Apple Music Best portable DAC, what do I need for near lossless?

[tripleh3lix]

Hey there guys, was wondering if there was a portable DAC (with battery) option for my iPhone/Mac/iPad.

Do I need a special lightning adapter that has better DAC capabilities (over the 44khz limitation)? And if I wanted to use the 3.5mm cable for the AirPods max, what would be the max I could get using a DAC for my iPhone?

I do have a pair of Sony XM4's, so these are my two options at the moment. I know they're nowhere near top tier audiophile grade, but just looking to bump up SQ a bit as I know I may not be able to take advantage of full ALAC. At the moment, a wire with better output capabilities, or a portable DAC seems to be the best option.

 

[aliea13]

You wouldn't want to use the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm adapter as it would defeat the purpose of the external DAC, rather get the Apple Lightning to USB camera adapter that keeps the signal digital and connect it to a good quality external DAC like the Audioquest Dragonfly Red

 

[tripleh3lix]

You wouldn't want to use the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm adapter as it would defeat the purpose of the external DAC, rather get the Apple Lightning to USB camera adapter that keeps the signal digital and connect it to a good quality external DAC like the Audioquest Dragonfly Red

Can I do this with the AirPods Max? Would it be worth it to get the 3.5 lightning wire for this setup?

And would this even work with the conversions through the 3.5mm wire? Or just stick with the XM4s due to audio chain conversion ?

Also seeing the dragonfly red is only capable of 24-bit/96kHz, is there a way to utilize full 192khz - if not through iphone, through Mac? Maybe another alternative that works with both that may be a bit on the higher end (192khz) with battery power? Thanks!

 

[neil74]

Plenty of options out there, I have a Fiio Q3 which is mifi certified (no camera adapter needed) has a balanced output and supports full hi-res. If you do not mind the camera adapter then there is the Topping DX4 and ihip dac at a similar price. All are very good for the ££, I still think my Sony WM1a sounds better though!

Slightly cheaper (and neater) option if you can still find one is the Fiio i1 dongle dac.

 

[aliea13]

Can I do this with the AirPods Max? Would it be worth it to get the 3.5 lightning wire for this setup?

And would this even work with the conversions through the 3.5mm wire? Or just stick with the XM4s due to audio chain conversion ?

Also seeing the dragonfly red is only capable of 24-bit/96kHz, is there a way to utilize full 192khz - if not through iphone, through Mac? Maybe another alternative that works with both that may be a bit on the higher end (192khz) with battery power? Thanks!

A good place to start would be here I guess:

Best DACs 2024: USB, desktop and portable digital-to-analogue converters

Give your phone, laptop or hi-fi system the sonic boost it probably needs

www.whathifi.com

I would skip the lightning to 3.5 adapter altogether

 

[tripleh3lix]

Plenty of options out there, I have a Fiio Q3 which is mifi certified (no camera adapter needed) has a balanced output and supports full hi-res. If you do not mind the camera adapter then there is the Topping DX4 and ihip dac at a similar price. All are very good for the ££, I still think my Sony WM1a sounds better though!

Slightly cheaper (and neater) option if you can still find one is the Fiio i1 dongle dac.

Hey Neil, I DM'ed you if that's alright.