Best USB-C DAC Dongle ?

[DigitalDreams]

Currently enjoying very high quality 24bit 2410 Kbps FLAC files via my Samsung Galaxy S10+, Poweramp app and Soundmagic EllC wired earbuds. The sound is exciting, clear, noise free and rich. It can send shivers through my spine with tingling bells. The rich bass is good too (yet not quite as deep as my old four speaker JVC HA-SZ2000 LiveBeat headphones).

Now the dilemma. Mobile phone upgrade time (probably S23 Ultra), headphone sockets have sadly gone. Hence I'm forced down the external DAC route and prefer the dongles to stand alone amps for portabilty. First searches reveal the Dragonfly Cobalt and Helm Audio Bolt as the front runners for quality and ability to drive larger headphones ?. The latter preferred due to its usb-c connector and short cable to help avoid USB socket damage if knocked.

Thoughts ?, what is the best USB-C DAC dongle ?, any issues in real use ?, will Android Poweramp still work really well and give full control with pre-amp, graphic equalizer etc ?. Can I achieve the same audio quality or exceed it ??. I've also heard of some recommending a USB-C filter to help cut out supply line noise (especially if charging while listening) ?

HELP ! (knowledgeable/admin replies only please)

 

[Al ears]

Currently enjoying very high quality 24bit 2410 Kbps FLAC files via my Samsung Galaxy S10+, Poweramp app and Soundmagic EllC wired earbuds. The sound is exciting, clear, noise free and rich. It can send shivers through my spine with tingling bells. The rich bass is good too (yet not quite as deep as my old four speaker JVC HA-SZ2000 LiveBeat headphones).

Now the dilemma. Mobile phone upgrade time (probably S23 Ultra), headphone sockets have sadly gone. Hence I'm forced down the external DAC route and prefer the dongles to stand alone amps for portabilty. First searches reveal the Dragonfly Cobalt and Helm Audio Bolt as the front runners for quality and ability to drive larger headphones ?. The latter preferred due to its usb-c connector and short cable to help avoid USB socket damage if knocked.

Thoughts ?, what is the best USB-C DAC dongle ?, any issues in real use ?, will Android Poweramp still work really well and give full control with pre-amp, graphic equalizer etc ?. Can I achieve the same audio quality or exceed it ??. I've also heard of some recommending a USB-C filter to help cut out supply line noise (especially if charging while listening) ?

HELP ! (knowledgeable/admin replies only please)

Welcome to the forum.
Unfortunately, once you have posted, you cannot specify exactly who can reply....

 

[jjbomber]

Now the dilemma. Mobile phone upgrade time (probably S23 Ultra), headphone sockets have sadly gone. Hence I'm forced down the external DAC route

Sony Xperia still have them. Best sounding mobile phone and even LDAC for Bluetooth.

 

[Friesiansam]

Unfortunately, once you have posted, you cannot specify exactly who can reply....

On many forums, saying “HELP ! (knowledgeable/admin replies only please)”, will get you a flood of pee taking replies.

 

[Al ears]

Currently enjoying very high quality 24bit 2410 Kbps FLAC files via my Samsung Galaxy S10+, Poweramp app and Soundmagic EllC wired earbuds. The sound is exciting, clear, noise free and rich. It can send shivers through my spine with tingling bells. The rich bass is good too (yet not quite as deep as my old four speaker JVC HA-SZ2000 LiveBeat headphones).

Now the dilemma. Mobile phone upgrade time (probably S23 Ultra), headphone sockets have sadly gone. Hence I'm forced down the external DAC route and prefer the dongles to stand alone amps for portabilty. First searches reveal the Dragonfly Cobalt and Helm Audio Bolt as the front runners for quality and ability to drive larger headphones ?. The latter preferred due to its usb-c connector and short cable to help avoid USB socket damage if knocked.

Thoughts ?, what is the best USB-C DAC dongle ?, any issues in real use ?, will Android Poweramp still work really well and give full control with pre-amp, graphic equalizer etc ?. Can I achieve the same audio quality or exceed it ??. I've also heard of some recommending a USB-C filter to help cut out supply line noise (especially if charging while listening) ?

HELP ! (knowledgeable/admin replies only please)

The iFi Audio GO Link comes well recommended and is cheaper than the Helm Bolt

 

[daveh75]

On many forums, saying “HELP ! (knowledgeable/admin replies only please)”, will get you a flood of pee taking replies.

And rightly so!

 

[Hugh Jarse]

On many forums, saying “HELP ! (knowledgeable/admin replies only please)”, will get you a flood of pee taking replies.

....If any at all.

 

[DCarmi]

Bluetooth LDAC was subsumed into Android so, in theory, all recent Android phones have that codec. This does include the S23 Ultra, though I think you may have to turn it on in the developer settings. But this is not what you asked.

If you want to go the DAC route, The Ifi Go Link, which is fairly cheap and very portable and does 32bit/384kHz and drive the E11Cs just fine. I'd start there and then look to upgrade if you feel the need.

I'd probably look to compare the Ifi Go Link with a more expensive device to see what benefit you might get, for your outlay. I suspect you won't unless you upgrade the IEMs to something a bit bigger and more demanding.

Poweramp, which I do use, will be fine with whatever you connect to the USB-C port or wirelessly via Bluetooth or Chromecast. This includes the equaliser.

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

My Dragonfly Black seems to do a great job (through a "tail" to convert to USB C). Would recommend.

 

[Timbot]

I borrowed a relatives Dragonfly Red a while back. It made a lovely job of the music library on my phone. I used USB Audio Player Pro as the app on my phone and it worked a treat. Doesn't half hammer your phone battery though!