Kanex Lightning to 3.5mm iPhone Headphone Jack Adapter - Reviewed!

One of the most annoying things about the latest generation of Apple iPhone and iPad products is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. It's just dumb to force us to use bluetooth 24x7. Apple includes a lightning to 3.5mm audio headphone jack adapter, but it's a bit of junk. No worries, though, Kanex is now shipping a terrific Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter and it's a far better option.
Tech expert Dave Taylor of www.AskDaveTaylor.com/ checked out the 6-inch Kanex Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter and found it has - quite literally - one shortcoming, but otherwise was a solid adapter for a variety of uses.
Check it at Kanex: www.kanex.com/

[@St32003]

I appreciate this real backdrop the most. Many of the digital/faux backdrops seem to make your videos feel a little cheesy. / Outside if that, great comprehensive reviews by the way!

[@walterzannoni]

Dear Dave. Thanks for your video. In Italy I have not found the cable you present. However, there are two similar and very beautiful cables. One is UGREEN and the other is JSAUX. Both are MFI certified and cost around 15 euros. Now, I know that Apple's dongle has a Cirrus Logic 24 bit 48Khz DAC inside (it seems there are no superior DACs of this specific type on the iPhone). The inserted DAC is not specified for the UGREEN cable. Instead JSAUX claims to have a Conexant cx20985 DAC always 24 bit 48Khz. I've listened a lot with both the original Apple and JSAUX and they both sound very good. You have better information on these DACs. What DAC does the Kanex use for example? Have a nice day

[@jamesr.9239]

Does this adapter allow for the use of "controls" (pause , play , back , forward, volume up and down) that are found on Apple original earphones and some aftermarket ones?

[@rajendrabiswas]

I love the iPhone lightning earbuds .. that kinda inspired me to buy the 3.5

[@darkblueturbo]

I’m pretty much bluetooth only and have been for years so they’ll change didn’t hurt me at all. But now I’m starting to think about upgrading headphones and want something with a cable. Hence I found this video in my searching. Great video. Thanks.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

I encourage you to also check out some of the cool DAC devices that double as a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter too. Same function, but boosts your music for a bit more $$. Here's one I reviewed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4jHkIWVht9rr5I

[@darkblueturbo]

@@AskDaveTaylor that’s exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks.

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

Hello, I believe that you are mistaken. That $10 single is actually a very good DAC. Better than many costing much more. Check out Ken Rockwell article that confirms this with actual measurements. Particularly look at the Signal to noise ratio. You know, evidence/testing/proof.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Ah, I get it. Snark. Gotcha.

[@z7117z]

Never used blue tooth on iPhone. I just ordered this item. Thanks for the information. Apple took away the jack and made me pay extra to convert, and I really didn't want to pay Apple even if it cost me more.

[@dcmurphy5157]

I feel the same way.

[@samdeur]

hi planning to buy the new iPhone .. coming from iphone6 .. the problem with these adapters or dongles is that your basically buying a tiny DAC so the quality is very important. When the apple dongle first came out i read a bout it and the build in DAC is actually not that bad. In fact its better then most.. .. also i can't buy Kanex here in EU so it's a no go for me.. btw i was also looking for a Fiio solution and it's called i1 Apple Lighting Amplifier made for apple so MFI cert. Only problem the cable is 80cm long that's almost a meter of cable.. tha'ts nuts tha'ts almost 40inch if i'm correct..

[@Costa_The_Creator]

I’ve had to use Bluetooth for the most part. Sometimes I’ll plug in with an adapter cable

[@pennywiser9607]

Coming from Steve Wozniak himself I’m sold

[@AskDaveTaylor]

lol. thanks! 😁

[@rags015]

You never spoke about the sound quality of the Kenex adapter. Also does the Kenex output enough power (Vrms) to drive high impedance headphones like your Amiron rated at 250ohms to loud volumes? Please do a follow up review talking about sound quality.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Wow, what a hostile response. I didn't talk about the sound quality because it was pristine. In terms of impedance, that's a much better question for the manufacturer who has access to all the technical specs.

[@rags015]

@@AskDaveTaylor Thank you so much for your prompt response. I apologize for calling the review terrible. How was the volume using the adapter? Was it sufficiently loud?

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Thanks for saying that. I found it got plenty loud enough for my music preferences. I listen fairly loud... 🙂

[@iplayball27]

you don't mention anything about in-line microphone support at all...

[@reece3134]

does these dongles deliver cd quality great ? i’m gonna be using fiio fh3’s

[@ThunderHail]

Did you find this out?

[@toxichitman4236]

Can u use the earphone mic with this connector plug in i wanna know that

[@AskDaveTaylor]

I have tested it and recall that it worked fine. Please check with the manufacturer for a definitive answer, Prince!

[@scuba6797]

I'm still trying to find out how to use the thing with my Ipad pro there were no directions! Going to return it!

[@AskDaveTaylor]

No directions should be needed: Just plug it into your iPad and plug headphones or a speaker into the 3.5mm jack. Done. Then any audio should be rerouted. As long as you have the volume up and not on mute, it should work.

[@scuba6797]

@@AskDaveTaylor Thanks for the reply, I believe what happened was Amazon description said it was compatible with my Ipad Pro but the Ipad Pro has a usb connection slot only. No lightning connector. I should have did my own research first instead of just going with what they said. I think there is another connector for the usb I can get so I can finally use my earbuds.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Ahh, got it. Didn't realize the iPad Pro had jumped to USB-C from Lightning. Probably this that you need then: www.apple.com/shop/product/MU7E2AM/A/usb-c-to-35-mm-headphone-jack-adapter

[@granturismo11]

Do you know if this Iphone's 3.5mm adapter CTIA or OMTP standard?

[@AskDaveTaylor]

No idea. Didn't know there were two types of 3.5mm AUX plug, actually. I'll have to look it up to learn more!

[@LichaelCo]

You forgot to recommend the btr3

[@rickyla9892]

I need the cable so I can connect to portable amplifier for better Earphone sound

[@patrickjustdo-inthings2936]

Can you make calls with the jack in? Thanks 🙏

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Depends what you mean; your iPhone is going to assume the external plugged in device is at least audio out and probably audio in (e.g., a microphone) too. If that's not what you want, it'd be better to unplug, make your call, then plug in again.

[@mrivan6]

You know other option of this decent javk adapter????

[@AskDaveTaylor]

I'm afraid I don't know what you're asking. If you're looking for options, I suggest you check with Kanex to see all their products.

[@Akisa]

My wife was disappointed to find out me and kanex use the same measuring system😔

[@Ch333kyy]

nope i Dont used blue all the time & yes finding this a issues with adapters.

[@BlueSpirit.]

The apple adapter has a dac in it ,thus this one must have one too. So, how does it sound? Is it better sounding, or can you tell the difference? Thanks.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

I have to be skeptical that there's space for a DAC, even on a chip, in the adapter. Where's the data upon which you base this statement?

[@BlueSpirit.]

@@AskDaveTaylor digital to analog conversion is necessary. Can you hear a difference between the two? I'd appreciate your opinion. Thanks.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

They sound 100% identical from what I can hear.

[@walterzannoni]

@@AskDaveTaylor The internet is full of this information. The Apple dongle uses a Cirrus Logic 24bit 48Khz DAC. Many use Conexant just as good. Strange that you are not aware of it

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Strange that you think I would be concerned with the specific chips used in a product when my reviews are more qualitative. Specs can be gleaned from the manufacturer, but how does something sound? That's subjective and that's what I focus on in my reviews.

Very excellent video! Bluetooth is garbage technology, because, it strictly relies on the software being compatible in order to work. I have had tons of bad experiences with bluetooth not successfully connecting due to incompatible software. And even if the software was compatible, it was always a lengthy nightmare to successfully pair the devices. Furthermore, anything wireless causes radiation and reduced audio quality. I strictly use a dedicated shielded cable for true reliability and the very best possible sound quality.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Interesting. I have used literally tons of bluetooth devices (probably by weight too!) and rarely if ever have a hiccup. If you have an AUX input for your stereo, however, that's definitely much easier!

[@chrisstroud60]

Yes the apple dac is kinda cheap feeling however the sound is hard to beat at that price point. It has the best sound quality out of any built in headphone jack I ever had in a phone so I'm glad products like this exist

[@reece3134]

does the Cd quality sound good with the dongle?

[@chrisstroud60]

@@reece3134 its just fine. No need to upgrade unless you use power hungry headphones. Most in ear headphones work perfectly. It will not playback high res tracks or mqa though so cd quality is it's limit

[@reece3134]

@@chrisstroud60 i will be using the fiio fh3’s iem

[@reece3134]

@@chrisstroud60 i’ve never heard cd quality before how does it sound?

[@chrisstroud60]

@@reece3134 it's probably the highest quality anyone can actually hear to be honest. Heck I bet 320 mp3 is good enough

[@michaels6047]

Does it work for phone calls?

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Yes, quite well.

[@leesweet9]

Appears Apple eliminated the jack to make more space inside and for better waterproofness. Thanks for the review!

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Sure, but they could figure out how to have the audio jack and still manage an IPX rating. The question is, does tech lead us into new usage patterns (e.g., we change for it) or should it match our existing usage? They did it with the lightning connector too, if you recall...

[@tntchuck6947]

That's what they said, but it was mostly to save money, and then make more by selling adapters... Which then other smartphone companies followed because they thought they could make the same success apple did and saving money

[@timelesstimesgoneby]

How long does it last?

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Depends on how you take care of it. 🙂

[@mkdsk101]

So one Apple adapter does come with the Iphone 12????

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Sadly, not any more. If you want the Apple unit, you'll have to spend $35 now. Or... you can get the Kanex unit! 🤓

[@mkdsk101]

@@AskDaveTaylor So the wired Apple airpods that use to come with every phone the wire on those are very thin and flimsy and I still have mine and it still works perfect so why should I not just buy the Apple 3.5mm iPhone Headphone Jack Adapter?

[@AskDaveTaylor]

If that's your preference, go for it. The Kanex one is tougher, though, and significantly less expensive.

[@mkdsk101]

@@AskDaveTaylor The Apple one is $7.99 at Walmart.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

I doubt that's actually from Apple, Mark, since it's $35 at Apple.com, but if you can find it for $7.99, that's a great price!

[@ftliverpool7930]

It’s down to space .

[@EEM108]

how long did it last and can I use it daily?

[@AskDaveTaylor]

How long did what last? It's an adapter. And yes, use it daily if needed! :-)

[@ALWH1314]

Haven’t found one lightning audio jack that sounds good enough for high resolution streaming. I use an Empire Ears Valkyrie IEM and Dragonfly Cobalt DAC connecting to either iPhone 11 through either lightning to 3.5 jack or lightning to USB adapter. The sound is no better than same IEM and Bluetooth adapter. On the other hand, iPad Pro USB C adapter delivers much better audio quality. Unfortunately I can’t carry an iPad Pro in pocket, so iPhone should change to USB C.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

Rumor has it that might be coming soon enough...

[@phaidros]

👍

[@whazzat8015]

Every time I spend a moment looking for a dongle , I chant F ## Apple. Cheap ones no mic Apple flimsy F Apple

[@ftliverpool7930]

You obviously don’t know what else the Apple version does !have you tried plugging a mic in and recording video and audio on your phone or other line in accessories ,I don’t think you have a clue .

[@G.Abongee]

😂 Like your Honesty toward Apple. 😂 We all know that the 💩 cable is to 💵💵

[@AskDaveTaylor]

That's a very enthusiastic use of emoji, but... yeah, Apple cables are good, but I do think they're overpriced.

[@rags015]

‘,Audio Science Review’ on researching Kanex/Kenex adapters among others found the distortion level too high. Also the voltage output is less than the 1 Vrms of Apple’s own dongle. This is clearly an overpriced and a woefully underperforming 3.5mm adapter. I won’t be buying this. Apple’s own lightning/usb-c to 3.5mm adapters are the best out there as tested by Ken Rockwell, Audio Science Review, etc.

[@AskDaveTaylor]

I can only say that I skip the lab equipment - because no-one has that in their home - and rely instead on my own ears and own experience. I didn't experience any distortion at a loud listening level and had zero voltage issues or problems. Sometimes lab equipment can lead people to wrong conclusions.

[@rags015]

@@AskDaveTaylor I know that Lab measurements don’t mean much when it comes to listening but it matters a lot in technical details. That’s just what I was pointing out. It helps to do an A/B comparison with other dongles as well. Anyway appreciate the review and your listening experience! Love your channel!

[@ponpko4998]

1:35 thats what she said 😎