Periodic Audio Rhodium: Revenge of the USB DAC?

TEAM SGG PATREON / somegadgetguy
Periodic Audio Rhodium USB DAC Review! I know I have a fair number of cabled audio fans watching these reviews. We never got those great mainstream options we'd wanted to get for USB audio adapters. I'd always hoped a high profile audio manufacturer would step in with a DAC or an adapter, but sadly, these options seem to slide more boutique.
Well, Periodic Audio is a nerd-core boutique label, so let's take a listen to what the Rhodium has to offer!
More info on Periodic Audio: periodicaudio....
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[@ctrlaltclay]

I do in fact like my ears.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Hot take!

[@thelearningparent5641]

I needed this item review. Not many youtubers giving good and honest info

[@williamaungleyraud]

Everyday we get more "pro" phones with less than pro features, this is a nice dongle, but unfortunately then you get forced to either charge your device or listen with a wired solution. Not playing the old broken complain record. And rather I'm happy that someone in the industry is trying to come up with quality workarounds. But it's sad to see less and less phones getting quality components and simply leveraging themselves on brand and media tactics and hyping terminologies based without delivering. To see LG the very last contender in real wired audio solution to consider selling its mobile division marks the probable end to real audio specs in consumer mobile devices. Stand alone DACs are a niche market and having to slab another slab behind your phone for the sake of good audio is uninspiring, another battery to worry to recharge at least. So I'm very happy that a simple dongle on steroids can push some decent audio to high quality cans. Thanks for the video, not many channels bother to bring quality stuff to our niche community 😎👍

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I wouldn't count out Sony just yet, gaming phones might be good places to keep them, and the nord N10 is surprisingly good at audio for the price.

[@richarddcrossley]

You can use wireless charging too. Samsung do a really nice portable battery pack with built in wireless charging. I use that with all my phones.

[@JohnClarkW]

@@richarddcrossley that was my immediate thought. I so rarely plug a phone in, I almost forget that charging is what most people use USB-C for. I do use it that way with a power pack when I am at theme parks.

[@mr559]

This video is something I needed to see. I just got a pair of Audio Technica M40x. I'm using that with my Pixel 3A XL and the headphone jack on the Pixel is disappointing. Volume output is low. The M40x paired with my OnePlus 5 and I'm able to push out higher volumes. (I've tried it with my nephew's LG V30 and it's glorious.) The dongle seems like a good alternative, because I don't know enough about dac/amp combo and building a stack to justify shelling out hundreds of dollars.

[@panzerfan]

Juan, how does this compare to the LG quad DAC? I am really curious about this one. Have you tried MDA and DSD with this?

[@shhhhrrriiii486]

I think its called MQA...

[@hectorg.7282]

Probably not.

[@afmo500]

He meant MDMA

[@shhhhrrriiii486]

@@afmo500 ha!

[@WarisAmirMohammad]

MQA is a scam

[@mistamaog]

Still not a fan of dongles, plugging more things into the charging port wears it out more.

[@FAT8893]

Exactly! That is why I still prefer to have the good old jack since it only do one thing. The USB port can be used for other peripherals and the wear out of it is what I care a lot.

[@mistamaog]

@@FAT8893 Yup, I've had 2 USB ports wear out, so now I'm like extra careful when plugging in to charge, and occasionally use magnetic chargers.

[@colcol6766]

Yeah I'll stick to using my 3.5 headphone jack for this reason

[@Solo842]

I am listening through the rhodium dac dongle right now on my S10e through my cambridge audio SE1 earbuds. They sound so much better through the dongle than the headphone jack on the galaxy. I'm so impressed, I bought two.... Thanks for the honest review. Thanks Juan!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

So happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@Photoandcargeek]

Interesting product, maybe I should try it because going from an LG V20 to an Xperia 5 II I have lost the amazing quality of the headphone jack and I miss it so much. And it is not only volume although I can't really plug in my AKG K720, it is also quality, can't exactly figure out why I don't enjoy the music as much and would rather use aptx hd when, with the same earphones (Shure SE535), I preferred using them wired with the LG.

[@Photoandcargeek]

And Sony's marketing is all about the amazing sound quality of the headphone jack of the 5DII and the placebo upscaling of MP3 (haven't tried with anything under 160kpbs ... So maybe it makes a difference with a crappy MP3).... Too bad

[@mandrael]

I tested the Xperia 5 ii headphone jack. It’s just mediocre. Not comparable to LGs. Sent it back also because of of other things I didn’t like and have now the LG V50. Good to be back, coming from V30. Sad that LG seems to quit or at least change completely.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yup. Sony is "good", and I'm REALLY glad they brought it back to the XPERIA, but nothing really competes against the LG at present.

[@Photoandcargeek]

@@mandrael LG is not selling the Vs and Gs in Europe anymore, they stopped one it two years ago, so not an option for me. I really tried to buy a replacement LG phone but couldn't find one.

[@marcgains6605]

I still an HTC DAC dongle from an old HTC 11, fantastic accessory.

[@kapilbusawah7169]

I'm currently rocking the BTR3K. Best. Audio purchase. Ever.

[@hellsing0999999999]

No need when you have a V60 with a quad dac already inside

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

True story, I convinced the owner of PA to flip his phone to a V60.

[@xcbrr50]

SomeGadgetGuy : of course i know him , thats me!

[@stevemayvisuals]

now that LG called it quits, I'm looking fir a solution for whenever my v60 dies. I COULD keep it as a dedicated DAP but would this be able to power something like the HD 600 or is that wishful thinking? One think I love about my LG phones is being able to use them with my more powerful cans at work or on trips without a bulky setup

[@christopherpape4823]

Same boat here. You ever come up with any good solutions? I've got my eye on the Pixel "a" series for it's headphone jack but I doubt the experience will be the same. 😔 There's gotta be some other phone that offers a good audio experience, right?

[@stevemayvisuals]

@@christopherpape4823 honestly, probably the Sony Xperia Pro but I'm still content with my V60 and really have 0 desire to upgrade in the foreseeable future. The only reason I upgraded from a V40 to V60 was because my phone broke and insurance sent me 3 busted phones before buying me a new one

[@christopherpape4823]

@@stevemayvisuals lol yeah I'm in the same boat my v60 is still great I'm just considering for future reference. Does the Sony have anything beyond a standard headphone jack?

[@skylerbond56]

More wear, and tear on your charging port sadly. Which are not cheap to fix.

[@jralphroman]

Dude really?

[@skylerbond56]

@@jralphroman Yeah, they go out just from charging now it's getting twice the usage.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

What I wouldn't give for dual usb ports...

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

What I wouldn't give for dual usb ports...

[@skylerbond56]

@@SomeGadgetGuy That would be nice!

[@richarddcrossley]

Thanks. I’ve just ordered. Most of the headphone jacks on windows laptops are awful in my experience so this will help a lot (all my laptops have usb c).

[@davidburns8113]

That's some pretty impressive piece of kit

[@shockwave77598]

While I'm on my cellphone, I need headphones. Not battery powered wireless lumps that disappear along with 100$, but headphones. I need to plug in 10$ headphones when I run or work out. If your phone won't let me plug in phones, I won't buy your phone.

[@arborterra]

Great video! Have you considered checking out the Dragonfly USB DAC/AMPs from Audioquest? Their black series is what I'm using to boost my anaemic Pixel 4a (5G)

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I've heard good things. I keep meaning to take them for a spin. I should get on that.

[@skringardhildegard4000]

I'll be honest that box looks like it belongs to the pharmacy

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Everything they make looks like it came right out of a lab. It's their thing.

[@Spearra]

I was looking into an LG Wing and was considering a Filo prior, and although this Rhodium is technically weaker overall, I do like the better portability and it not needing a battery in it of itself. I want to streamline my work flow, not making it worse by having 5 different batteries to keep charging! Considering what it does, $100 is pretty fair. Besides, no batteries to degrade over time so it will be a long lived purchase too!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'd take a listen on the LG dongle first. It's not bad at all. Might do the gig for you.

[@indra95ify]

I generally like my ears but sadly the ear canals are different sizes like yours which make earbuds difficult sometimes You asked so that's my answer 😉

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Get molds. Seriously. They're amazing.

[@ELJefeReviews]

Yes. I do indeed like my ears. Just placed my order based on your video JC!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

LOL! YUP!

[@DibIrken]

Not a fan of dongles. It's a cable. Cables are bound to break. Not to mention they are susceptible to getting lost. I'd rather a bluetooth receiver like the Fiio Btr5.

[@FAT8893]

No thanks, I'll stick with the good old dongle. The fact that this and any other dongle need to use the USB port will affect its life expectancy.

[@miaobinhuang2315]

Can Periodic Audio Rhodium alone supports 80ohm headphones say Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro?

[@SianaGearz]

Not sure why all the dismissive comments down there? It's unfortunate that such a product is needed, but for those who need it, it is pretty slick.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Eh? Techies are tragically bad at audio. 🤷‍♂️

[@dandan6683]

How is the sound fiio dac amp paired with lg v series phones? Can it enhanced the sound?

[@Sercil00]

Not a fan. 50 bucks is a crapton of money for what's essentially a bandaid solution, which adds more BS you have to carry and keep track of and plug together, for something as simple as plugging in your damn headphones. Although I'd still prefer that over blutooth any day of the week. Also, I'm worried about the charging port's durability with this. At that point, I'd rather buy a phone for no other reason than that it has a headphone jack, and if those disappeared entirely, I'd get a separate music player. The music and the camera are 95% of what I use my phone for, and this just complicates half of that.

[@kovy689]

Specifically what don’t you like about it?

[@cucurezenita]

Any other similar suggestions? I can't buy this in the UK😐 Thanks!

[@mingkee27]

Try it on N10 and compare between the adapter and headphones jack N10 has 24bit/192kHz and audio is excellent

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I did an audio deep dive on the n10 for the Patreon. WELL aware of how good that phone is for audio.

[@TalesOfGod]

For $50 USD, I'm seriously considering it. Do you know how they would react with a game console (specifically the Nintendo Switch)? I happen to have a LG G7 (so it has the Quad DAC) and I would love to have similar audio on my computer, Nintendo Switch and other audio devices. I find it a shame that it doesn't have a 3.5 millimeter input to use for other devices but overall, this looks like the best deal for a USB C DAC that I've ever seen. Periodic Audio is already known as a great company for audio in this hobby so I'm glad that if someone caught my attention for one of these, it would be them.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I haven't tried on a switch. I'm not sure if the switch supports audio IO. If it does, I'd imagine this would work.

[@TalesOfGod]

@@SomeGadgetGuy Thank you for the quick answer. After some digging then the Switch seems to enable USB DACs and audio interfaces after software version 4.00 so it should be able to support this in theory as others have tried the same thing. The only issue seems to be that it doesn't support microphones but I don't use them so it should be fine.

[@lo-fidevil2950]

Thumbs up, subscribe. Don’t need the adapter, but appreciate the info

[@chrislopez1918]

Hey Juan nice review , would this make a big difference in my 1+ 8t listening experience

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Over the OP dongle? I'd call that an upgrade.

[@frykauf]

I’m more suprised no usb-c dongle beat the Hidisz S8 yet. It’s $80! I mean I guess nothing will until they release S9 someday (oh wait they did, but independent measurements aren’t out, but damn AK4493 in a dongle!). Goddamn steal for 114 db sinad. Or e1DAC/qudelix 5K for just a touch more powar on the go without going full rubber rings mobile stack. Or also going with Shanling MW200 neckband adapter with dual AK4377A is also nice on LDAC, bluetooth and not terrible and you can use it with your favorite (and maybe also inexpensive) IEM.

[@resonantconsciousness9248]

Impedance is almost always the issue as it changes with frequency and once it's gone through some sort of driver that works the as amp, hard. Low impedance ear buds (sub 16ohm) require a low impedance amp which means more amps and generally less volts. High impedance cans require more volts and less amps for the same power.

[@JustAGameShow]

I have two phones, Sony XZ2 Premium and the newer Xperia 1III, the XZ2 doesn't have an 3.5mm audio jack like the 1III, but both handle Usb audio output and both also handle 24Bit DAC via bluetooth. I own a set of Sony WH-XB900N and also their bigger brothers WH-1000XM3 (both sets came free with the phones) I use the XB900N's more due to the lower punchier bass. Both are good phones, but the 1 III having the 3.5mm jack is convenient as still today, the wired headphones market still dominates.

[@emerson-biggons7078]

I mean it normally costs as much as a btr3k and it offers half as much that the average user will actually use in comparison to the btr3k and btr5.

[@linkofdoom24]

The whole no Aux on phones is what made me just not upgrade. I like my aux port.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I think that idea tracks. Getting more use for your money is always going to be a solid idea.

[@blackholetl]

I like my ears but I still prefer having an audio jack on my phone. I never saw the benefits or heard a good enough difference to care. I use bluetooth mostly but I like having the option to plug in earbuds or head phones while also charging my phone/bluetooth headset.

[@thewinenut9800]

Great video. Would these improve sound from a MacBook Pro to a pair of Yamaha HS7 powered speakers (to be specific).

[@wayne02058]

i have a HD sonata\hidiz dac dongle, its pretty good for $30

[@DXPedro]

This shouldn't be treated as boutique or niche, this should be standard. Props to you and to Periodic! / btw: What movie was that at the end of the vid?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

#Alive. Korean zombie flick. A little on the rails, but an interesting watch after spending a year under shelter in place.

[@josephnevin]

How would this compared to the fiio btr5?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

5:23

[@Boorifee]

Juan, have you tried ve odyssey against this one? Way cheaper, curious whats the difference

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Isn't that only a 16/48k dac?

[@Boorifee]

The new HD version supports 32bit,384 khz pcm streams

[@mr2octavio]

For once, the advertising machine that the internet has become finally works, I've been looking for something that would allow me to eliminate the noise on my headphones microphone generated by my motherboard, and the only options I've found were either to stupid or to expensive. And now, three days after the fact of giving up on my search, lo and behold, the DAC comes up with USB A support and INPUT! Thanks for the review!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

👍

[@JogieGlenMait16]

This is the same with Hidisz Sonata, I guess.

[@AngelLuisEspada1970]

I am a little late 😆 good content

[@TheTheShizzler]

Hey dog, got a question for you. How much does it drain the battery compared to others you've tested? Like if it's pulling all that juice, is it worth killing my battery to upgrade from the multi-year old ones I've been carrying around?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

"Worth" can only be decided by you and how much you like your ears. Some people hate their ears, and that's ok. You're asking someone who uses the crap out of LG Quad DACs and Fiio amps. That battery draw is in the service of a feature I deem critical.

[@TheHopelessGeek]

I guess this takes a little sting out of the fact that my next phone most likely won't have an audio hole in it.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It helps.

[@tams805]

This doesn't change that USB C is not a good connector for extended plug-in time when the connector may come under stress. It doesn't matter how durable the cable is; a circle is better than a rectangle.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I mean, I would want multiple ports. I think that would be obvious. A 3.5mm and TWO USBC's would be ideal. Commenting on this video about USBC durability isn't likely going to sway manufacturer's design though.

[@davidgrim5990]

It's so ironic that cheaper phones like the pixel 4a have 3.5mm jacks. Best was the HD audio adapter for the essential phone.

[@wade_county]

I'd assume that'll get the same results on a 4a 5G? I know Razer had a dongle too.

[@lany_07gaming]

My left ear is damaged can't hear it loud,but then great review as always.👍

[@corey7219]

I have the clipthat usb c dongle. It really is a 32 bit dac. Great for my phone

[@steviepogue5295]

I also like my ears.

[@rohanleander]

Did I see a kz cable

[@christopherpape4823]

So as I consider my mobile audio options after the death of lg (rip 😔) using this in the charge port would sound better than just a regular headphone jack? (My next upgrade will probably be the pixel "a" series, unless the above is true, then I'll consider any jack-less phones)

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah. This dongle DAC outperforms most built in headphone jacks these days.

[@christopherpape4823]

@@SomeGadgetGuy good to know thanks for the reply!!

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

I, too, often have Tool playing on my phone

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

😎

[@MegaMacReal]

I’d like to know how good you think iPhone DACs are in relation to some of these audio adapters.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Apple Dongles are "fine". The build quality sucks, but the audio gear is good for CD quality.

[@guillermog.4257]

Have you ever tried Monoprice? I think it was 9 years ago someone wrote about a pair o headphones in lifehacker and i have not been able to not go back to them for "value for buck deals."

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I live out of mono price cables. I've never tried their headphones tho.

[@Dan-u1l]

@@SomeGadgetGuy I currently have the m1060 planars, and they're amazing.

[@guillermog.4257]

@@Dan-u1l and i was here mesmerized by the sonic Solace I got for 20 bucks. 😅

[@guillermog.4257]

@@SomeGadgetGuy in the case of headphones i think they're your OEM with their own brand. You'll find stuff in every different price point and spec. Mind you I've been in the lower tear of both and still, delivers. 😬

[@kanishcktewatia597]

Dark Knight theme --> InstaLike

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

😎

[@WarisAmirMohammad]

I've asked this before, but... Is it better than the Apple dongle?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

In some ways, yup.

Are there any dogles on Amazon you might recommend?

[@enzopalacios6591]

Nice video. Any recommendations for iPhones with the big ass dongle

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'd just stick with the Apple audio adapter. Lightning connectors are nearly useless at powering USB accessories properly. They can't even read data off my favorite USB flashdrive.

[@hectorg.7282]

I wonder how this compares to the Xduoo dongle? They make a fine product.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

That's another I want to rest drive now.

[@ZeDarkLord]

As good as this sounds, it would be a bit tough to get "mainstream". Mainly because a lot of people, and by a lot I mean A LOT don't want to carry any more stuff with them no matter how small it may be.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Mainstream phones, the devices the bulk of consumers shop, still mostly keep the jack.

[@ZeDarkLord]

@@SomeGadgetGuy They do now, but within 2-3 years there will be almost no phones except for a few exceptions that'll keep the jack. The rise of bluetooth devices was to reduce a bit of the "hassle". But I feel we would need something better than bluetooth for the implimentation to be better. Also, a lot of the devices that consumers shop have a really average dac, nothing too big to be proud of most of the times.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Then we'll cross that bridge in 2-3 years, and folks like us reviewing this kit now should have good recommendations for people who want to keep cabled audio.

[@kylesousa2051]

My ears are ok I guess

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Your ears: 😥👉👈

[@ColdCrush]

Ordered. Thanks for the info!

[@punkbutler88]

TOOOOL

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

F.I. is crazy epic.

[@dalethomasdewitt]

Ain't broke. Don't fix.

[@beck320]

Has Juan ever review the super x-fi?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I've spent time with some creative gear.

[@S0UPIE]

headphone jack gang

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

🎧

[@lukelloyd8976]

I mean, I don't like how they look, but that's because they've been warped by 3 decades of wearing glasses, and puberty But I like it when they work at the listening thing good

[@winterssaphira6478]

For that price no