usb amp/dac

[Indian pc builder]

Ok, so, I have a pair of sony wh-1000xm5’s and whenever they run out of battery, I have ti use them plugged in with the wire. However, the audio on my laptop sucks and my new ipad pro m4 doesn’t have a headphone jack, so can someone suggest a good cheap usb amp/dac combo or something that is a single unit and produces sound that is comparable ( probably better) in quality than bluetooth? Also while I ‘m at it, is the 7hz audiophile iem thing that had a video about it a while back a good pair to pick up?

[saintlouisbagels]

Un-ironically the $9 Apple USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter. It's a brilliant little DAC that punches 10x-20x above its weight and is more than enough for most people. Apple released one of the best DAC products ever when they decided to remove the iPhone 7 headphone jack.

 

A lot of Chi-Fi (Chinese Hi-Fi) IEMs are an incredible value and beat headphones 10x their price.

I own the $220 7Hz Timeless and they sound phenomenal. Not as good as $700 and $1500 over-ear headphones I use to own, but they definitely beat other $500-$600 IEMs from back in the day.

 

There are a LOT of options. Here are some.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/moondrop-chu-ii-iem-review.55179/

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-iem-review.37380/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-iem-review.44865/

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/ (I own these too. fantastic.)

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-salnotes-zero-iem-review.50226/

 

Golfing Panda means he wholly recommends the product. Chi-Fi is insane.

[PowerPCFan]

1 hour ago, saintlouisbagels said:

Un-ironically the $9 Apple USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter. It's a brilliant little DAC that punches 10x-20x above its weight and is more than enough for most people. Apple released one of the best DAC products ever when they decided to remove the iPhone 7 headphone jack.

I have a similar $5 usb-A to 3.5mm headphone for my computer speakers, works great lol

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09874Q33W/

 

(guys, just so you know, you can clean up Amazon links by removing everything but the "product ID" and "DP" parts)

[GamerDude]

The only uncertainty for me is, whether those audio dongles can power a regular headphone (like the can that OP has) to loud enough levels to suit OP's preference. Don't get me wrong, I think audio dongles are pretty awesome, it's been a while since I last got one, but the last audio dongle I'd gotten (still using it) is an iBasso DC-02. 

 

IF OP wanna go the way of an audio dongle solution, I'd do as the two peeps here had suggested, get a cheap ChiFi IEM, they pack a mean punch and hit way above their price range. I'm a ChiFi IEM buyer myself, and I appreciate what great sound they produce given their low price tags. Heck, my first ChiFi IEM was a grey Senfer 4in1, loved it so much, I'd also gotten the black version as well....and through the years, have accumulated a few ChiFi IEMs, together with a few mainstream IEMs as well.

 

And to prove I ain't BSing about being an avid fan of ChiFi IEMs, the proof is in the pudding (the pic in this case), the Senfer 4in1 is at bottom right...oh yeah, I actually have a few more ChiFi IEMs that were added, this is an older pic. I usually change the ear tips to the biggest Comply Memory Foam ear tips, to really seal in the sound (better sound isolation as well).

[saintlouisbagels]

11 hours ago, GamerDude said:

-snip-

Damnnn, are those classic Shure SE215 in the top-right corner?

I remember they were all the rage back 10-15 years ago when most websites kept recommending them. I always opted to get the solid-black models though.

 

How do you manage so many IEMs (and headphones, I saw your other posts) ?

I like things simple and designated use cases - 7Hz Timeless for gaming and media, Crinacle Zero 2 for traveling (airline), AirPods 3 for hiking/bicycling, AirPods Pro 1 (foam tips) for loud gym, AirPods Pro 2 for general everyday usage lol