Review on 🎧 Sabaj DA3 Portable USB DAC Headphone Amplifier with OLED Screen, SABRE9018Q2C, DSD512 32bit/768kHz by John Beltran

DSD/DoP playback] I'll update when I get serious use. I'm currently using my old Sennheiser HD595 as I'm still considering replacing it. ---------------------------------- ------------------------------ --First impressions---------------------------------------------- -------+ USB-C is good. I've tested USB-C to USB-C on both my laptop and Essential phone, both work with no issues. at volume levels during DSD playback (see note 2) - I would definitely prefer the rounded corners, especially since it's designed as a portable DAC, I'm seriously tempted to 3D print a case for it (search for 3945722 on Thingiverse) - - ---------UPDATE-------------------------------- After prolonged use I can tell you that there is definitely a battery drain. If you have a device with a large battery or a spare battery and an adapter that can withstand charging and USB, then everything is fine. But only for phone usage you need to limit usage time. ---------------------- ----------------------- ---- ------- ----Notes:------------------------------- I heard this Ding drains the battery fast, but I'm always online, so I'm kind of immune. With that in mind, I can play music through the DA3 while charging with a cheap USBC->USBA, HDMI and USBC adapter, just plug in the power first and then the DAC. I'm used to only having one DAC volume control while playing DSD (because DSD over USB), but it's not limited to that DAC. At least the OLED display tells you how loud the volume is at the moment. When I play a high-resolution music file from the Google Play Music app via Files, my phone recognizes it as an "HD Audio Device". Topping NX4 is said to be superior (sound quality and functionality) but costs $60 more than this DAC --------------------- --- ------ -------------- --For DSD playback (via DoP): ------------ --- ---------- -----------Windows:1. Install Sabaj's XMOS driver (from their website)2. I am using FooBar2000 with ASIO support component (foo_out_aiso) (from FooBar) together with Super Audio CD decoder (foo_input_sacd) from manisiutkin (from SourceForge). Just double-click and follow FooBar's instructions to install the components.3. Files->Settings->Tools->SACD->Output Mode, choose DSD+PCM or DSD4. Files->Settings->Playback->Output-> "DSD : ASIO : USB DAC ASIO"5. Set the PC output volume to MAX, this is very important as any DSD output below 100% cannot be decoded. Player (with unlocker), USB Audio Player Pro and Neutron work with DSD, Android and Sabaj DA3, there are probably others but these 3 turned out to be the most suitable in my search. Onkyo player for no particular reason, but it works. Again, make sure your device's volume is set to MAX.