sounds! Background hiss that plagued Bluetooth audio devices is a thing of the past thanks to the Square's high performance DAC (DNR 114dB).

TUNAI Square features aptX technology which lets you stream CD quality audio over Bluetooth. Pair with your aptX-capable smartphone, laptop, tablet, headphone amp, PMP or any other device that can provide an outgoing audio signal and the TUNAI Square will bridge the gap and let your wired headphones get the benefits of hi-res Bluetooth.

Notes

TUNAI Square is not for use with Bluetooth headphones.
Non-aptX devices will playback via A2DP using high quality AAC (iPhone/iPad) or MP3 (Android) encoding.

Qualcomm aptX Low Latency

The TUNAI Square is one of the only portable DACs to feature Qualcomm aptX Low Latency technology, which means that when you pair it with a phone, laptop, tablet or other device that also has aptX Low Latency, you can watch video and play games without audio lag, ensuring voices and sounds will be in sync.

aptX Low Latency cuts audio delay down to as low as 38ms, so soundtracks and game sounds will always be in sync with your TUNAI Square. If you’ve used Bluetooth speakers or earphones to watch video before, you will be blown away by how good the sync is!

TUNAI Square is the perfect companion to the TUNAI Wand, a Bluetooth transmitter which can let any device connect via Bluetooth. With Wand and Square together, you’ll get incredible, lag free sound from video, games, etc., no matter what device you’re using.

Note: aptX Low Latency requires playback devices that support it.

Easy pairing, auto reconnect

Press the on/off button to turn on the Square, then hold the button down for 3 seconds. You can then find the TUNAI Square in your phone's Bluetooth menu. You're ready to go!

→ Always check volume after connecting.

Easy to use buttons

TUNAI Square gives you a complete set of big buttons to control playback, volume and more:

Play/pause (long press to trigger Siri/Google Assistant)
Volume up/down
Next/last track
On/off (long press to enter pairing mode)

Unique Cord management

Unique cord management thanks to the built in rubber cable guide. It also ensures Square can easily survive the occasional bump and fall. Experience the convenience of the only portable DAC on the market with built in cable management!