Portable DAC/Headphone Amp Recommendations
Well I’ve dropped my Audioquest Cobalt Dragonfly a few too many times and the right channel keeps cutting out. Those little dongles are slippery. Audioquest told me that they would replace it for fifty percent of the retail cost but I’d rather not be without a portable DAC during the time it takes to exchange it. Anyway, there are some other options out there, i.e. the Mojo Chord 2 and I was wondering if any of you Goners had your own opinions and recommendations on the matter? I most often use my DAC and iPhone combination at the gym so something smaller in size would be preferred. I’ve looked at Earmen, iFi and others but remain undecided. Earbuds are Cardas and headphone are Aurora Borealis. Thanks!
I have the Chord's Mojo 2 and it sounds great. I will use it when I'm walking the dog or just out and about outside - I haven't used it for working out because I don't want to deal with cables and such. If you use your iPhone for music - something like Focal's Bathys a wireless headset with a built DAC may be an option. |
@overthemoon Thanks! I didn't know that about the Focal Bathy's, It makes sense to do that. |
I’ve had a couple of the AQ dongle models too. For my iPhone and iPad portable enjoyment, I went with the TEAC HA-P50 a number of years ago. (…this model is now discontinued ) . Beat the AQ in performance IMO, and its still going strong for me, I’d look at something in current make and model options in this pricepoint strata (or this one Pre-owned …just sayin’) as your next go-to unit. Fugeddaboud the AQ USB models, as you have already pointed out.
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@akg_ca The thing I do like about the Audioquest is that it’s so small that it doesn’t interfere with my activities. I’ve even done my Muay Thai kicks on the bag while listening to it. Out of all the options, I believe the Chord would be my first pick but it seems too large for my purposes. |
