Audioengine 32-bit D1 Portable Desktop Headphone Amp and DAC, Preamp, USB/Optical Inputs, Hi-Res Audio Playback (2nd Gen)

Product Information

I've also played with the idea to connect S/PDIF out on my PC on my current dac for non-critical listening, and connect the USB in of the new dac (that has to have an input selector, my current one does not) to a streamer so I get the cleanest path for Roon listening, while keeping the convenience of a direct attached dac for when I use the PC for other things than listening through Roon (the PC is also the Roon Server) I would think optical cable would isolate ground and other noise.

This device also has a DAC (decoder) function that can improve sound quality. It uses the AKM AK4396A DAC chipset and supports uncompressed wireless transmission of digital audio streams at a 24-bit super-sampling rate, thereby achieving a higher signal-to-noise ratio and comprehensive improve sound quality.

Dedicated Gaming Rig

Audioengine B1 DAC uses a unique circuit design and a precisely tuned external antenna to extend the wireless coverage of the signal, with a transmission distance of up to 30 meters and very low power consumption. B1 provides a more reliable signal transmission stability and ensures that there is no sound quality. Design Currently I find that I mostly stream to the DragonFly Red on my MacbookPro (I also tend to use my speakers more often now). It's the best SQ I have been able to get so far, but not without issues... More than just a DAC, you can use the Auris bluME to upgrade your old sound system to a smart one. You can use your old receiver and stream music from your phone or computer. You just connect the Blume to your receiver using the RCA ports and then connect wirelessly to your smartphone.

The D1 accepts inputs from both USB and optical and has outputs for any audio system or headphones. The D1 DAC is the perfect way to get great-sounding music not only from your computer but from your TV, Apple TV, Blu-ray player or CD player. DirecTV and Comcast also have optical outputs for high-res audio. Setup is easy and no special software, app, or driver is needed, making D1 a true plug-and-play digital audio solution. HEAR THE DIFFERENCE YOUR MUSIC WILL SOUND BETTER, GUARANTEED. The Blume has a premium finish and can be placed alongside some of your most expensive equipment. It also doesn’t take up space as it measures only 2.95 by 3.5 by 1.0 inches (75 by 90 by 25 millimeters). ProsNative MQA support on the Dragonfly Red is nice, but I don't like the fact is doesn't have a physical volume knob so I won't use it a my primary DAC... I still have much less local High-Res files than those I can access through Tidal. I will build a library over time (I tend to buy what I really like), but right now, having MQA is a bit of a plus while I rely on Tidal so often, I think... Lauren Daigle’s G What would be the best way to isolate a direct attached usb DAC? Can it be done with something on / between / before the USB connection (currently good USB cable + Jitterbug) or is it easier to just buy a streamer to do it through the network? There is a slight difference between the two, mainly that the D1 has a slightly less noisy signal, but by and large they are very equal. I have not heard an early production unit. But this one is impressive.

The D1 accepts inputs from both USB and optical and has a preamp output to connect to any audio system, powered speakers, or headphones.A digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) is a clever box that receives a digital audio signal – perhaps from a computer, laptop, smartphone or games console – and turns it into an analogue signal that you can enjoy through wired headphones or speakers. The resolution, or the number of output levels that a digital to analog converter can reproduce. It’s usually stated in bits, where a one-bit DAC can produce two output levels, an eight-bit DAC can handle up to 256 output levels, and a 24-bit DAC is getting around 16.8 million output levels out. A higher resolution means a higher audio bit depth. If you're not an audiophile, or you can't build a listening room (coffin apartment, partner, etc) than you should look at upgrading your headphone system.

Handles up to 192 kilohertz and 24-bit content. The AudioEngine D1 has both USB and optical inputs. The USB connection can handle files with 92 kilohertz at 24 bits. But the optical connection takes it notches further: able to process 192 kilohertz at 24 bits. I chose Roon for it's capability to scale to multi-room setups and understand why people care about SOtM's, MicroRendu's, Aries and other streamers... I am keeping an eye out for those as well, but need stuff to hook em up to first... But that's tomorrow... Now I have more pressing issues.

Here's our selection of the best DACs you can find for your computer, laptop, smartphone or games console

Although not large, the B1 has relatively solid workmanship. The gray metal shell and plastic panel are low-key and professional. The metal shell helps maintain good electromagnetic shielding, but it also means that an external antenna becomes necessary. For example, Sennheiser’s HD800 headphones are rated at 300Ω and, if the DAC isn’t designed to cope with this, the sound may be very quiet. Your everyday gaming headset, in comparison, is rated at a much easier-to-drive 32Ω. Should I care about sampling rate and bit depth? Note: With the DAC Magic 100 (another of my favorite DACs) I had no issues. With the D1 I ended up having to change the output device from “Audioengine D1” to “TV/Amplifier.” No big deal. Your mileage may vary. Switching it to TV/Amplifier allowed the sound to come through the headphones. I’m not sure why it was being difficult, or why the sound wouldn’t come through even though the settings were right. If you have any insight into this, let me know! ERGONOMICS SCORE: A+ Any extended warranties offered by Peter Tyson are free. We do not include any form of insurance terms such as accidental damage or loan equipment cover. However, standalone DACs became available because of terrible audio quality. Over time, however, technologies have improved, and digital music became more and more commonplace. As such, there are only a few reasons why you would need a DAC today: