If you’re looking for a great way to improve your listening experience, look no further than Lossless Audio. Lossless audio is an uncompressed digital format that maintains the same quality as the original recording. It typically requires more storage space than compressed formats but offers the best sound quality.
Streaming in high-resolution lossless audio from Apple Music or Tidal allows you to enjoy your music like never before. To take advantage of this feature, you’ll need an external DAC. The good news is that plenty of great DACs on the market will work with your iPhone or iPad. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best DACs you can buy now.
FiiO JadeAudio KA3 Headphone Amps
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The FiiO JadeAudio KA3 Headphone Amp is beautifully designed and well-crafted equipment. It is made of high-quality materials and has a modern, sleek look. This small but mighty amp offers a 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced output, making it compatible with various devices.
The touch-sensitive RGB LED light tells you at a glance what sampling rate is used – blue for 48kHz and below, yellow for 48kHz and above, and green for DSD.
- For iOS, if you want to use the FiiO JadeAudio KA3 with your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to buy an extra Lightning to Type C OTG cable. It only supports iOS 10.0.2 and above.
- For Android, the FiiO JadeAudio KA3 is compatible with most Android devices that support USB-C. So, use the Type C cable that came with your phone to connect it to the amp.
- The FiiO JadeAudio KA3 is also compatible with Windows and Mac computers. However, you need to download the DAC driver to use it on Windows, and the Mac driver is not required.
The FiiO JadeAudio KA3 is an excellent option if you are looking for a portable and affordable headphone amp. It has a lot to offer regarding features and sound quality, and it will surely give you many hours of enjoyment.
Apogee GROOVE – Portable USB Headphone Amp and DAC
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The Apogee GROOVE is a great portable headphone amp and DAC. It has a USB 2.0 connection to Mac and PC with up to 24-bit/ 192kHz audio, which enhances your Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, or other music listening experience.
It also has Constant Current Drive technology, which provides smooth frequency response with any headphones, and Quad sum DAC, which is 4 DACs per channel for the highest dynamic range and lowest distortion. It can also connect with USB-C iPad Pro Models.
The Apogee Groove is small and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use, and it has a charming aluminum build quality. Overall, the Apogee Groove is an excellent option for anyone looking for a good quality DAC and headphone amp in a small and portable package.
Audiolab 6000A 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
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The Audiolab 6000A 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier is great for anyone looking for quality sound. This amp delivers high-quality sound thanks to its DAC-ES9018K2M and Bluetooth aptX. It also has a dedicated high-performance MM phono input, perfect for vinyl lovers.
The 6000A also features separate pre-power sections for flexibility and automatic equipment activation via a 12V trigger. The 6000A also has an auto standby function to help save energy. If you’re looking for a great amplifier with high-quality sound, the Audiolab 6000A is perfect.
iFi Hip-dac Portable Balanced DAC for Android, iPhone
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The iFi Hip-Dac Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier is a great product for anyone looking for a quality audio experience. This small and lightweight amplifier is perfect for carrying with you wherever you go, and it has up to 6 hours of battery life, so you can keep listening even when you’re not near a power outlet.
It also comes with a USB input so you can directly connect it to your smartphone, and it supports high-res audio formats so you can enjoy all your favorite music in stunning quality. Whether using in-ear monitors or over-the-ear headphones, the Hip-Dac has enough power to deliver an incredible listening experience.
FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp
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If you’re looking for a great DAC headphone amp that supports up to 384kHz/32bit, the FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp is a great option. This device is easy to use – all you need to do is connect it to your computer via the Type-C USB port, and you’re ready.
It also comes with various ports, including lineout single-ended/balanced headphone output, coaxial and optical so that you can connect it to multiple devices.
The sound quality is excellent thanks to the high-performance discrete headphone drive and circuit protection. Overall, the FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp is a perfect option for anyone looking for a high-quality DAC headphone amp.
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB DAC Converter
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The AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt is a USB digital-to-analog converter that supports up to 24-bit / 96kHz resolutions. It also features the DAC chip ESS ES9038Q2M, providing a more natural sound. The Dragonfly Cobalt is compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices (both require a USB adaptor).
In addition, it can be used with Apple and Windows PCs. The Dragonfly Cobalt is also compatible with a wide range of low- to high-efficiency headphones. The AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt is a great product based on the features above.
It has many features make it versatile and compatible with many different devices. In addition, the sound quality is excellent, making it great for listening to music or watching movies.
FiiO Q1 Mark II Native DSD DAC Amplifier
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The FiiO Q1 Mark II DAC amplifier is an excellent choice for a quality audio experience. The device can decode up to DSD256, and the XMOS platform ensures outstanding sound quality.
The volume knob employs a unique obconical design, and it’s easy to fine-tune the sound with the bass levels. The included carrying pouch and silicone bands make it easy to take the Q1 Mark II on the go. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality DAC & Amplifier.
Fosi Audio Q4 Headphone Amplifier, Gaming DAC
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The Fosi Audio Q4 is a great little headphone amplifier that can also act as a DAC (digital-to-analog converter). It’s effortless to set up – you don’t need any special software or drivers, and it’s an accurate plug-and-play device. It has a built-in Hi-Fi headphone amp chip that can drive most 16ohm to 200ohm headphones, and it also has bass and treble control so you can customize the sound to your liking.
The Q4 is also a mini DAC, meaning it can stream bit-perfect 24bit/192KHz HD audio with low jitter. It comes with a 5V USB power supply cable, an optical cable, and a USB type B cable. It also has an entire metallic shell to ensure high-quality sound. With an 18-month warranty, the Fosi Audio Q4 is an excellent deal for the price.
EarStudio ES100 MK2-24bit Portable High-Resolution
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If you’re looking for a great pair of earbuds with studio-quality sound, then the EarStudio ES100 is worth a look. These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.0 and the latest Qualcomm CSR8675 chipset, which ensures smooth, high-quality audio streaming. They also have a dedicated app with a 10-band EQ and Ambient mode to tailor the sound to your liking.
The analog volume control also optimizes audio performance, even at low volume levels. And if you need to answer a call while using the earbuds, no problem – they come with a built-in microphone. The EarStudio ES100 is an excellent option for anyone in the market for a high-quality, Bluetooth-enabled pair of earbuds.
FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier
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The FiiO E10K is a great little device with a shallow noise floor. This means you can really hear all of the music playing without any distortion or noise obscuring the sound. The DAC chip is also great and can handle files up to 24-bit/96 kHz, which results in outstanding audio quality.
Additionally, the USB connection is very convenient and provides power to the device. The portable design is perfect for taking on the go. The aluminum shell and chassis are durable and look great. The FiiO E10K is an excellent choice for a great-sounding DAC/amp.
Portable USB DACs
Portable USB DACs offer a convenient way to get better sound quality when listening to music on your smartphone or tablet. They are also small enough to take with you when you travel, making them an excellent option for people who want high-quality audio without carrying around a lot of bulky equipment.
Most Portable USB DACs can be powered by the USB port on your computer, so you don’t have to worry about finding a separate power source. And because they are so compact, they will only take up a little space in your luggage or carry-on bag.
Headphone Amp/DACs
A DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is crucial in any headphone setup. It converts the digital audio signal from your computer, phone, or other device into an analog signal that your headphones can understand.
If you’re using sub-par headphones, a DAC can be the difference between sounding like you’re in the room with the artist and feeling like you’re listening to a tinny radio in another room. When shopping for a DAC, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
- First, how much money are you willing to spend? DACs range in price from a few bucks to several hundred dollars.
- Second, consider what features you want. Many DACs have built-in headphone amps, preamps, and volume controls. If you’re using them with a computer, look for one with a digital output.
Apple Music Lossless
Apple Music is one of the world’s most popular music streaming services. It offers its users a vast library of songs to choose from, and today, it announced that it’s bringing industry-leading sound quality to subscribers with the addition of Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos. This means fans of immersive audio experiences can now enjoy authentic multidimensional sound and clarity.
Not only does this make the listening experience more lifelike and engaging, but it also allows artists to create even more immersive audio experiences for their fans.
Listeners with Apple Music subscriptions can also hear more than 80 million songs in Lossless Audio. This is how the artists created them in the studio, with every single bit of the original audio file preserved.
Subscribers who use the most recent version of Apple Music can find it in Settings > Music > Audio Quality and turn Lossless Audio on. Different connection options and resolutions are available here.
