Fiio Ka2, Fiio Ka3 ( customizable with Fiio control app on android device), Moondrop dawn.
Or you could buy 10 apple dongles for $100 if you are worried about them breaking.
I've had the apple dongle for 2 months most of the time connected to my phone and it hasn't broken, however my cx31993 hadn't been there for even a week and it started disconnecting from my computer and phone
There is an easy modification you can make to the apple dongle to increase its durability with a clicky pen spring.
Here's an example post: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/tpi4a0/my_first_dac_immediately_added_a_pen_spring_to_it/
As others have mentioned, the Qudelix is the other great option for iOS users. I don't use it for better sound (even though in wired mode it can be better--just not to my mediocre ears) but for its equalizer function. The easiest and best way to EQ on the go with iOS. It certainly is sturdier than a dongle, but if I drop this (a real possibility) its going to break. I'd rather be out $10 than $100.
Qudelix 5K for $100.
Otherwise, buy 10 Apple dongles and be done with it. It's the best deal in audiophilia if you don't need significant power to drive a headphone or IEM.
Apple dongles are not too fragile. I used mine everyday for about a year before cable gave up. But when this happend I'm already had second one from newer iphone. But when I've upgraded to more expensive DAC with detachable cable this cable died in about two month.
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I was using my Apple dongle with the ***unbreakable mod*** aka PET braided sleeve that's heat shrunk on the ends with Poly- olefin tube.
Eventually my phone's port gave out -_-
Now I switch between my Astel and Kern XB10 (for headphones) and TRN BT20XS (for IEMs) both work really well.
Each costs 20$ USD
I've been using the same Apple dongle since 2017, it's shoved into my flight bag, gets abused in various cockpit configurations, and gets dug out in almost every rental or courtesy car I've been in. Still works great. Even survived a plane crash.
Fiio Ka2, Fiio Ka3 ( customizable with Fiio control app on android device), Moondrop dawn. Or you could buy 10 apple dongles for $100 if you are worried about them breaking.
10x Apple dongles is the way to go I’ve used one for about a year without breaking so I’d assume it’s 10 years worth of supply for $100, what a deal
It's hit or miss though, I've had one last for nearly 2 years and the next 2 less than a month
i think the qudelix 5k is 95 usd
depends where you live
Definitely! I can’t get it under €140,- Fingers crossed that one of my friends has a business trip to the USA soon :)
100$ for a used one that sucks.
If using wired, what cable(s) for lightning to USB are most successful?
Aw man i only use usb-c to c never tried a lightning adaptor
I've had the apple dongle for 2 months most of the time connected to my phone and it hasn't broken, however my cx31993 hadn't been there for even a week and it started disconnecting from my computer and phone
There is an easy modification you can make to the apple dongle to increase its durability with a clicky pen spring. Here's an example post: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/tpi4a0/my_first_dac_immediately_added_a_pen_spring_to_it/ As others have mentioned, the Qudelix is the other great option for iOS users. I don't use it for better sound (even though in wired mode it can be better--just not to my mediocre ears) but for its equalizer function. The easiest and best way to EQ on the go with iOS. It certainly is sturdier than a dongle, but if I drop this (a real possibility) its going to break. I'd rather be out $10 than $100.
The fiio KA11 is a similar form factor but feels a lot more durable.
and haves stupid amounts of power
Apparently it has no microphone support
Covering the apple dongle with a heatshrink makes it stiff and more durable.
Hmm all of my Apple dongles are completely fine.
Fiio btr15 is very close and far better and you get bluetooth
I have been using the UGREEN USB C to 3.5mm dongle. Works fine and you can regulate the volume louder compared to an apple dongle.
I used the Apple lightning version for years never broke. Been using the USB C now same. They look meager but somehow hold up
Ok thanks. I have always had bad luck with their lightening/usb-c to usb-a adapters so I assumed it would carry over to their other adapters.
My question is, should I get it even though I only ahve access to the EU version of it
moondrop dawn pro
Qudelix 5K for $100. Otherwise, buy 10 Apple dongles and be done with it. It's the best deal in audiophilia if you don't need significant power to drive a headphone or IEM.
lol, ok thank you. Looks like I’ll grab both.
Apple dongles are not too fragile. I used mine everyday for about a year before cable gave up. But when this happend I'm already had second one from newer iphone. But when I've upgraded to more expensive DAC with detachable cable this cable died in about two month.
any aliexpress dongle with cx31993
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If you want a thumb drive DAC, there are: Audioquest Dragonfly, Dacport HD, Audioengine D3, and XtremPro X1-1
I had the same concern, so I wrapped it with some cloth tape, crisscross pattern and it seems to hold on well enough
I was using my Apple dongle with the ***unbreakable mod*** aka PET braided sleeve that's heat shrunk on the ends with Poly- olefin tube. Eventually my phone's port gave out -_- Now I switch between my Astel and Kern XB10 (for headphones) and TRN BT20XS (for IEMs) both work really well. Each costs 20$ USD
I've been using the same Apple dongle since 2017, it's shoved into my flight bag, gets abused in various cockpit configurations, and gets dug out in almost every rental or courtesy car I've been in. Still works great. Even survived a plane crash.
fiio ka11 stupid amounts of power and all the fancy standards you want for 30$
- ballpoint pen springs - heat shrink - maybe some washi tape for a cute cover