yeah is definitely too much for me, I was thinking on something in the 60ish $us, that cost like 3 times more of whats I paid for my IEMs and accesories
Hidizs S9 is something you can consider at budget range, of xDuoo Link/Link2
iBasso recently released a 4.4mm output capable one, with dual dac.
unfortunaly none of those come with a lightning/iPhone version
If portability is your main focus the ddHiFi TC35i is a good option, but otherwise I think that the Fiio BTR3K (it´s about US$69 on Amazon) is a good option, it has enoth power to driver the IEM´s that you mentioned, you can use a Lightning to USB Data Cable or connect via Bluetooth.
The Apple dongle measures very good, one of the best dongles with this form factor. If you want something better, the Hidisz S8/Tempotec Sonata HD PRO (the same product, Tempotec is the manufacturer) measure the best in the price and better than even the audioquest dragonfly and a lot of desktop DACs.
All of these support a mic AFAIK.
2 Likes
everyone recommends me that one, but in its page it says that it does not support microphone
Just get the apple dongle, that also measures pretty good and is enough for most IEMs. If you think you need more power get an amp with a low output impedance.
Here the Specs from the S8.
I have the S3 and run with the Emu Purpelheart very well.
Personally the Producter is good and the price too for use every day is enough.You need not more.
For sure the S8 is better as the S3 in connectivty.
Just an FIY: the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro is the same as the S8 but half the price.
2 Likes
I paid $250 for my Topping D50s not too long ago, and now that I see this gizmo for $40 I think, “Eh, pass; there will be something even better for half the price soon”
That is the way of chi-fi lol. If you already got something good, waiting will just give you something better and/or cheaper.
(although perhaphs with the AKM incident, that rule might not be the case for sources for a while.)
Hello again,
Massdrop offer acttually the ALPHA & DELTA MK 2 for 28$ maybe an Option for the Apple.
It give for Android too and in Balanced version.
Tempotec Sonata HD Pro. Comes with USB-C and Lightning cables. $60. Not a ton of power, but it’s clean. Would be fine with lower-impedance, higher-sensitivity cans.
much cheaper than that on aliexpress actually, 31€ ~= 37$
1 Like
Maybe I gave you bum advice, Juan? If so, sorry.
I bought the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro today to drive my Sennheiser HD 560s (120 ohm impedance, 110 db sensitivity), and I must admit I’m underwhelmed so far.
I know this is a dongle and not a nuclear substation for power, but it seems like the Sonata HD Pro only gives me about two more clicks of volume than driving the 560s straight from my iPhone 12 and the Apple Lightning DAC dongle. The sound isn’t really cleaned up THAT much, either. I expected more considering the praise here and other audiophile lairs online.
Am I doing anything wrong? Or were my expectations too high? Or does this prove again that the Apple Lightning DAC dongle is the best $9 bargain in hi-fi?
Thanks.
Juan:
A very helpful dude at Audio Science Review just gave me a tip that transformed this thing.
The Tempotec Sonata HD Pro recognizes the HD 560s as low impedance cans and switches automatically to its low gain mode. You need to follow these steps to fool the Sonata HD Pro into thinking the HD 560s need max power:
- Connect the 3.5-mm adapter that comes with the HD 560s into the Sonata unit. (The HD 560s come stock with a 6.35-mm plug)
- Connect the Sonata with the 3.5-mm adapter to your source (phone or laptop) with the provided cable so the source recognizes the connected HD Sonata.
- Connect your headphone cable into the 3.5 mm adapter connected to the Sonata and your source.
Wonky as hell, part of the charm and frustration of Chi-fi devices. But damn if it didn’t work. I’m listening comfortably to my 560s from my iPhone 12 at half-volume, with better fidelity because of the additional power.
I don’t need to do this trick with my Meze 99 Classics and Moondrop Starfield because they’re both low impedance and high sensitivity and don’t need the high-gain power. Hell, they both really don’t need amping, but they sound better with the Tempotec’s amplification.
One of the reasons I like the Tempotec is that it comes with a MiFi (Apple)-certified adapter. No need for the Apple USB Camera Connector. I wish the Tempotec cable was sturdier, but that’s the price of a $58 Chi-fi device, I guess.
2 Likes
Hi OP! What did you end up getting? I’m planning to get a similar setup( TC35i + BLON BL03, cable upgrade w/mic). I’m worried about the compatibility and if the mic will work.
Hello people, I too am curious about an iPhone Dongle. I like the form factor of the provided Lightning Dongle, and after searching the web, I stumbled upon one on HiFiGo: