DAC3 PORTABLE HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER & DAC
The DAC3 is a powerful yet portable 32-bit DAC and headphone
amplifier that drives premium quality, high resolution audio to your headphones
(or speakers) from your phone, tablet or computer. The perfect upgrade for
enhancing your hi-res streaming experience at home or on the go.
HEAR THE DIFFERENCE
POWERFUL YET PORTABLE
DAC3 is a powerful yet portable headphone amplifier and DAC
that drives enhanced, high resolution audio to your headphones or speakers from
your phone, tablet or computer.
Though small in size, DAC3 playback performance reveals
stunning detail and music clarity headphones often miss when connected directly
to your streaming device. The difference between listening to your music and
hearing ALL of it.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
DAC3 uses a high-performance headphone amplifier which
drives audiophile-grade headphones with ease and ensures plenty of headroom for
your headset. Experience maximum dynamic range with the capacity to support the
most demanding headphones.
DAC3 isn't just for headphones. Variable line-level output
can be connected to any system with an analog audio input, such as Audioengine
powered speakers or an A/V receiver.
3 STEPS TO CONNECT
NO BATTERIES, NO CHARGING, NO HASSLE
With only 3 steps to connect and no batteries or charging
required, your new DAC is ready to go right out of the box. DAC3 simply draws
its meager power requirement via a double regulated USB-C connection. Simply
plug into your phone, tablet or computer using the included cables and let DAC3
expose you to the missing resolution in your favorite music.
The wired connection gives DAC3s its flex, full-range power
for your headphones, and support for your hi-res music files or apps.
HI-FI YOUR HEADPHONES
ENHANCE YOUR STREAMING EXPERIENCE
ES9281A PRO Ultra DAC delivers 32-bit precision, high
dynamic range and ultra low distortion
High-performance amplifier that easily drives headphones with impedances of 12
ohms or higher
Broad support for standard hi-res audio formats including MQA, PCM and DSD
Enhanced playback from your HD streaming apps (TIDAL, Amazon Music, Apple
Music, Qobuz)
AUDIOENGINE SIGNATURE SOUND
In 2005, Audioengine was founded on a simple goal: Design
purpose-built home music systems that sound great, are easy to use, and make
people want to listen to music every day. Each new product gives listeners
well-thought updates and improvements inspired by all the ways people listen to
their music. The new DAC3 is no exception.
Designed smaller for portability with added power for your
hi-res music, DAC3 is the perfect blend of premium performance industry
audiophiles love to feel and the modern functionality we all depend on.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
DAC type
USB
Input
USB audio
D/A converter
ESS ES9281A PRO
USB transfer mode
Asynchronous dual clock
USB controller
TI1020B
USB device class
Type 1.1 or above
Input bit depth
32 bit
Input sample rate
44.1kHz-96kHz native playback
188.2kHz & 192kHz re-sampled to 96kHz
Output
Analog 3.5mm mini-jack stereo
Full-scale output level
2.0V RMS
Output impedance
2 ohms
Recommended headphone impedance range
12 ohms to 10K ohms
Headphone amplifier
LME49726
Frequency response
10Hz-25KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
SNR
>116dB
THD+N
(1kHz FS 96kS/s) <0.002%
Crosstalk
-110dB
Power requirement
USB 5V DC, 200mA
USB power filtering
2-stage redundant regulation
Product dimensions
1.9” (48mm) ×0.6” (15mm) ×0.375″ (10MM)
Shipping weight
1.0lbs (0.5kg)
Environmental
Operating Temperature: 32 to 95 degrees F
Non-operating Temp: -4 to 113 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
Included accessories
Lightning to USB-C and USB-C cables
Setup guide
DAC3 Internal Converter
The heart of the DAC3 is the ES9281A PRO DAC, which is
well-regarded for its low noise and high fidelity. Due to the high
signal-to-noise specs of the ES9281A PRO and the added benefit of double
redundancy power source conversion and filtering, the DAC3 presents impressive
low noise and low distortion characteristics. The DAC3 can process digital
audio at any bit depth up to 32 bits and any sample rate up to 192kHz. DAC3
pads (upsampled) all bit depths internally to 32-bits, thus achieving a higher
signal-to-noise ratio.
DAC3 Headphone Amplifier
The DAC3 contains a high-performance headphone amplifier
based on the LME49726 low-noise opamp. This amp is able to provide
low-impedance, high-fidelity audio and a 2-volt output which easily drives a
wide range of headphones, satisfying even the most demanding headphone
enthusiasts. The DAC3’s relay-controlled stereo output can also be connected to
any system with an analog audio input, such as Audioengine powered speakers.
DAC3 Power
The DAC3 is powered directly from the USB bus and power is
passed through two stages of regulation to ensure no USB bus power variations
affect the audio quality. This low-noise, low-ripple power supply is located on
a separate circuit board for extra isolation and thermal management.
DAC3 Volume Control
Volume for headphones and line-out is controlled
directly from the DAC3 side panel. Smoothly adjust volume levels at fine
increments without any undesirable noise or channel imbalance at lower volumes.
