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| USB-C DAC is high-fidelity audio for mobile phones |
Astell & Kern, a manufacturer of premium portable digital audio players, has developed a USB-C-DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) whereby modern smartphones and computers without a 3.5 mm headphone jack can achieve better sound.
If you want to use a digital device with a 3.5mm headphone jack, you will need a DAC.
Older devices with 3.5mm headphone jacks have built-in digital-to-analog converters (some are better than others, like the LG Quad DAC system the previous flagship was famous for).
However, the end of the 3.5mm headphone jack for modern smartphones only supports USB-C (the Lightning connector in the Apple box), leaving a void for audio enthusiasts.
And if you want to use old headphones, now you technically need a 3.5mm USB-C headphone jack dongle. By default, the connection is DAC.
However, the new digital to analog converter (DAC) should provide a high-fidelity experience. It offers two CS43198 DACs connected to an analog amplifier for a better audio experience and supports playback at 32-bit resolution and sampling rate up to 384kHz.
Given its $ 150 price tag, it should offer a better experience than an Apple or Google dongle for under $ 10.
Astell & Kern said their experience building portable media players will create a new USB-C DAC.
Although the DAC itself does not have an external power supply (it is powered by a phone or computer, the company claims that it can still run its high impedance headphones at 2 Vrms (no load condition)).
The new digital to analog converter (DAC) is expected to be compatible with most Windows and Mac smartphones, tablets, and computers.
However, according to Astell & Kern, iOS devices are not even compatible with devices that have USB-C ports, such as Apple's latest iPad Pro series.
The new USB-C Dual DAC can now be ordered on the company's website and is scheduled to appear in May.