FiiO updates its desktop DAC/amplifier line with the new flagship K19. This is an all-in-one device that builds upon the K9 Pro ESS with a new form factor, integrated screen, HDMI input/output/ARC support, new ES9039PRO DACs, an 8-channel THX amplifier design, a dedicated DSP engine for 31-band PEQ with onboard EQ profiles, and much, much more to help justify the asking price.
Today we examine the new TOPPING D70 Pro SABRE, which uses the flagship ES9030PRO DAC, and the A70 Pro headphone amplifier that has enough power to drive even the most demanding of headphones. The two also get a new color display with useful features, extensive I/O, and plenty of other quality-of-life improvements.
The Fifine AmpliGame AM8 is a budget dynamic microphone with USB and XLR connectivity. It comes with a practical table stand and has all the bells and whistles you could desire from a $50 microphone – and more!
FiiO adds to its portable DAC/amplifier line with the new KA13 which uses two Cirrus Logic CS4131 DACs, dedicated op-amps, and a capable USB audio bridge in addition to a desktop mode for those who want extra power for more demanding headphones.
The AVerMedia Live Streamer Mic 350 is an ambitious USB-C microphone for streamers, podcasters, singers, musicians, and other content creators and enthusiasts. Being tuned by DIRAC, it includes a host of software features that greatly improve its functionality.
S.M.S.L adds to its impressive audio source portfolio with the budget-friendly SU-1 DAC. It offers multiple inputs, a clean and transparent sound, good build quality, and an easily concealable form factor at a compelling price to warrant a place in your first desktop audio setup for headphones or speakers alike.
Gustard enters the TechPowerUp review database with its A26 streamer DAC that uses dual AK4499EX flagship DACs as part of an excellent engineering design to put out a compelling sound. It has a variety of inputs and outputs to appeal to even the more discerning audiophile while also including plug-and-play network streamer functionality too.
TOPPING aims to lower the entry barrier to electrostatic headphones with its affordable EHA5 e-stat amplifier. It uses a solid-state design to deliver clean sound and has plenty of power for even demanding sets while offering both balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs, as well as a pass-through mode, further enhancing its versatility and value.
Saramonic wants to target content creators with its new BlinkMe smart wireless microphone system. It consists of a receiver and two transmitters in a highly portable form factor that allows for mono or stereo recording on-board or passed to a camera/PC for high quality audio recordings as needed.
FiiO enters the $500 desktop DAC/amplifier market with its new K9. It uses the flagship K9 Pro ESS as a base and provides a well built and engineered source with plenty of inputs and outouts, ability to handle sensitive IEMs as well as more demanding headphones, and also works as a preamp for speakers.
FiiO adds to its portable DAC/amplifier line with the new KA5 which uses two Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, dedicated op-amps, and a capable USB audio bridge to allow plenty of power and good sound off its two headphone outputs. It also has an OLED screen with an onboard OS for added customization to sweeten the deal.
TOPPING expands its popular E/L series of DACs and headphone amplifiers! Today we examine the ES9028PRO-based E70 along with the newer AKM AK4499EX-based E70 VELVET DACs, and pair them with the powerful NFCA-based L70 amplifier that makes for a potent stack that aims to do it all!
FiiO, via its budget-focused sister brand Jade Audio, updates the popular Q1 portable DAC/amplifier with the new Q11 that uses a large integrated battery to drive more demanding headphones than competitors do in this price range. It offers 3.5 / 4.4 mm connectors in addition to using RGB indicator LEDs for both function and form alike.
iFi may be popular for its mainstream DAC/amps with onboard customization options and a warm sound signature but did you know it also caters to the more professional audio market? Today we examine its Pro iDSD Signature network streamer/DAC/amplifier with its solid state or tube output modes for excellent, high-quality sound as part of an extremely impressive feature set.
FiiO re-invents the DAC/amp wheel with the new R7 desktop network streamer all-in-one unit. It uses a novel portrait form factor with an integrated touch screen display and Android OS paired with extensive I/O and support for both headphones and speakers to be the most versatile audio source I have ever tried!
The Creative Sound Blaster X5 is, in many ways, the company's most ambitious external sound card to date. It's aimed at demanding audio enthusiasts who want excellent sound performance and rich software features in a single unit.
iKKO adds to its portable DAC/amplifier line with the new Heimdallr ITB03 that offers both wired and wireless connectivity on top of 3.5 mm SE and 4.4 mm BAL outputs. It also sports an OLED screen with physical buttons to make for a complex but rich menu system with digital filters and operating modes alike.
HIFIMAN returns to the desktop DAC/amplifier market with its EF400 source that uses the company's self-developed R2R HIMALAYA DAC paired with a truly balanced topology and a Class AB amplification circuit. It offers extensive headphones and line outputs off just USB input and puts out a unique sound signature which plays very well with HIFIMAN's own planar magnetic headphones.
FiiO shakes up the affordable desktop DAC/amp market with its K7 that offers excellent features for money. You get two AKM AK4493S DACs paired with THX AAA 788+ amplifiers, a clean power supply and USB decoding stage, as well as native USB drivers for ASIO support to drive IEMs and headphones equally well.
Did you ever look at the missing 3.5 mm audio jack on your phone, decide you wanted a dongle or portable DAC/amp to help replace it for better sound and compatibility for both IEMs and headphones, and also want it to have RGB lighting on the side? Hidizs has just the thing for you in the form of its new XO portable DAC/amplifier!
xDuoo is known for its affordable headphone tube amplifiers and today we see how it manages to achieve that with the new TA-22 DAC/preamp/headphone amp. It uses two ESS Sabre DACs coupled with an extensive selection of inputs and outputs with a hybrid amplification stage to look good and potentially sound even better.
Sonos fans rejoice: the long-awaited Sonos Sub Mini is here! In this review, we're taking a look at the company's freshly introduced wireless subwoofer, which isn't exactly cheap, but presents a more compact and affordable alterative to the "regular" Sub.
S.M.S.L enters the TechPowerUp review database with its budget-friendly SU-6 DAC and SH-6 headphone amplifier, which stack together for a combination that is already a commercial success. We take a detailed look at both in this review, and see how the combo performs for those looking at a starter audio source set that doesn't take up much room or leave your wallet empty.
FiiO bridges the gap between portable DAC/amps and desktop sources with the new Q7, using desktop hardware in a smaller form factor. It manages to pack in everything you can think of including buttons, knobs, and even a screen in addition to extensive I/O connectivity, desktop and mobile support, with lots of power off both battery and DC modes.
Questyle puts its patented current mode amplification to good use not only in the desktop space but also the mobile market. Today we examine the Questyle M15 that offers one of the very best portable DAC/amp listening experiences with sensitive IEMs as well as power-hungry headphones too.
