Sonata HD PRO (Android Type-C Port version) Amps Headphone Amplifier USB Type C to 3.5mm Adapter DAC Portable Audio Out HiFi Decoding for Android(Type-C Port) & PC & MAC (Black)

I would not describe myself as an audiophile but I appreciate good sound and prefer my big wired headphones (Sony MDR-V6) over wireless headphones. Even without the added EQ/processing tweaks, the sound quality directly from the DAC was much better. With some additional EQ adjustments, the listening experience was phenomenal. It is almost funny to realize that part of why I felt tired after listening to music for a short while was because the compression removed barely noticeable -but important- detail.Doing a brief side-by-side comparing the audio output from my M1 Macbook's headphone compared to the Sonata, there is just a wider 'stage' and a noticeably richer base.My biggest criticisms are similar to ones others have mentioned: mainly that the USB-C to micro cable feels flimsy- though presumably this can be replaced with another USB-C to Micro cable if needed. I would have also liked if that cable was a bit longer... at the moment it's just long enough to be annoying (lol). I have no complaints with the main unit. Having its own in-line volume is very helpful for getting just the right amount of output for your headphone or line-out needs. Battery drain from the phone seems negligable/reasonable and the unit itself doesn't get too warm/hot.

I really like this dac/amp. It matches up really well with my AKG K371 headphones. The sound quality is excellent. It has enough power (60 mw @ 32 ohms) to get the K371's plenty loud. The K371's are rated at 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 114db. The AKG K371's have a max input rating of 100mw, so if I could have one wish it would be that the Sonata HD Pro was double its output rating. It would max out the the potential of the K371s and I wouldn't have to run the Sonata at its current max level for sufficient volume. I've been running it at its max level and the unit remains cool, not even warm to the touch. Obviously headphones with higher impedence and a lower sensitivity rating won't get as loud but the sound quality should still remain. Only had this for a few days so can't comment on durability but I am loving it so far. A lot of bang for the buck.

Supposedly very similar to the Hidiz S8 that garnered absolutely RAVE reviews on AudioScienceReview. It looks similar and uses the same DAC chip, though the implementation may be different. Is it worth the cost at half the price of the S8?TL;DR - Yes. It's priced the same as the Meizu Hifi Pro, which is a dongle DAC, and sounds just as good. Plus, it's got hardware volume buttons. If you were looking for a better, more durable DAC/Amp than what came with your phone, this is definitely worth a shot.Packaging, Features, & Build - Comes in a simple cardboard liner wrapped around a small tin. Inside, the DAC/Amp, cables, manual, and a tiny "HiRes Audio" sticker are packed in custom cut foam. Mine looked like someone had hastily cut the foam around the product and then hastily cut it to fit the tin. Didn't look super great, but eh, $40?Micro USB input, 3.5mm headphone out. Comes with a "+" and a "-" button for volume controls. Appears to be a once piece metal enclosure around the PCB. Doesn't work with inline mics however. Most dongle DACs, including the Meizu Hifi Pro and Apple A2049 USB-C Dongle can, but that's a relatively minor gripe. Also comes with a small, multi-strand braided USB-C to Micro USB cable. Mine didn't work. Thankfully, I had one left over that I'd purchased for a previous product.Sound - Good? My ears aren't a universal measurement rig, and after a certain point, I find it incredibly difficult to differentiate between DACs with even the best headphones I own. It doesn't really sound noticeably different than my MHP, not with Andromeda S, Blessing 2, or TR-X00 Ebony. I don't know the actual measurements but it had no trouble driving any IEMs I hooked up, and drove high-efficiency headphones perfectly acceptably. I honestly have zero complaints with the sound.I've used it with my Asus GA502DU Laptop, and my LG V60 Smartphone. It worked flawlessly (once I swapped the cable) both times, and the hardware buttons NOT triggering the digital volume control of the OS. It also worked with an older Dell Chromebook running Audiophile Linux.Conclusions - Okay, so this is a relatively short review for me, and it should be. It's a product that is, at worst, a clone of another product that is known to measure well and sound great. At best, it's a similar product with a different implementation and so should sound/measure differently than the S8. However, I can't hear anything strange, but as I said above, my ears aren't an APx555. It fulfilled all tests I put it through. I found it to be an entirely competent portable DAC/Amp with extreme emphasis on portability.If you're not about that portable-stack-life, or you're just running IEMs and efficient headphones, this is a worthy driver of such headgear.Disclaimer - Perception of sound is subjective, my ears aren't a universal measurement rig. No one has paid for, or otherwise attempted to influence the content of this review. Thanks for reading and feel free to leave any questions or comments below.

If it sounds crunchy or congested , use a different cable. Dont' plug it directly into the usbC jack on a laptop or desktop computer , the voltage is most likely too high for this 5V DAC. The sound is clear and adequately "open". Maybe slightly bass heavy or bass fuzzy compared to an Ess Sabre based Khadas Tone Board. The" pacing" is also a bit hurried. For lossy streaming such as youtube , I actually prefer this for its softer & more forgiving sound. Overall, I don't think you can do better at this price.

What a great little dac/amp. Honestly this all the DAC you'll ever need. I use this as my dongle for headphones AND my home stereo DAC. It'll output 2 volts so all you need is a 3.5 to RCA adapter and you can plug it straight into an amplifier. Beautiful clean sound with no audible distortion and no harshness. Seriously this things tests as good as DACs costing up to $1,000 or more with a SINAD of 114. Buy it as it's not always available. If you didn't know this is the same device as the Hidizs S8.

I'm not sure if it's just my product that was defective or what, but plugging this into my laptop's USB-C port it's a hit or miss whether the device will be recognized, and often disconnects while I'm using it. I was looking forward to using it because of how well it tested, but Im looking for reliable audio, I don't have time for finnicky.

Sound quality is OK from the DAC when itneorks, but fails to register as an output on many devices without plugging in/out multiple times (even when following directions). Fails to maintain a consistent connection, and distorts at higher volumes.