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South Africa, Pretoria
1 Level
723 Review
75 Karma

Review on 🎧 Enhanced Audio Experience: Silver DAC Digital Decoder Headphone Amplifier for Hi-Fi Sound by Daniel Hicks

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Details and dynamics are incredibly valuable

First of all, I have to say that this Aiyima DAC-A2 headphone amplifier has the same sound as a device that is five to ten times more expensive! It produces detailed, dynamic and very tight, powerful bass. Here's the setup for my first listening test: the Grado RS2e reference series headphones. Apple iPhone 5V power supply as a power supply. Notebook MacBook Air. A 2008 recording of Berlioz's Fantastic Symphony performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Dudamel. There are very bright and thunderous passages in the music, especially in the 4th movement, that strain many staves. The Aiyima DAC-A2 reproduced the symphony in a wide range of colors, detailed strings and very convincingly melodic bass drums. The symphony becomes more convincing and understandable. You can almost feel the excitement of the conductor and musicians in this live recording at Disney Hall. I also compared the Aiyima DAC to the more expensive iFi iDAC2 headphone amp with separate iFi iUSB power supply ($800 installation). While the iFi setting produces a slightly cleaner sound in the high end, the Aiyima surpasses it with finer detail, more timbre and more excitement. In short, this Aiyima DAC offers incredible value for money. It's a safe bet, especially if you're trying to find your first headphone amp. Finally, I have a couple of suggestions after discovering this very small issue: The headphone jack shouldn't have that kind of indentation. The plug of my Grado headphones cannot be fully inserted. As a result, I have to hold it by hand throughout the listening session. Although this might not be a problem for most other headphones.

Pros
  • Fingers crossed
Cons
  • Protection