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AidenBernstein t1_jedybb0 wrote

Can you recommend me a dongle for my laptop/phone?

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roladyzator t1_jeemt50 wrote

Apple or Samsung USB-C dongles are fine, but on Android phones they require some fiddling in UAPP every time you connect them to get the volume limit removed.
You can do this for free (UAPP Trial works to unlock the volume), but it's a nuissance.

Also, the Samsung dongle is impedance-sensing, which means it slightly reduces maximum output voltage if you connect low impedance headphones, like K702 or the planars.

So I recommend something like Tempotec Sonata HD II, because it is using one of those ESS chips that have 2V output and do not care for headphone impedance.

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maXXXjacker t1_jees7kh wrote

If you have the money and want to do it right, the Qudelix 5k would be my first choice and only choice.

If I need to keep under budget, next on my list would be the Creative SXFI AMP (not to be confused with the X1 which looks identical). The SXFI AMP has a LOT of power compared to other cheaper dongles. 370mW at 32 ohms. It happens to be on sale for 60 dollars. The Creative app for it is kind of trash on PC but it's usable, same with Android. You can adjust bass and treble and select from some presets and there is also the SXFI gimmick which I hate but you can turn this off if you share the same feelings about it. Works on PC/Android.

Last for me would be the Truthear Shio because it suits my tastes for neutral sounding headphones.

There is probably some new hotness out there in dongles but the only one I can confidently recommend that should delight is the Qudelix. Worth every penny.

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AidenBernstein t1_jeguh3s wrote

Got any links to the sxfi amp one sale? Thanks for the help, much appreciated

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maXXXjacker t1_jegvfm9 wrote

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