Best portable DAC for you and my top picks

[@hlway40]

7Hz also has released their first DAC which I believe is 7Hz 71 at around 25-30 dollars. Looking forward to your review of it if possible.

[@Gizaudio]

Keep an eye out for my upcoming video covering DACs under $100. That one just might show up😉! Thanks for watching!

[@lordlopes2424]

@@Gizaudio Hope we can see the Moondrop Dawn there I hear they did some good work there.

[@user-mo3ce3fu9r]

its been 3 weeks🙄

[@jjayala]

I recently purchased the 7hz 71 and I like it

[@danielvipin7163]

​@@jjayaladoes it work with pc?

[@야옹야옹이-v7d]

UA3 has really good value for the price. supported Eddict Player can control output gain, digital filter.

[@Gizaudio]

Agree! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@donniedarko5529]

Good review! I also really like my BTR7, the only complaint I have with it is the fact that there is no clip and that whenever I get a call it connects and disconnects so that isn't fun.. Asides from that I think it is more than enough, it powers my iem and it can power the DCA Aeon o/c and the Arya so it's a good all-rounder. I sold my desktop amp and only use the btr7 since its just more practical and I now only mainly use iems.

[@lukcabral]

btr7 es lo mejor!

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@mayurga8956]

I have one question. Does the btr7 color the sound? I prefer no color from my amps and dacs. That is why I am deciding whether to buy the btr7 or the moonriver 2 as I know from certain that the moonriver 2 doesn't color. So I am looking for a absolute neutral.

[@donniedarko5529]

@@mayurga8956 To be honest I find the btr7 to be really clean, if wired it sounds a bit wider but besides that, there is no discernible alteration to the sound is a powerful clean sound. I previously had the shangling ua5 and I returned cause of that it gave a bit of warmth to my iems which I was not looking for. While I haven't try the moonriver, I would say that one is brighter so for neutral I would go btr7(most fiio products are really neutral), and to add brightness(for what I've read) the moonriver might be a better option though you lose the wireless option which is extremely handy at times.

[@borbetomagus]

I can only wonder if you've seen AndyAudioVault's discontinued 'DongleMadness' project, which reviewed and ranked 118 devices. They rated the S9 Pro, Moon River 2, FC5, with 4½ stars and the UA5 with 4 stars, while the BTR7, UA3 & M3 were unrated. They gave 5 star ratings for CEntrance DACport HD, Cayin RU6, Questyle M15, Lotoo PAW S2, xDuoo Link2 BAL & Ovidius B1. Hopefully you can search out their reviews to see if one of those 5 star devices is worth a look. For anyone wanting an inexpensive option, Venture Electronics offer two unbranded dongles that received 4 star ratings (that have worked for limited needs): Abigail and Avani

[@matusjurcik6974]

The s9pro also has the 4vrms power output☝😊

[@redamoutahir7057]

Which one is the best for a budget ? 50$ to 💯 $ Can please tell which one do you prefer the most ? On daily basis I stumbled between this two units!! Ibasso DC5 and fiio KA3 I picked Shanling UA1 Pro before I would like to change the company. My ears 👂 were pleased 😄 What the difference between UA3 and the other I mentioned above. Please please 🙏🏻 I want to make a purchase can you help me to choose?? I’m running out of time ⌛️ I’d like to hear something beyond nature.. I like music 🎵 a lot and I am seeking for something words cannot explain Which one is more detailed in hearing? Fiio KA3 or DC05 🧨 Please answer me ASAP when you see the comment. Reply( quick) 🎉❤

[@daronz]

Hey! Thanks for the review. May I ask you, which desk dac/amp would you recommend in the budget under $110? Been searching a lot, but no results. Trying to find best dac/amp with mic input or best tube amp in that budget. Any recommendations?

[@edmundgil6008]

Awesome review! Great & suspenseful ending! My BTR 7 just arrived, and I am just putting it through its paces.🎶 What did you think about the Bluetooth performance as compared to the wired performance? I mistakenly got the android version, so I will need to get the lightening to USB-C adapter. I’m curious myself to see which is better! Thank you! (New Subscriber)

[@Gizaudio]

Awesome, I hope you enjoy it. And thanks for watching and subscribing! The USB performance is subtly but noticeably better IMO. Bluetooth still sounds great

[@myplaylists8480]

Hi good sir, I need your opinion on what should I get, a portable amplifier or a music player? I'm confused, Your review is awesome

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks for watching! It depends on what you think might work best for you. If your out and about and your going to be out for a while , something smaller, like one of these might work best for you. DAPs are great but are kinda big and can be like carrying a second phone. However, using a DAP as your dedicated music source frees up your phone for use for other things. Also, you don't have gigs and gigs of music using your phones storage.

[@terrydaniel1524]

Great content but where would you rank the THX Onyx amongst those portable dacs I find the onyx to be one of top brands out there just wondering your take and thoughts on thx onyx.

[@Gizaudio]

Unfortunately, I haven't heard that one. I had my eye on that one for a while and just never purchased it. I've heard good things though. Thanks for watching!

[@memeko24]

hi btr7 compare with moonriver 2 who is better in SQ? thanks

[@snawn4030]

What is the best dongle for Monarch mk2?

[@blacktxars5461]

Cayin Ru6 or Lotto Paw S2 or if you really want the best of the best it's chord mojo 2. I would personally choose Ru6 best price to performance ratio

[@BrenttttttMCMXC]

what dac/ amp for headphone planar

[@piweuf7513]

how do i connect the shanling ua5 to samsung devices?? it doesnt have any output on se nor the bal but works fine with ios and pc

[@piweuf7513]

@@jamesmiller4487 ohh i see, thanks fyi

[@Creeper99PL]

No Qudelix 5K. Bruh.

[@ShawnBuckingham]

I got the 5k. It’s brilliant. I just need to label it so I know what I’m pushing haha

[@simonadams6640]

Agree, I'm not sure why reviewers often split up the BT options from the pure dongle dacs. Pretty much all of the BT ones I know or have can also be used with a cable like a dongle dac.

[@simonadams6640]

Ah he's got the BT7 - but that is a real chonker.

[@Smzxe]

Apple dongle is best My phone has better output than most of those dacs 😂

[@UNSCPILOT]

@@Smzxe *Press X to doubt* I'd bet you've never tried anything but the apple dongle, so you haven't the faintest clue what your missing, or the nonsense your slinging, go out of your comfort zone and try something new that isn't from the sad walled gardens of Apple

[@huckfin1100]

All these things do is make music louder !

[@chellur9562]

blindly buy a cx31993

[@daronz]

Prosuse Consuse 😂

[@aech7433]

Avani + CCA CRA? Any thoughts?

[@khiempham7520]

i have the exact combo, it sounds funny as hell to me. The Avani has a very warm signature, the bass defo has a big boost to it. The CRA itself has a V-shape sound so combine the 2 together, its hella fun to a point its funny. i literally busted out laughing listen to The Scientist - Flux Pavilion at work in front of everyone lmao.

[@aech7433]

@@khiempham7520 thanks man I just need more bass thats all, how about the vocals does avani improves it or just the same?

[@khiempham7520]

Mids are the same, trebel seem a bit tamer but that could just be due to the boost in bass. On that point i use a triple flange wide bore tip(which smooth the treble a bit), soooo dont take my words as fact

[@aech7433]

Okay thanks man. I guess i'll hear it myself.

[@XenoDeki]

Weird that the 7Hz wasn't included in this list. It's probably a video taken prior to the release of the 7Hz because that's current the talk for the most budget portable DAC from a reputable brand so far. It did have a decent chipset inside it all things considered and for its price, it's almost a steal.

[@Gizaudio]

I will be doing a separate video at some point, comparing DACs under $100. Thanks for watching!

[@radenjojo6510]

@@Gizaudio great! can't wait that video, I really want to know how good DACs under $100

[@1846-v3j]

Opinions on UA5 va Cayin RU6?

[@Kylosgrande]

Tried the RU6 ? its made my EW200 iem and Meze 99 classics sound much better, especially the iem, sound stage is like tripled not joking.

[@abellau4105]

What song is playing during the UA3 review? Thanks in advance

[@HobbyTalk]

Would love to see a review on the RU6 R2R

[@eespinosa64]

Too many of these "budget DAC" reviews leave out Periodic Audio's Rhodium dongle DAC. It sounds great, is smaller than those in this video, and costs only $50. I highly recommend.

[@poreporek1]

Dac amp is boost volume? Plz tell me i have cca pla 13 but in my phone i fill low audio witch dac amp I get and boost volume 200%

[@chrismarko9957]

I went with the Shanling UP5 and use LDAC to get rid of the annoying cable to my phone or tablet.

[@synthvault]

Fiio BTR5 or BTR7 would get my vote, especially the BTR7. So flexible in every way and the added Bluetooth is a huge feature for me.

[@ahmedburamis655]

I have Btr7 but i don't no why there is destortion in the audio when i connect it by wire but it works fine with Bluetooth connection i changed 3 type of wires and 2 iem but the i could not figure out the problem

[@pedropicapiedra4828]

Khadas tea is the best 4 iPhone because this dac uses MagSafe

[@4funny58]

Where Audio request dragonfly ?

[@jose.a7698]

I would like to know other cheaper options jsjsjsj

[@nickdawiz]

Great review! Good range of dacs covered :) I jave the S9 Pro and I concur with the cons. It does drain battery pretty quickly so I’m refrained from using it with my phone on the go. Also it does get warm. But it does great in the sound department. Wish a comparison like this were available before I made that decision to buy it! I’m sure it’s gonna help others greatly.

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you! I appreciate you checking out the video!

[@VeerArjun5]

Thank you, I would like to see a dedicated review video on BTR7 from you.

[@rizki4883]

Imma wait for below $100 ver Already have Moondrop Dawn, but still, since i'm new to DAC i like to know, is it good or just worth for the price range

[@Gizaudio]

I will be including the Dawn in the under $100 video. I can tell it competes confidently above it's price point

[@KevinChristianTheUpright]

Fiio btr7 is truly wild card

[@imrin4059]

i have really loud hissing noise with sz pro 10 when i use with usb c adapter to 3.5 and charge. but i think i gonna send back. cus it doesnt work. do u know any good adapter or dac that i dont know how it works that remove hissing or white noise from my SZ pro 10 if gonna use with phone that dont have 3.5mm?

[@HobbyTalk]

Analog knob wins

[@dhonzlimlingan0118]

for mobile.. Do i need to buy a DAC to hear enemy footsteps? headset? CX31993 E9219C E9280 sound blaster g3 which one?

[@Aurowa]

Is it normal that it keeps disconnection if i just moved my phone arround or just barely touch the cable???

[@Gizaudio]

No, it's an indicator of either a bad cable or input/ output wear and tear. I would try a different cable first. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Echizenwd]

I'm having the same problem, all of my 3 dongle keep disconnecting when using with my phone but works fine on computer, so I'm pretty sure that the problem is the usb c connection of my phone

[@galaxyliu369]

try kuangpai sp1

[@eamonneamonn]

Check the specs on the little iphone lighting>3.5 adapter, you might be surprised. I know I was.

[@johnblaze2391]

all those DAC , whats a DAC thats ONE STEP above these dacs ? also whats a DAC/AMP a quarter step down from the mojo 2 gryphon ?

[@woyttas]

FiiO BTR7 Cons: Firmware is half baked at best. It switches to Chinese when you update, it takes quite a long time to pair and connect through bluetooth, battery life is about the same as my Shanling UP4 (which is not enough to last me 10 hours at work). While it has a screen, it's pretty much useless. There's no/0/null notifications about battery level, or connection status. Sharp edges that dig into your skin if you keep it in a pocket without the case.

[@Im_DJ]

Please also include , moondrop dawn and 7hz 71 , need something for the budget shoppers too. Thanks

[@Gizaudio]

Definitely. I have another video coming up that should include the 71 and Dawn. Thanks for watching!

[@Im_DJ]

@@Gizaudio thanks man thats awesome

[@laika25]

No dragonflies???????

[@Yu-Fei-Hung]

Shanling UA2. Super DSD and PCM. No MQA (who cares? It is a fraud) Works fine with Android and Apple. The new firmware enhances its energy consumption.

[@arrowzen7433]

Straight up sound quality - not features - UA5 or BTR7?…

[@wengezhu1]

Missing RU6 or M15 for portable DACs? Those are the best under $250, one for R2R sound signature, another for some of the best Delta-Sigma sound signature.

[@denislemieux7294]

I keep thinking of what Crinacle says, “apple dongle is fine “ 😳

[@Jotepian]

Hi Timmy! What are your thoughts on the ifi Go Bar and Questyle M15?

[@RussianOrthodox63]

Questyle M15 and Cayin RU6 would be the game changers for this review and conclusions))

[@cedricamonn8335]

Very cool i was looking for this 4 an wile and this video came out just perfect in time 👍🏻❤

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@noxiuz1]

I pick myself creative sound blaster play 4, cuz its real cheap but high power (110db and up to 150Ohm)

[@arrowzen7433]

I disagree - for IEMs and portable decides 2.5mm makes a lot more sense for balanced.

[@stanmah5721]

Not really a review; more like product promotion based on features just to keep the channel going. Just another reviewer who's to afraid to give an honest opinion on sound quality.

[@MobileDecay]

Where's the word"review" in the title? 🤔

[@MobileDecay]

@@PocketDelicious Not review though.

[@darrenm4417]

I’m only using my iPhone to stream lossless and hi res lossless via apple music.. Idk what’s bang for buck upgrading from apple dongle. Been seeing jcally jm10 pro, fiio ka1, ibasso dc03 pro. If i need to bump up my budget to 100 usd for noticeable difference. I’m willing to i guess.

[@Salfordshire]

I'm in a similar boat. Using iPhone to Moondrop Aria via Apple dongle which is decent for £9 but the volume isn't as high as I'd like so I'm looking at other options.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

my rec would be smsl and iem as flat/monitoring as possible

[@skeshbtw]

can u guys recommend me some good dac with charging port?

[@bluesteelbass]

Are there any DAC's for Android that do not require an app to utilize?

[@edgardpoe]

I was wondering where were the FiiOs, and then boom, winner winner chicken dinner

[@augustriandyrizkymaris2894]

im using the colorfly cda m1 and so far... it's enough i think.. any of you guys might recommend me to change the dac to something else?

[@NANA-gy7yx]

Major issue with the btr7 is when you connect it to a laptop it doesn't bypass the battery and that ruins the battery.

[@snawn4030]

First

[@carminedesanto6746]

Apple??

[@rovanmohammed6995]

What about moondrop dawn 🤔

[@Gizaudio]

That will be in a separate video. Thanks for watching!

[@imjustsomeguy]

Just wondering, does any of these DACs work with the Wavelet app on Android?

[@jeffscalfano3100]

Does the firefly not deserve a spot?

[@kiramm6627]

I am a great fan from the youtube channel . I always like your reviews and content . I want to buy an IEM (first time I am buying) , I am too confused about what to buy in this offer period . i love to listen carve for vocals and wide separation range between all segments , don't like too sharp treble, and i am not like basshead ,i like moderate bass . which one i have to choose SOUNDMAGIC E11C or MOONDROP CHU i have already seen your review on these iem"s but even though i am unable to choose I want your help brother.😣. Love from India.

[@Gizaudio]

It looks like the E11C is around $45 unless you've found one second hand. I can definitely recommend the Chu but if you can spend a little more $ AND if it's available in India then I would recommend the 7Hz zero.

[@kaitoazure2940]

7hz zero is good IEM for budget, I had one and it’s good, not going to detail but under $60 it’s one of a kind But if you had budget maybe you should aim s12

[@WiiNV]

Jcally AP90 AKM4493 🤔

[@mattriarchal]

was a bit disappointed to see the fiio ka3 omitted here but I guess it doesn't match the price range

[@Gizaudio]

I will be sure to include it in the under $100 video. Thanks for watching!

[@cestca]

I’m always curious about thoughts on the lightning adapter. Thoughts?

[@ekonurcahyo]

What sound signature of fiio btr7?

[@dragonsofnorway]

No FiiO...?

[@squishypeanut42]

Fiio dacs are pretty meh

[@Gizaudio]

Wait for the wild card towards the end 🙂

[@bobhopfner3812]

No Moondrop Dawn 4.4?

[@trash3]

The BTR7 is not really a dongle, but more like portable DAC/AMP. Of course it should be better since its bigger and heavier. The true dongle is something like the Moonriver or S9 Pro. Just for comparison S9 Pro weights 11g while BTR7 weights 67g. Big difference and not really fair at all. Also I expected some sound comparisons. It was all about the features which I can read myself in the product descriptions. The most important thing "sound quality" is missing. I wasted almost half a hour and got nothing from it. Disappointed

[@rahulsls]

Thanks for the review, 👍

[@pfx2259]

Latest greats: Questyle M15

[@Nathillien]

phuh

[@btfr5129]

Great overview man!

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jeremywilliam79]

I want to watch this but lose interest when I see the price points and feature sets. With a Qudelix 5k giving you wired and wireless capability, a fully functional app with eq, single and balanced connection, mic pass through etc. for around $100 I just don’t see the value in these. Maybe if they were $40 it would be interesting.

[@UNSCPILOT]

No two people have the same taste, or have the same needs for their device. In my case I got the Moonriver 2 for my Steamdeck as I wanted wired, very high quality audio with a minimum of extra frills and lots of power, don't need a mic for my single player games, Don't need Bluetooth or I'd just get the Fiio true wireless adapter hooks (might still anyway), and being attached to my Steamdeck fancy control apps are entirely redundant. The 5k might be great for your use case, but not everyone's, and the extra cost can still provide increased audio quality and enjoyment, especially if I want to try difficult IEMs and headphones such as Planars or other more bizzar hybrids

[@maegnificant]

Isn also has a dongle dac

[@CastingCelebrity]

Very nice review!! Thanks!!

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you for watching!

[@supermax822]

Best dongle for um mest mkii???

[@maegnificant]

Moondrop Dawn works fine for MEST Indigo

[@josecintron85]

Would had love to see the THX Onyx in this lineup.

[@afrokidd214]

Will these dac be good for gaming? I'm looking forward of buying the yanyin Canon since Im picky about audio not every headphones sound pleasing nor erbuds

[@DroidLocks6971]

I Use HIDIZS S9 PRO DAC AMP DONGLE And I Love The Difference It Makes Especially ON 2.5 Balanced . . . I've had the.clip on my Fiio BTR3K for years now and it works just fine . The clip has never lost grip on whatever I clip it to . I clip it to my shirt pocket and it's neatly out of the way . The BTR3K With LDAC CODEC Makes My X2HR Fidelio Sound Very AweSomeNess PerSoNiFied . I Have A Short 12inch 3.5 Aux Cable And Clip It Onto My Shirt Which Is Far Better Than Running A Wire Down My Shirt . The Clip Is A Life Saver .

[@jasongibson3574]

The only product that tests quite well according to audiosciencereview is the s9 pro. It actually beats most full size dacs on the market. Don't waste time with the others. Shanling UA2 tested quite poorly so unless they've improved drastically will be found wanting.

[@maciejburchardt7927]

Exactly

[@nicklittle2413]

Jesus, you graphers are delusional.

[@maciejburchardt7927]

@@nicklittle2413 Same as your life.

[@clickbaitpro]

UA2 is not even in the list

[@clickbaitpro]

@@maciejburchardt7927 Then why all the good measured ones sounds analytical, sharp and not realistic in timbre

[@samuelchan3920]

No Qudelix 5k lol no way this is a real video

[@CastingCelebrity]

It's his personal opinion... I gonna respect others opinion... If u wanna complain that much, just make ur own channel 🙄🙄🙄

[@arrowzen7433]

Not BT devices in focus…BTR 7 was a wildcard and is way more feature rich…

[@GOZES]

So what happened to Timmy?

[@smolbo1]

gizaudio is not just timmy. timmy just makes most videos

[@branislavcrljenica2584]

*Godzilla* *ate* *Timmy*