Best Portable USB DACs 2021: Comparison & Review | Moon Audio

Read our full review: www.moon-audio.com/best-portable-usb-dacs-2021-comparison-review
Buy the Clarus Coda here: www.moon-audio.com/clarus-coda.html
Buy the Astell&Kern Dual DAC Cable here: www.moon-audio.com/astell-kern-usb-c-dual-dac-cable-pee51.html
Buy the Earmen Eagle here: www.moon-audio.com/earmen-eagle-usb-dac.html
Buy the iBasso DC05 here: www.moon-audio.com/ibasso-dc05-usb-cable-adapter-dac-amp.html
REVIEWS
Read more about the Clarus Coda: www.moon-audio.com/clarus-coda-usb-dac-review
Read more about the Astell&Kern PEE51: www.moon-audio.com/astell-kern-usb-c-dual-dac-cable-pee51-review
Being an audiophile on the road is much easier than it used to be. As technology continues to get better, it also tends to get smaller and more portable. Most importantly the price of the product goes down typically the smaller it is and becomes more accessible to those who might not be ready to spend thousands of dollars on gear for the sole purpose of making their music sound better. Hi-Res audio is now accessible to the consumer too.
USB DACs come in many shapes and sizes. It can almost be overwhelming to know where to start, especially if you are delving into high-fidelity for the first time. Bottom line: using an external DAC is one of the best and easiest ways to greatly improve your audio quality. What are some of the best portable DACs for Hi-Fi? USB DACs are a great place to start, so let's get down to business and check out some of the top USB DACs on the market for your digital music.
0:00 | Introduction
0:14 | USB DACs Overview
2:41 | Important Updates
3:29 | Build Quality
6:35 | Sound Quality & Signatures
9:41 | Features & Specs
10:58 | A Note About Safety
11:33 | Conclusion
#usbdacs #portableaudio #audiophile #astellnkern #pee51 #clarus #codadac #earmen #eagledac #sparrowdac #ibasso #dc03 #dc05 #dragonflyred #moonaudio #custom #customcables #new #musiclover #headphones #hifi #hifiaudio #highend #highendaudio #madeinusa #madeinnc #freeshipping #smallbusiness #wired #musicians #soundengineer #soundengineering #soundquality #highquality #proaudio

[@tommilliken7740]

Just recently purchased the Syba 24-bit USB-C Dac to use on tablets and man is it amazing, small and powerful, puts out just as good of sound as my LG V20 ESS Quad Dac with a little louder top sound, now no I don't use audiophile headphones but I do use a pair of Skullcandy Crusher Evo's and man talk about bumpin, they'll vibrate very easily right of my head and still to this day best headphones for rap (especially if you grew up like myself having 2 12" Polk DX Subwoofers with 2 Kicker Comp 12s in a hatchback)

[@LDN_BOX]

I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle of all the wires, so bought a Sony A105 Walkman! Love it!

[@mitre86able]

love the echo effects :D :D :D :D :D

[@lantern054]

Hi, wanted to know if ibasso dc05 will same exact same a Fiio btr5 just in terms of pure audio? When connected in usb with 3.5 jack. As both share same chip and almost same power output🙂

[@deepsgowda]

Can we use this DAC/AMP for Bluetooth speakers like Marshall Killburn 2 and for car audio system thru 3.5 mm audio jack ?

[@Luis-ph7tu]

They have a lightning to usb a dongle you can buy from apple. It’s called the lightning to usb Camera adapter.

[@biancadekker6678]

DAC ASTEL & KERN PEE 51 is awesome i hook it up with my powered speaker and its beautifull believe me .

[@burn1gotbeats]

Hey loved the review if don’t mind what would you recommend for mixing Audio on the Ipad i’m using bayereddynamic Dt 240’s i think there 32ohms ?

[@devenmajmudar839]

Alo Audio Pilot is awesome with iPhone adapter

[@mdk12172633sg]

Why haven't you review shanling UA2, hidizs S9 pro and fiio ka3 ....

[@sammy9003]

how will the dc05 pair with tma 2 studio headphones(32ohm 97db sens 100mw max power)?

[@JPC326]

How would you compare them to the Rhodium Dac ?

[@shiroyukirein3365]

Hi, do i still need a DAC if my samsung S22Ultra output at 32 bit / 384 khz audio?

[@user-gd9cd1ge7b]

maybe Lotoo Paw S2, cayin ru6 or Luxury & Precision W2(131)? which one is the best?

[@sudheshsankarkk]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@anil5394]

Hi mate, i have sony wh1000xm4 and sennheiser ie 300 and ie80s, will a dongle dac make them sound even better, is fiio ka3 any good compared to ones you mentioned, pls help me choose, thanks

[@Rsalmond83]

I bought the Lotoo Paw S2 and it’s a banger over all of those! Plug and play with iPad Pro thru Qobuz with HD6XX. Has Parametric eq’s and bit perfect volume control. High and low gain, MQA which sounds terrible on Tidal. Balanced and unbalanced connection.

[@CesarEnglishTeacherCesar7Peru]

Hi there Love your content How does it compare Luxury and Precision W1 to Lotoo Paw S1 Which is better in sound quality Just to use it with iems (no need for more amplification) Love dongles (Separation, details) Neutral is my thing 🤙🤓 Thank you so much 🤟🎧

[@MIKELUVE1]

like the video thanks for the info. but , whats the loudest headphone amp / dac ? got good headphones wanna blow my ears off !! lol

[@NickFlack]

can fix noise issue on android phone?

[@pracheerdeka6737]

Do ibasso dac has analog filter

[@qazifaisal5]

I literally just lost my audioquest dragonfly red dac cap one day after I got it lol so yes I hear you . I have the cobalt also but the red one I use more because it's great for hiphop and rock based music with lots of bass.cobalt is better for more clarity.

[@AndroidSTheOfficialKnight]

I wanted to see the Luxury & Precision W2. Do you guys have a review on it yet?

[@moon-audio]

We do not sell that product, but we do appreciate your interest in our reviews! The Clarus CODA is our recommendation for the $300 price point. You can read our in-depth review here: www.moon-audio.com/clarus-coda-usb-dac-review

[@toast9965]

I'm looking at the A&K PEE51, Fiio KA1 and Earmen Sparrow. Don't know which one to go with. My other question is how big of a difference does having a balanced 2.5 out make?

[@on3orafter]

I had the dragonfly red and sadly the contacts failed after the warranty finished. I think known issue with this product the cable causes stress on the soldiered joints.

[@moon-audio]

Yes- we found the contruction quality with the Dragonfly series DACs unsatisfactory as well.

[@medbelheni9488]

Came here hoping to hear more about shanling ua2 and ibasso dc05 and maybe the new THX onyx in a direct comparison, none of them were in the here 😅 Still a great video tho, enjoyed it a lot...

[@moon-audio]

The DC05 wasn't out when we recorded the video. DC05 is a highly recommended USB DAC!

[@toast9965]

Hey, I really enjoyed your guys'video. It was very informative and useful. As someone that's kind of trying to get into the audiophile world and I felt like if I could just enhance what I have going on with my smartphone that would be a great place to start. The ones that I had my eye on are the A&K Dual DAC or the Fiio KA1, I'm going to pair with some Studio reference headphones from Beyerdynamic.

[@moon-audio]

Thank you! We definitely recommend the PEE51. www.moon-audio.com/astell-kern-usb-c-dual-dac-cable-pee51.html

[@toast9965]

@@moon-audio Last question for you, are all DACs compatible with MQA or is that unique to each one. Furthermore, how important is that file type for music playback? The main thing I saw was Tidal.

[@moon-audio]

@@toast9965 not all DACs are compatible with MQA. In fact, it’s more rare than the usual. However, to our ears, a hi res song streaming on Qobuz sounds better than most MQA recordings and MQA recordings are still in limited supply. Do you require MQA playback in your DAC?

[@umbertofurlan501]

you should have used cobalt instead of red to make a more interesting comparison. anyway which of the various dacs you compared in this video do you prefer in absolute terms?

[@moon-audio]

We used the Red to represent the more middle of the road for performance / cost between the Black and Cobalt. Preference really depends on the user - for those not wanting to spend a lot you can't go wrong with the iBasso DC05. The Eagle and CODA are also favorites in our office.

[@markjaylagutan4789]

Is dacs can improve the sound quality of the music that is downloaded? I always listen music offline coz i always download musics.

[@ustav_o]

yes lol, why wouldn't it?

[@wassilia1234]

If it is not crazy compressed it should Otherwise you're wasting time listening to shitty music.

[@Andersljungberg]

If you mean download from a streaming service, then the file should be as large as the one you can stream. And if you buy albums from, for example, Qobus or hdtracks, it should sound good

[@jaydhanu6673]

Sir please unbox best DAC in reasonable price, will be waiting for your video .

[@moon-audio]

Stay tuned! We're currently working on a video covering the best USB DACs of 2022... 🙂

[@kallex7741]

Thx man awesome channel

[@moon-audio]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@emreisiklar]

How about best portable dacs for iphone?

[@javtimestwo]

I would be interested in that. Apple sold 40 million iPhone's in 2021. The market is out there!

[@lukewarmbloodedmammal]

How does the Clarus Coda compare to the Dragonfly Cobalt?

[@moon-audio]

Clarus CODA just sounds more natural to us. Dragonfly's sound filtered that make the music "digitalized." The Cobalt is the best of the Dragonfly bunch, but it's just doesn't compare to the CODA in our opinion.

[@lukewarmbloodedmammal]

@@moon-audio Ok got it, thanks for the explanation! :)

[@crankiisago]

hi, any recommendation for warm one sub 200?

[@moon-audio]

We have some new offerings from iFi Audio in that price range: www.moon-audio.com/headphone-amplifiers-dacs.html#/filter:brand:iFi/filter:calculated_price:100:200/filter:calculated_price:*:100/view:products

[@veritas2022]

So these USB DAC recommendations are for laptop/computer use? Dongles are for phones?

[@moon-audio]

You can use these USB DACs on either phones or laptops, as long as you have the correct adapter. Most come with a USB-C adapter for Android devices. 🙂 For Apple iPhones, you'll unfortunately need a CCK adapter cable to make these work. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out: www.moon-audio.com/contact-us

[@Shraavaan]

I have a question! I'm currently using BLON BL-03 and preparing myself to purchase iBasso DC05! So if you've BLON BL03 available with you.. can you tell me how much difference does DC05 makes if we pair it with BLON BL03!!!! . Currently, I'm using BLON BL03 directly with my smartphone which has an in-built DAC decoding chip- *Cirrus Logic CS43130* with a *TAS2562 Class-D Audio Amplifier chipset* and it sounds decent overall! But I really want to try iBasso DC05. . Can you tell me should I go ahead and purchase iBasso DC05 or keep using my phone with built-in DAC Cirrus Logic CS43130? One more thing, In my country iBasso DC05 is costing me $80 all taxes included 😭 *iBasso DC-05- $80* Considering this point should I purchase it or not?

[@shreyash6495]

Did you bought it? I was also thinking of buying it.

[@NagarajCruze]

I’m also thinking to buy dc05 for my kz zsn pro with my iPhone XS

[@SanceShaji]

The built in dac in your phone is good. In fact the previous versions of the DC05, the DC04 and DC03 uses dual CSS43131 DACs which is the upgraded version of CS43130. Although the DC05 has a technically better DAC than the one found on your phone, I don't think you will notice a lot of difference in the sound quality between the two. So I recommend you to buy a better IEM first (costing more than 7.5K rupees minimum ) and then buy a better DAC/AMP if you're not satisfied with the sound quality of that IEM.

[@Shraavaan]

@@SanceShaji Yes brother 😊 I bought Moondrop Aria 👌🏼 Awesome sound quality, such a well balanced IEM.

[@NagarajCruze]

@@Shraavaan how aria will sound with iPhone’s Lightning to 3.5mm?

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

The Cayin RU6 is now the best Portable USB DAC.

[@moon-audio]

So you own all of these dongle DACs and can say that from experience?

[@user-gd9cd1ge7b]

I was just about to buy it.

[@flick546]

how is this compared to say apple usb c to 3.5mm dongle? that is only 9 dollars

[@moon-audio]

Hello, we expect you'd notice a considerable improvement in sound quality over the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm cable. However, if you're an iPhone user, you'll need the Apple CCK adapter to use any of these USB DACs. You can read more here: www.moon-audio.com/blog/connect-apple-iphone-ipad-to-headphone-amps-dacs

[@flick546]

@@moon-audio thank you for your reply. will try an ibasso

[@dasninjastix]

I wonder if the Sparrow being discontinued had to do with the issues with electromagnetic interference it has. I do love the Sparrow but it can and will interfere with other electronic sources (especially a phone). It also doesn't seem limited to their included OTG cables either. However when you use the balanced input it outpaces most entry level desktop setups I've tried (Liquid Spark stack, JDS Atom+ stack, Schiit stack). I have mine paired with an iFi Purifier 2.0 and while it's a pretty silly setup when you're staring at it, it's hard to complain about the looks of it when the sound punches FAR above its weight class. I hope a future revision addresses the disparity between single-ended and balanced inputs (balanced being far superior) and the static pops and crackles it would produce during initial playback.

[@audiofile1178]

Does the iPurifier help with Sparrow's EMI? I returned my Sparrow because of the EMI problem, might give it another try or get the iPurifier for other products if it works well.

[@dasninjastix]

@@audiofile1178 I don't know, because the Sparrow run from both my laptops has no pops or hisses or anything. I definitely think there's a sonic improvement with the iFi Purifier (more so than a desktop DAC) but I can't say it's correcting any of the interference issues. For example, if I have the Sparrow connected on my desk and I set my phone near it, and then I get a text message, I hear loud distortion in the Sparrow. I don't know why text messages specifically but my headphones will buzz like a phone's vibration noise before I receive the text message. And I don't mean it's just noticeable in terms of noise. It's jarring. So I'm not badmouthing the Sparrow, I use it, I really like it, but it has problems, and the firmware update for it hasn't resolved them, and unfortunately the iFi Purifier doesn't seem to mitigate them. It does make it sound a bit more intense, a bit blacker, a bit more dynamic, and seemingly more controlled. I would not endorse it though lol, I'm just doing it because I have both components. I just picked up a Hidizs DH80S and it has now supplanted all my other dongles. If you can live with its form factor, I would suggest checking out iiWi's review of it. I agree 100% with his assessment. It will lead me sell my entry level desktop stacks.

[@audiofile1178]

@@dasninjastix Thanks, will check the DH80S. Right now, I'm more interested in the Cayin RU6 though, waiting for more reviews before making the final decision...

[@dasninjastix]

@@audiofile1178 I am on Passion for Sound's Discord and a member there acquired one. He really likes it, doesn't have a Chord Mojo to compare it to another portable R2R DAC but he did note that there was audible hiss when he used a special edition Campfire Andromeda Gold. That's a really sensitive IEM though, but it was a bit of a deal breaker for him since that's why he purchased the unit. He decided to keep it and instead purchased an iFi power match cable (pentacon) and has informed us that it has resolved the issue for him, and that he loves the unit. I was tempted but I wanted to test something with its own power supply. I think I will wait for a hypothetical Chord Mojo 2, with USB C hopefully 🤞. He also advised that the RU6 appears to be well built, has some density/weight to it, but is not bad on the eyes either. Hope this info helps.

[@Druezy]

@@audiofile1178 I'm the person Das mentioned about the RU6. I really love mine, but wait for full reviews to see if it is what you're looking for. It was a nice upgrade from my BTR5 in sound quality on top of being a warmer signature like my Bifrost 2.

[@McTimkiller]

So you say my integreated dac in my samsung S10 is not good? What is better???

[@moon-audio]

USB DACs like the ones in this video are a great way to improve the overall sound quality of your listening set-up. If you'd like more recommendations, please reach out to us here: www.moon-audio.com/contact-us

[@tinostarks]

do any of these sound better than an LG phone with a quad dac?

[@MarkVP]

I have the LG V60 and a AK PEE51. I couldn't tell the difference in quality when testing. I have the AK for other purposes or until I have to upgrade my phone to something else. Sad LG left the phone business. Best sounding phones ever IMO.

[@oxy84]

Hey i need dac for ps4 slim conveter in pakage wich dac should i get on thight budget?? 50$

[@javtimestwo]

I wish you could have included the $9 Apple 3.5mm lightning to headphone jack adapter. Despite what some people believe this adapter does include a built-in DAC. Belkin also makes something similar but they are sold for around $39. There are customers like me who want to learn about the higher priced but also the budget friendly portable DAC's. Thank you!

[@moon-audio]

Well said. Here is the problem with the Apple Dongle. Forget about the sound. It is so poorly built you have to buy them by the case. No kidding I bought 30 for my 3 kids as they break so often. It would not take much to make them better. And the fact they are $9 and Apple has to make their money how much do you think in materials cost this equates to. Durability for a product like this in my opinion is 50% as important as sound. And for that reason alone I give the Apple Dongle an F. Apple really needs to smarten up and move all devices to USB C. The iPad Pros use them and thus provide so many more USB dongle Dac options. Better yet bring the darn headphone jack back. What a dumb idea... While not Cheap we have had the best all around experience with the Coda. It is fantastic for the money. I could easily live with the rest of my life.

[@javtimestwo]

@@moon-audio I appreciate the feedback and information. Just more for me to learn. A lot of people say the Apple Dongle breaks easily so I'm hoping I take care of mine much better. You have to understand though I am interested in your thoughts about the sound. If you can share anything please do. As for the Coda, the price is $300. I cannot justify spending that much $$ to listen to Apple Music on my iPhone that will allow me to play lossless or hi-res lossless. I know with the Apple dongle I cannot play hi-res lossless but $300 is just absurd. I guess only an audiophile would pay that. I don't even have expensive or high end headphones. The USB-C is another conversation and hard to argue about that.

[@shshankking]

I bought AK PEE51 with Apple music lossless music..

[@dhonzlimlingan0118]

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

[@jlparcerisa]

What about the Fiio Jade or Fosi DS1?

[@ekjellgren]

Ifi go bar?

[@moon-audio]

Great product! Stay tuned for our Best USB DACs of 2022 (coming soon) and check out our iFi products here: www.moon-audio.com/headphone-amplifiers-dacs.html#/filter:brand:iFi/view:products

[@magarincho]

what do you think ibasso or hiby

[@arijitgayen644]

Where is tempotec sonata hd pro?

[@MrBfg586]

Spotify doesn't have high resolution audio

[@iftekharahamad4840]

Their 320 file still sound so good than any other competitors 320.

[@monarakudumbiya957]

Ifi go bar

[@moon-audio]

Stay tuned for our Best USB DACs of 2022 video, coming soon! 😁

[@monarakudumbiya957]

@@moon-audio Looking forward to it :) . Can you touch on aspects like, if they can drive some of the lower end over-ear planars ? 😁. Too many reviews on these dongles are about iems :)

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Bought a Dragonfly. IT WON'T WORK ON MY VIVOX70

[@jinzoboy]

The $9 apple usb dac is pretty good for the price

[@bart9522]

No tests? Really?

[@moon-audio]

Hi Bart, we're currently putting together our 2022 version of this video. Hope you'll consider watching when it's released!

[@bart9522]

@@moon-audio Absolutely.

[@MobileDecay]

"Here's a bunch of dacs that you can't buy. 😄"

[@AthenaAutocross]

Search for cheap dacs, this is the first result. 300+ dollars... Sure is cheap.