I've notice the difference in the stock Pixel 2 dongle vs a Razer dongle I have. I'm not sure if it's because it can drive it a little better, but it does sound a little different in a good way. I remember reading that the THX DAC in the Razer dongle is 'gimmicky', but I've been alternating between the two to see if I can spot the difference in the two. You do bring up a point with the Apple USB-C dongle, which (knock on wood) would be something I would grab if my current dongles fail.