AudioEngine D1 24-bit DAC Video Review

[@Audioholics]

@hieneken100 Yes, it's more or less made for it. It can actually work with any powered speakers that have RCA or 1/8" inputs.

[@Audioholics]

No, only if you're wanting to send audio to them from a digital audio source (say, from a laptop) and want better quality analogue audio. Your TV has analogue audio outputs that can feed directly to the A5 or A5+ speakers.

[@larryfarr]

Excellent review. Thank you for a lot of interesting and relevant information in a short period of time. Well done!

[@Audioholics]

The N22 is an amplifier, so it's a very different product. You can use the N22 with passive speakers, whereas the D1 requires an amp or powered speakers. No plans on the S8, but we're not opposed to checking it out.

[@diapason8326]

If you push the power indicator LED it is a power switch as well. It took a year for me to figure that out. I have cheap computer speakers running off the internal soundcard and the audioengine connected to a big stereo. If I just want to listen to the computer speakers for something quick or that good sound is not required, i just turn off the audio engine and the inboard soundcard takes over. Turning it back on sends the sound back to the big stereo. The change is immediate.

[@Briluvr]

You'll notice a big difference. It helps to have the highest possible versions of the songs too. Say if you have a lossless format of the song like AIFF or Applelossless plus a DAC then you'll be blown away.

[@RoyalTutorial]

yes think of it as a HD input anything concerning audio will make it sound beautiful

[@chriswebb8220]

Thanks for making this. It answered a lot of my questions.

[@cafnicaud1697]

I tried the optical feature along with a bose sound dock and an LG TV screen ,It sounds absolutely great

[@TheMoochiMane]

I think it's amazing that when you plug in headphones, it cuts off audio to speakers. Dream come true.

[@melquizedec]

+Moochi Mane no shit! really??

[@Audioholics]

Lots of things to consider here. The compression is one thing (what CODEC you're using). We like FLAC for those who want to invest in the space and want the best quality possible, but you also have to consider the ADC (the opposite of this box) which will take the analogue outputs of your Phono player and convert it to the digital stream you are recording. Get that right and everything else is playback.

[@georgestiros4392]

HI. GREAT VIDEO. HOW DO I CONNECT SPEAKERS TO THIS DACK I HAVE THE SWANS 1080 ONE IS ACTIVE ONE IS PASSIVE

[@nimasamimi]

I have question: Since this dac does not offer async usb, why they bother with it at all. All Mac or PC clocks are horrible with music.

[@dredrotten]

I bought a Muse Mini DAC 24bit off Ebay about 4 years ago for $25, it didnt have an internal amplifier or power supply because it wasnt needed, who needs that when you can plug your headphones into the amplifier? It was a big improvement on the sound card.

[@Headphoneaddict]

Funny thing is, I believe they've tinkered with the audio in this video to make people think their sound card sucks. The highs are almost removed, making the audio in this video lack clarity and top end, just like he says at 0:25 Just check out their other videos and compare the audio, the others have top and end clarity, whereas this doesn't. Why does a video promoting a dac with top end and clarity lack the same, I wonder. LOL!

[@enyceofnyc]

I have an A5+ wireless. I’m using built in Bluetooth. Would a dac produce noticeably better sound quality?

[@iwx2672]

Did you find out the answer?

[@enyceofnyc]

@@iwx2672 nope

[@audioengineUS]

Thanks for the video!!!!

[@jadestonecourt]

Would this make a noticeable difference with a Macbook, FLAC CD Full Q rips, and Bose QC15 Headphones?

[@rahulanymation9027]

Before using this dac ,how to know our in built dac quality of pc?

[@mickey5515]

can i use this with the iphone

[@Zillamp3z]

this or a jdslabs 02/odac combo?

[@brocczz]

I have an Audioengine D1 and use the provided USB connection from my HP desktop to the D1, and then the RCA's outs to mini plug audio-in port into my Vanatoo T1 desk top speakers....a beautiful, rich sounding connection. But your video didn't mention using the Toslink/optical connection that this terrific little DAC also has along with (?) the USB from the computer for an even better result for my music. I tried connecting optical from my computer to the D1and leaving the USB also plugged in tandem as I had seen someone do in another KZbin video for power...it shut down the DAC...nothing...no signal to the speakers. I am obviously doing something wrong and could use your help in clarifying this additional set up not covered in your video for an even better sound, maybe as an instructional extension to this video. Thanks

[@stickerhappy85]

do i need a dac if i play songs mostly on my iphone or ipad? is there a big difference interms of sound quality?

[@reynanrocks]

If i want my PC to be my main player do i need DAC? Connect my PC to DAC then from DAC to my receiver?

[@KyleFoxx366]

I'm going to be purchasing these for my Logitech Z906. I hope they make a massive improvement :)

[@EncoreStream]

Will i need a DAC if i have the Xonar Essence STX 2?, bearing in mind this comes with a built in headphone AMP?

[@jonsatvoutdoorchannel6686]

I have the A5+ speakers with the Audio Engine subwoofer and I've had the A5+ since November when I built this high end PC. I got the subwoofer a few months later. My question is I JUST bought the Audio Engine Bluetooth Receiver AND the Audio Engine Premium 24 Bit DAC. I'm planning on using the bluetooth with my iphone 7 plus when I'm in my room and not on or right by my computer. As far as the DAC goes, how is the setup with the A5+ and the Sub and what not. What goes into where? I will mainly be playing music through iTunes but that doesn't use the APTx codec correct? I've just had the A5+ and sub connected to my onboard audio on my desktop so far. I'm new to all this but pretty excited for it to arrive in a few days to play with and figure it all out. Thanks for the response.

[@mallakiNY]

If i want to connect bookshelf speakers to it, do i need to buy a separate amplifier or is one built in already?

[@byronjeremiah]

How bout the AudioEngine N22? Any difference with the D1. Also will you be reviewing the AudioEngine S8 SubWoofer combined with the A5+ any time soon?

[@KRE8TVT]

is it a good deal for 300/pair?

[@luckydhiman]

can i use this dac for my M-Audio BX8 D2 8-Inch studio monitors?? or focusrite scarlett 2i2

[@sadzoot]

Will I need the D1 if I plan to connect the A5's to my lcd tv?

[@lalderman21]

Can I use this with my phone?

[@hieneken100]

Does this work with the audioengine a5?

[@dolcedolente]

Here's a few questions (and nice review, by the way). If there is anyway to ditch my vinyl collection for the convenience of all mp3, I would do it in a heart-beat. Any chance this might get me close to that sort of fidelity? (Not necessarily "cleaner" but "natural/sounds like the artist is in the other room" fidelity)? So far, I would take vinyl over 320 kbps any day; could the D1 change my mind? Also, will this device work hassle-free in Linux? Thanks, kindly.

[@joshtaf8374]

I recently purchased this DAC. The stock A Male to B Male Cable that is included was not long enough to reach my PC. Does anyone have a recommendation for a 6 ft USB cord that will work well with this DAC or do all USB cords preform the same?

[@DavidCyrus]

Josh Taf The power provided by the USB port will not be enough when you use cables that long.

[@joshtaf8374]

Thanks

[@JrKikis]

Would the audioengine d1 be good for my sennheiser momentums (18ohms) and would there be a noticeable difference?

[@bnllama]

very good review. i like the guy too

[@mountveggie]

Will the D1 make a difference if I already have a Creative ZxR in my PC? (which already has DAC components on it)

[@dolcedolente]

Thanks so much!

[@dokanyon]

Hello mate. I just switched to the A5+ , coming from Edifiers Luna Eclipse. I was kinda disappointed because I didn't notice and difference in sound quality etc.. If I buy that thing you have there , the D1, you think I will notice any difference in sound quality?

[@iwx2672]

Did you?

[@dokanyon]

@@iwx2672 no . I bought ifi zen dac and sold it back haha

[@vaquis1]

a question also serves a tv thanks

[@davidliddell5716]

What audio player software did you use?

[@gillsimo5610]

Had my A5+/S8 combo linked to my pc via an Arcam Miniblink Bluetooth DAC but often had to fiddle around to connect via Bluetooth.....so I got myself this 'ere D1 DAC....fiddling has ceased but the D1 isn't a patch on the Arcam.....where once I was in awe of what I was hearing, now I'm just bored shitless by a very mediocre sound by comparison.

[@Mehmehx]

Jamie Oliver's bro who loves sound brah! Informative though

[@mirabilis]

Digital Audio Converter? Fail. Digital (to) ANALOG Converter!

[@vannk73]

True, but it's a common mistake.

[@danielboardman1240]

Stopped listening as soon as I heard that

[@Maximpavlinko]

i thik it will sound good on a 24bit flac

[@Neojhun]

A good DAC is one the most effective and cheapest ways to improve your system's sound. Reason 1 Corne Cutting: Most consumer technology to save cost no matter the spec (24bit 192Khz blah blah) come with terrible QUALITY DACs. Reason 2 Technology: Digital signals as long no error is always perfect. But where shit hits the fan is analogue. DAC is where the analogue signal is born also signal corruption. No matter how good your AMP or DSP bad DAC means started off with crappy signal.

[@Biddybalboa]

not a review just an ad bruh

[@Briluvr]

Yes, otherwise you're using the DAC built into the Macbook which is not of quality.

[@licandres01]

ok im saving some bucks

[@jorgedesantiagon.8901]

Uuuuuu. Thats Hot.

[@Nick_Pascoal_2]

John Madden.

[@raphepongshinnasriyothin6310]

一

[@PawlOwl]

lol, all dacs sound the same. this dude does not know what he is talking about.

[@kaspermittel]

lol, you are saying all dacs sound the same and then say this guy doesn't know what he's talking about, funny

[@Aintry1]

You're hard of hearing. You might want to get your ears checked.

[@PawlOwl]

I will have you know that I have Versace ears

[@Aintry1]

Thanks. I feel much better.

[@dredrotten]

And a skitzofrenic brain, lol

[@stfreeze]

trying very hard lol

[@JustMusicbyRogelio]

I'm looking at getting a pair of Sennheiser hd650 or 700, would this run either of them?