Latest news with #DAC
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
This affordable hi-res DAC and headphone amp will make everyone think you spent thousands on it, and I love its cool VU meter screen
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Topping DX5 II has a double-DAC design with three-stage amplification Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive/HD $299 / £299 – available now in the US, during July 2025 in the UK Topping's new desktop DAC is surprisingly affordable for its specification: the list price is just $299 / £299. It's a hi-res DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier that's designed for dual duties as either a stand-alone desktop amp or as part of a component hi-fi system. The DX5 II is the successor to Topping's highly acclaimed DX5, and it's built around two ES9039Q2M DAC chips from ESS Technology's 32-bit Sabre range. One chip is dedicated to the left channel and the other to the right; because the ES9039Q2M is a two-channel DAC chip, that means there can be two differential signals per channel, which Topping says means a lower noise floor, improved channel separation and better clarity. Topping DX5 II: key features The DX5 II supports PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz over USB (24-bit/192kHz via the coaxial and optical inputs) and DSD to 22.5792MHz (DSD512). It also supports DoP (DSD over PCM). There's a new 32-bit, 16-core XMOS chip for USB data and a high-performance driver for Windows; other platforms don't require a driver. And there's Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive up to 24-bit/96kHz and aptX HD at up to 24-bit/48kHz. The Bluetooth module also supports Low Latency, plain aptX, AAC and SBC. There are three hi-res digital inputs – USB, coaxial and optical – a 12V trigger in/out and three headphone outs: balanced XLR, balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 6.35mm. And the headphones are powered by Topping's new X-Hybrid headphone amp, which is a fully balanced four-channel design that's based on Nested Feedback Composite Architecture (NFCA) with a three-stage design: input, op-amp gain stage and output. Topping says it's powerful enough to drive even difficult planar magnetic headphones, with power output of 2x 7,600mW into 16 ohms, 2x 6,400mW into 32 ohms and 2x 990mW into 300 ohms through its balanced outputs. The DX5 II DAC/headphone amp will be available in the UK this July in a choice of black, white or silver, and is already available online in the US. You might also like The best headphone DACs 2025: top desktop and portable options Need something portable? Here's our review of the iFi GO Link Max. I tested iFi's flagship Valkyrie DAC and found it capable of staggeringly complete sound
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
It's a good day for head-fi fans: two big audiophile brands just released small headphones amps, and you might want both
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Campfire Audio Relay is a USB-C DAC/amp for headphones Pro-Ject Head Box E is a very small desktop headphones amp Campfire Audio Relay: $229 / £229 | Pro-Ject Head Box E: £89 (about $120) Two of our favorite hi-fi firms have released two very different headphone amps. One's designed to live on your desktop, and the other in your pocket or purse, but both promise a significant audio upgrade for fans of the best wired headphones and best wired earbuds. The amps are the Campfire Audio Relay, a portable headphone DAC/amp with a USB-C connection; and the Pro-Ject Head Box E, a compact desktop headphone amplifier. Both are available from July 2025, and both cost less than you might expect. Campfire Relay and Pro-Ject Head Box E: key features and pricing Let's start with the most affordable of the pair, the Pro-Ject Head Box E. That's just £89 / €119 (around $120 / AU$180), and unlike similarly priced amps it doesn't use an integrated chipset for its amplification: Pro-Ject says that it has used carefully selected discrete components to deliver a sound that punches above the amp's modest price tag. The Head Box E delivers 665 milliwatts into 32 ohms, and it's deliberately simple: it has a pair of 6.3mm and a 3.5mm headphone outs on the front – which can be used simultaneously for shared listening – and RCAs on the back. The RCA out is bypassed so it can send unaltered audio to your hi-fi system. According to Pro-Ject, it "outperforms the headphone stages typically found in stereo amps". The Campfire Audio Relay is even smaller, and it's built around the AKM 4493 SEQ DAC chip that according to Campfire, delivers "just the right amount of color and a touch of a classic analogue sound signature." It has 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm outputs and USB-C for wide connectivity with phones, tablets and computers. The Relay has selectable high/low gain, six filter modes and variable bit rates up to 32-bit / 768kHz, and it supports both PCM and DSD playback. The Campfire Audio Relay is £229 / $299 / AU$399 and if you're in London this weekend you'll be able to check it out at CanJam London. You might also like The best wired headphones 2025, all tested by us The best headphone DACs of 2025 so far This Bluetooth DAC and headphone amp is stunningly well-priced
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
New Carbon Fiber DAC From FiiO QX13 DAC For Music On The Go
The new QX13 DAC/Amp from FiiO has a carbon fibre body and a high-spec DAC chipset. Audio brand FiiO has announced the launch of its all-new QX13 flagship pocket DAC/Amp, designed for people who love listening to music with headphones or In-Ear Monitors. Offering 'full-size' audiophile performance in a pocket form factor, the QX13 is the culmination of 18 years of audio research by FiiO. Once upon a time, listening to high-quality audio involved a stack of hi-fi separates in your living room. Now, thanks to the miniaturization of electronics, music lovers can enjoy audiophile-quality sound from a pocket-sized device. Using digital audio from any device with a USB-C port—such as a smartphone or desktop computer—it's possible to enjoy studio-grade sound with your favorite wired headphones or IEMs. A Desktop-Grade DAC The new FiiO QX13 uses the flagship ESS SABRE PRO ES9027PRO DAC chip that's also used in many full-size hi-fi systems. However, FiiO has created a micro DAC/Amp design for making the most of wired headphones and IEMs. The DAC has a fully differential audio architecture and uses eight channels in parallel. The DAC chip is paired with a pair of ultra-low-noise ES9312 regulators that provide a precise output that's matched on each audio channel. Audio signals are restored using optimized power efficiency and reduced clock jitter. FiiO claims the QX13 is particularly suitable for use with its FT7 headphones or FX17 IEMs. The FiiO QX13 DAC/Amp offers 3.5rmm and 4.4mm outputs as well as a color IPS display with hardened ... More Corning glass. The QX13 has four wafer-level and precision-integrated INA1620 chips with a special layout designed to significantly reduce crosstalk. This means there's little or no interference between the two stereo channels, which leads to more accurate stereo separation. There are also two low-noise and low-distortion OPA1692 chips, which provide good dynamics under various load conditions. A custom Desktop Mode available with the QX13 enables extra power to be intelligently drawn from any connected and powered USB devices, such as a laptop. The FiiO Control app can be used to customize the QX13's sound and is available for iOS and Android. The app includes a 10-band PEQ adjustment and can apply firmware updates. The QX13 casing is made with 21 layers of carbon fiber and gives it a lightweight feel that's also durable. The device has a 1.99-inch IPS color display featuring hardened glass and it has a choice of 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced jacks for high-end headphones and IEMs. To protect the QX13, FiiO makes an optional magnetic leather case that's also compatible with FiiO's custom power 'estick' pack, which can provide a powerhouse performance in Desktop Mode even when on the move. Users can choose the magnetic leather case to carry the QX13 and the extra power pack in one handy device. The FiiO QX13 is available now and will be making its European debut at CanJam London on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Pricing is set at $219 /£219 / €239.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Rain inundates south Malwa districts
The rainfall in the entire semi-arid region of Punjab threw life out of gear on Monday. Even as the intermittent rain lashed the region since morning, many low-lying areas on arterial roads got heavily waterlogged. According to Punjab Agricultural University's observatory at the Bathinda-based regional research centre, 79 mm of rainfall was recorded till 2.30 the region has no dedicated stormwater network, sewage lines are used for rainwater drainage. There was a flood-like situation in most parts of Bathinda city, with water level reaching over five feet at some places. (Picture only for representational purpose) Roof of a house collapsed in Bathinda's Parasram Nagar locality. No one reportedly suffered injury in the incident. Many parts of Bathinda and other districts were inundated by afternoon as the municipal authorities have failed to come up with a solution to the chronic problem that plagues various towns and cities, including Bathinda, Ferozepur, Mansa and Abohar. There was a flood-like situation in most parts of Bathinda city, with water level reaching over five feet at some places. Low-lying areas such as Power House Road, Mall Road, Paras Ram Nagar, Sirki Bazaar and 100 Feet Road were the worst-affected by the rainfall. The area around the district administrative complex (DAC) that has the official residences of the deputy commissioner, senior superintendent of police (SSP) and judicial officials was flooded. Rainwater entered the women police station complex which is located opposite the DAC.
Digital Trends
15-07-2025
- Digital Trends
I love my AirPods, but I can't stop listening to the OnePlus Buds 4
Over the years, I've grown a love-hate relationship with wireless earbuds. Primarily, because I strictly adhere to wired audio gear for hi-res audio playback. Second, they serve me the 'yet another device I need to charge' lifestyle dilemma. Forking a few hundred dollars on a pair that doesn't offer the audio flexibility of wired earphones with a DAC that costs nearly half as much seems perplexing to me. I've spent a healthy few months with the vanilla AirPods 4 and still feel the sting of the brand premium I paid for them. But every once in a while, a brand makes wireless earbuds that punch above their weight. The OnePlus Buds 4, which currently start at $100 (after a special OnePlus Store bargain), fall squarely into that vaunted territory. Recommended Videos On a regular day, however, you can get them for the same $129 pinch as the AirPods 4. After pushing them for a few weeks as my primary calling and music companion device, I've been thoroughly impressed by the whole package. Better, right at the gates When picking wireless earbuds, the most important aspect is the in-ear fit and comfort. The AirPods ditch the ear tip design, which means the ear canal seal is loose. A lot of noise creeps in from the sides, and in the absence of active noise cancellation, you're perpetually dealing with it during music playback. Another major issue with the AirPods 4 is their one-size-fits-all approach. In my case, they go in, but the hold is far from reassuring. I can't make it past 200 meters without having to adjust them during my morning walks. When it gets sweaty, the situation is worse. With the OnePlus Buds 4, I'm in a different ball game. The angled earpiece head, paired with the rubber eartip, offers a noticeably better grip and comfort. I don't have to worry about the earbuds slipping off during workouts at all. Plus, the supplied box comes with ear tips in three sizes, so you will likely find one that fits right with the unique shape of your ear canal. For me, the M-size tips offer the best seal, helping land at the perfect fit as well as passive noise isolation. That approach brings its own set of benefits. Even with noise cancellation disabled, there is simply less commotion and chaos getting into my ears. With the AirPods 4, the volume levels have to be cranked up in order to drown out the ambient noise before you can even think of losing yourself in a soulful track or a thoughtful podcast episode. Now, let's talk controls. Apple goes with pinch-based controls on the stem. Every time you go to attend a call or switch to the next track, you almost always end up readjusting the in-ear position. The shorter stem looks better, but at the same time, it also makes the job of executing those gestures more disruptive. Most importantly, you can not make volume adjustments on the AirPods directly. One either has to rely directly on the phone or summon Siri to do the deed. On the OnePlus Buds 4, the process feels natural and intuitive. I just have to slide my finger up and down on the touch-sensitive strip, and the job is done. OnePlus also lets you customize the gestures across long and short taps for a variety of tasks. And it doesn't matter whether the paired device is an Android slab or an iPhone, you can make the tweaks without any ecosystem limitations. It's also worth pointing out that Apple limits the AirPods 4 to IP54-tier dust and water resistance, while the OnePlus Buds 4 do one better with IP55 level protection. These are all fundamental conveniences and shape the daily experience of using wireless earbuds. The AirPods 4 prove to be the less thoughtful product in the race despite being the world's highest-selling product of its kind, while the OnePlus Buds 4 offer a more rewarding (read: less frustrating) time on a daily basis. Audio quality is simply no match The AirPods 4 are your vanilla pair of true wireless earbuds. They are entrenched deep within the Apple ecosystem conveniences and get the basics right, too. You want earbuds for calling and the occasional tunes to dim the drudgery of the daily commute? Get the AirPods 4. Despite featuring fewer mics than the OnePlus Buds 4, the Apple earbuds offer superior clarity during calls, both cellular and app-based. The OnePlus device doesn't disappoint with its triple mic system, especially at silencing the ambient noise signals. It's just that the audio signature is a tad different for the person on the other end. Switching to other aspects of owning wireless earbuds, I'd pick — and recommend — the OnePlus Buds 4 over the AirPods 4 any day. Sheer audio quality is just one of those reasons. The current-gen AirPods are not terrible, but they can't match the refined bassline and soundstage of earbuds that feature a dual-driver system, each with its own DAC. There is simply no equivalence between the level of detail you can resolve while listening to cinematic tracks or instruments in folk music. After testing the OnePlus Buds 4, the AirPods 4 just sound too muddy, chaotic, and lacking character. Listening to 'Lost But Won' by Hans Zimmer, the thumping bass was dampened, robbing the song of its definitive pulsing beats. Likewise, Havi's deep and warm crooning sounds flat with the AirPods 4, compared to the sparkling and layered output you get from the OnePlus Buds 4. Now, there are two other aspects that I would like to highlight collectively. The absence of a sealed design and active noise cancellation means you need to crank up the volume levels to drown out the ambient noise. That's a rational strategy, but it comes with its own caveat. The big differentiator, of course, is active noise cancellation and transparency modes. But more than just the obvious benefit of a noise-free listening experience, ANC ensures that you can listen to music at nearly 50% volume level and don't necessarily have to boost it all the way up, which eventually leads to tearing and clarity issues. At high volume levels, especially above the 80% mark, vocal distortions become inevitable. With the AirPods 4, it's easy to notice the tear in vocals and the overt instrumental sharpness. There's a visible sibilance in the treble range, as well. The OnePlus Buds 4 go with a warmer tone and higher frequency bandwidth, letting you enjoy near-pristine hi-res LHDC audio even at 50% volume levels, while ANC does its job in the background. It just makes more sense OnePlus' implementation of 3D audio sounds more immersive than Apple's Spatial Audio on the AirPods 4. But what truly sets the OnePlus apart are the sheer number of add-on features. There are a couple of ear canal and hearing tests that personalize the audio to the sensitivity and shape of each ear canal. Then there's the audio customization system in place. You get a proper EQ customization system complemented by sound profile presets and dedicated bass output controls. Apple doesn't offer custom EQ profiles for the AirPods 4, but only a long list of tuned presets to pick from, hidden deep within the Settings app. Next, even with ANC enabled, the OnePlus Buds 4 consistently last longer than their Apple rival, and similar is the situation is with the charging case. Apple says 10 minutes of charging time is good enough for two hours of playback, while the fast charging system on the OnePlus Buds 4 will give you 11 hours of listening time. That's over five times higher playback time compared to the AirPods 4. Apple doesn't offer anything in the retail package, but the OnePlus Buds 4 come with a charging cable and three pairs of eartips, so there's that thoughtful perk, as well. Overall, what I got from the OnePlus Buds 4 is a far better value than the entry-level AirPods 4 for the $129 price tag. In my home market, the OnePlus Buds 4 are currently going for $70, or $75 without a store discount. At that value, they're leagues ahead of Apple's audio ware. In conclusion, it's not just the bargain value, but the fantastic listening experience that makes it hard to put down the OnePlus Buds 4 these days.
