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!

128x128goofyfoot

@panzrwagn Thanks for the input. The Topping would be a bit awkward for my needs. My primary goal is to find something that I can use at the gym. I know that may seem odd however, I spend a lot of time there and music is a motivator to make me get out of my chair. At this point, I’m wondering if I can justify both the cost and the size of the Chord Mojo 2. I’m thinking Velcro, rubber bands, etc…to make this endeavor a workable solution.

Sounds like the Dragonfly works well for your needs.  I’d just suck it up and listen without it until the exchange comes through, and a 50% discount doesn’t exactly suck.  Oh, and try not to drop this one so much.  FWIW.

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@srinisr The iFi Hip DAC 3 looks like a good value but the volume knob is awkward unless I could lock it in place to avoid accidentally turning it up.

@soix Yes, the Dragonfly is convenient but I was thinking that I could get an upgrade in sound quality however I’m starting to believe that all of these portable DAC’s are probably very similar in sound quality.