Guides

iBasso DC-Elite: Can a Dongle DAC Really Sound Flagship?

iBasso DC-Elite: Can a Dongle DAC Really Sound ...

Quick answer: Yes — the iBasso DC-Elite gets closer to true flagship sound from a phone than any other dongle we've tested. It packs the desktop-class ROHM BD34301EKV DAC (from...

iBasso DC-Elite: Can a Dongle DAC Really Sound ...

Quick answer: Yes — the iBasso DC-Elite gets closer to true flagship sound from a phone than any other dongle we've tested. It packs the desktop-class ROHM BD34301EKV DAC (from...

FiiO Snowsky Echo: Is the $74.99 Retro Lossless Player Worth It?

FiiO Snowsky Echo: Is the $74.99 Retro Lossless...

Quick answer: Yes — the FiiO Snowsky Echo is worth $75, and for the right listener it's the smartest $75 in portable audio right now. This cassette-styled pocket player runs...

FiiO Snowsky Echo: Is the $74.99 Retro Lossless...

Quick answer: Yes — the FiiO Snowsky Echo is worth $75, and for the right listener it's the smartest $75 in portable audio right now. This cassette-styled pocket player runs...

FiiO KA17 vs Shanling UA4: Which Dongle DAC Should You Buy?

FiiO KA17 vs Shanling UA4: Which Dongle DAC Sho...

Quick answer: Buy the Shanling UA4 ($117.99) if you listen mostly through IEMs or efficient headphones from a phone — it's the hiss-free, battery-friendly daily carry. Buy the FiiO KA17...

FiiO KA17 vs Shanling UA4: Which Dongle DAC Sho...

Quick answer: Buy the Shanling UA4 ($117.99) if you listen mostly through IEMs or efficient headphones from a phone — it's the hiss-free, battery-friendly daily carry. Buy the FiiO KA17...

HIFIMAN HE400se: Do You Really Need an Amp to Drive It?

HIFIMAN HE400se: Do You Really Need an Amp to D...

Quick answer: Yes, the HIFIMAN HE400se benefits from an amp: at 91 dB/mW sensitivity this planar is noticeably harder to drive than typical headphones, and a bare phone or laptop...

HIFIMAN HE400se: Do You Really Need an Amp to D...

Quick answer: Yes, the HIFIMAN HE400se benefits from an amp: at 91 dB/mW sensitivity this planar is noticeably harder to drive than typical headphones, and a bare phone or laptop...

SMSL AO300 Pro Setup: How Do You Get It Running Right?

SMSL AO300 Pro Setup: How Do You Get It Running...

Quick answer: Basic setup of the SMSL AO300 Pro takes about fifteen minutes: wire your speakers to the binding posts, connect USB-C from your computer and HDMI eARC from your...

SMSL AO300 Pro Setup: How Do You Get It Running...

Quick answer: Basic setup of the SMSL AO300 Pro takes about fifteen minutes: wire your speakers to the binding posts, connect USB-C from your computer and HDMI eARC from your...

SIMGOT EW200, EA500LM, EG280 or EM6L: Which Should You Buy?

SIMGOT EW200, EA500LM, EG280 or EM6L: Which Sho...

Quick answer: Pick by budget and use case: the SIMGOT EW200 ($39.99) is the energetic, detail-forward entry point; the EA500LM ($86.99) is the refined single-DD flagship with a lithium-magnesium diaphragm...

SIMGOT EW200, EA500LM, EG280 or EM6L: Which Sho...

Quick answer: Pick by budget and use case: the SIMGOT EW200 ($39.99) is the energetic, detail-forward entry point; the EA500LM ($86.99) is the refined single-DD flagship with a lithium-magnesium diaphragm...