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How to find out which DAC is in your smartphone. Reasons why most Android smartphones sound bad

Many lovers of high-quality music are looking for smartphones with a DAC. Let's figure out what it is and why it is needed.

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is used in smartphones, laptops, tablets, audio players and other devices so that digital audio files can be played back via an analog signal through headphones and the built-in speaker of the smartphone. In simple words, a DAC improves sound quality.

The quality of sound that a mobile phone can reproduce depends on the level of the dedicated DAC. The efficient operation of the converter allows you to produce a sound that is as close as possible to the real one - the one that the sound engineer was guided by when creating the melody.

Audio file formats

To fully realize the potential of the DAC, music and audio tracks in MP3 format will not be enough. The increase in sound quality with the DAC enabled will be noticeable when playing Lossless files in FLAC, WAW or APE formats.

There is an opinion that the converter does not improve the sound with a minimum bitrate, but rather reveals its shortcomings more clearly, therefore, to obtain high-quality sound, it is recommended to play more advanced audio formats.

Types of DACs in smartphones

The DAC in gadgets can be presented as a separate chip or integrated as part of a hardware codec (like a built-in video card in a computer). The smartphone's support for a dedicated DAC for playing sound through headphones indicates the seriousness of the manufacturer's approach and the musical orientation of the device.

Premium and flagship smartphones with hardware codecs in tandem with optimally selected headphones in the middle and high price segment are sometimes able to produce high-quality sound, but this may not be enough for true audiophiles.

OTG DAC

OTG DACs are special devices that can be connected to smartphones via OTG, a kind of portable DACs. Despite the dimensions and impracticality for transportation, this combination is still relevant among lovers of high-quality sound.

With the release of LG G2, the need for such devices has decreased - with this device the era of integration of full-fledged converters began. Many modern smartphones are equipped with a DAC:

  • The flagships of the Samsung Galaxy line are Wolfson.
  • Meizu - ESS Saber.
  • LG - ESS Saber.
  • HTC-WCD9335.
  • ZTE - Asahi Kasei.
  • Nubia - AKM.
  • iPhone - Cirrus Logic.

The hardware component of modern smartphones, software development and the presence of high-quality headphones allow you to enjoy high-quality sound in most mid-price segment gadgets, but they still look preferable.

Surely everyone who is familiar with good sound has experienced some disappointment in the quality of playback of their favorite songs when purchasing a new smartphone. And although smartphones, having come a long way from giant mobile phones to powerful, but at the same time miniature computers, can now do almost everything, sound still remains their weak point. And the point here is not even in the savings of manufacturers, which, of course, takes place, but in the fact that in order to implement a decent quality audio path, not only a normal DAC is required, but also wiring and amplification, which can significantly increase the size and weight of a mobile gadget, But first things first.

Let's start with the fact that in the 21st century there was mass computerization, which also affected the field of Hi-Fi audio. Naturally, even now there are ardent supporters of vinyl, but even the era of compact discs is already passing. This is also helped by numerous digital releases released exclusively in the virtual space, the emergence of higher quality formats that go far beyond 16 bit/44.1 kHz, and simply the ease of storing and using data. True, music servers have replaced CD players, but they still cannot boast of a huge number of adherents, and most people store their favorite recordings on their hard drive.

It is quite reasonable to ask the question of how to convert sound from digital to analog form, since this is exactly the type required to feed it to an amplifier. Yes, everything is as before. Little has changed since the days of CDs, the only difference being that CD transport has been replaced by information coming from a virtual player. For these purposes, a DAC or digital-to-analog converter is required - a special device, as you might guess, that converts a signal from digital to analog form. We will not delve too deeply into the jungle of technology; we will only say that the role of the converter is performed by the corresponding chips, which, naturally, are different. An important role in the quality of the final sound is also played by how the power supply is organized, what kind of USB controller is used, and other equally significant factors, united by the term “piping”. That is why to get good sound it is not enough just to install a high-quality chip. Actually, for this reason, DACs from leaders in the Hi-Fi industry cost money, and a lot of it.

The next factor that stands in the way of high-quality sound is amplification. And it doesn’t matter at all whether you are going to listen to music in speakers that require one type of amplifier, or, as is more often the case with a smartphone, in the context of which this question interests us more, in headphones. Different headphone models have different impedance and sensitivity. The higher the impedance, the more power they require from the amplifier, while high sensitivity requires less power to produce the required sound pressure. In short, for the full operation of a particular model, appropriate power is required, the lack of which will not allow them to fully reveal their potential, and the sound will be indistinct. A similar situation often happens with smartphones, the sound path of which is simply not designed to work with many high-impedance headphones, and even if you purchase a very high-quality copy, you may simply not hear it. This is where a special amplifier comes to our aid, for which driving any headphones is no problem.

Less doesn't mean worse

Returning to the topic of reducing the size of devices, it is worth noting that the first wave among manufacturers of Hi-Fi components was the appearance of devices called Desktop Audio, which were developed for use as a digital sound source for computers and laptops. Their distinctive feature is their small size and the ability to be powered from a USB bus. 

Initially, both DACs and various amplifiers were produced in this class, but later, due to their practicality, combined devices that combined the functions of a headphone amplifier and a DAC, and often a pre-amplifier, achieved the greatest popularity. It was from them that the next incarnation of gadgets developed for use with smartphones began. They are distinguished from their predecessors by their smaller sizes, comparable to the smartphones themselves, and the presence of their own battery.

How can such a device improve the quality of sound reproduction, you ask. Everything is very simple. The digital signal reproduced by the media player is not fed to the standard audio path of the smartphone, but bypasses it to the connected device, which first converts the sound from digital to analog, and then amplified it to the required power. As a result, the output you get is quality on a completely different level, comparable to Hi-Fi class components. And as one of my friends said, after comparing the sound directly from a smartphone and paired with a similar device: “Nothing in common.”

Let's look at several models presented on the Russian market to make it more clear what we are talking about. True, we should immediately make a reservation that quality is at the forefront of our review, and we will not consider budget models, although there are such, take at least the same FiiO Q1 and iBasso D-Zero MK2, but let’s move straight to mid-range gadgets price range with a cost of more than 20,000 rubles. So, let's begin.

A strong value leader, the HA-2 from the well-known Californian company Oppo is one of the few portable DACs built on the excellent ESS Sabre32 ES9018-2M chip. 

This allows it to support bit rates up to 32 and sampling rates up to 384 kHz with PCM encoding, as well as single-bit DSD up to DSD256, which is a truly impressive result for a small device weighing only 175 grams. A class AB amplifier with a hybrid design can easily drive both very sensitive headphones and those requiring significant power. The device can work with smartphones based on iOS or Android, as well as with an iPad, computer or laptop. Connection is made using USB or microUSB ports; in addition, an analog input is provided for using the HA-2 only as an amplifier. The controls are represented by a volume knob, a Gain toggle switch, which is responsible for matching with headphones that have different sensitivities, a bass boost switch and an input selector. The built-in battery lasts for 7 hours with the DAC active and up to 13 if it is turned off, and the gadget can also serve as a power bank, recharging the smartphone. The appearance of the device is simply impeccable. It has a flat aluminum body with rounded edges and comes in an elegant leather case. The sound is no less impressive, leaving many competitors far behind. Highest resolution, accurate scene construction and almost complete absence of coloration are just a few of the qualities that make the Oppo HA-2 stand out among similar devices.

An equally impressive device from one of the masters of the Japanese audio industry - Denon, with a very pleasant signature color that distinguishes it from the more analytical sound of the HA-2. The accuracy of sound transmission and stage construction are also at the highest level here, but the appearance is less sophisticated, and even a little more brutal. The leather case has 2 compartments: one for the DA-10, and the second for the smartphone, which has a transparent window for easy management. The DAC used is the Burr-Broun PCM1795 chip, which is very popular in Hi-Fi components, supporting up to 24 bits and sampling rates up to 192 kHz, as well as one-bit DSD with up to 64/128 bits. The device uses upsampling, implemented using DSP AL32, and an asynchronous USB port, and to reduce interference, the power source is placed on a separate board. Unfortunately, support for Android devices is not provided and the DA-10 is only capable of working with Apple products that can be connected via a 30-pin port or via a Lightning connector, as well as computers and laptops that have a microUSB input. 

The analog input will allow you to use the amplification circuit without using a DAC. Not only headphones, but also active acoustics or a power amplifier can be connected to the output connector, and it can handle absolutely any headphones, up to 600 ohms. Its own battery with a capacity of 3200 mAh can easily withstand 7 hours of operation with the DAC turned on and at least 2 times longer without it. The design is complemented by a volume knob, headphone sensitivity switches, an input selector and a toggle switch for activating a fixed output level, necessary for working in conjunction with a power amplifier.

A very good option at a price almost half that of Oppo and Denon. In general, mobile DACs with headphone amplifiers are one of the main areas of Fiio, and thanks to the presence in the range of quite budget models with a price of 5,000 rubles, many people start with them. The E18 is the company's flagship and uses the Burr-Brown PCM1798 chip from Texas Instruments, supporting resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The device works with both iOS or Android with USB OTG support, and with a computer. There are more entrances and exits here. Firstly, there are 2 USB ports, one of which is intended for audio signal, and the second for replenishing the battery or recharging the smartphone. Secondly, a coaxial one has been added to the headphone output. Unlike the two previous options, which support headphone impedances up to 300 Ohms for the HA-2 and up to 600 Ohms for the DA-10, the E18 is capable of working with a maximum of 150 Ohms, although this is quite sufficient in most cases. The controls include a volume knob, sensitivity and bass boost switches, an input selector and 3 buttons for controlling the operation of the media player on the paired device. Pros: long battery life, up to 12 hours with a DAC and up to 25 without, as well as excellent design and light weight. The sound quality, although inferior to Oppo and Denon, is also very convincing, which is a very significant achievement at a price of 14,000 rubles.

TEAC HA-P50

Another interesting product from the Land of the Rising Sun, this time from a company well known not only among audiophiles, but also in the field of pro-audio, in which its American division Tascam especially distinguished itself. The HA-P50 uses many proprietary developments designed to make the sound better, including a push-pull circuit of output stages implemented on discrete elements, high-quality operational amplifiers, and a DAC on the BurrBrown PCM5102 chip that supports 24 bit/96 kHz. The device is capable of working with both iOS and Android, as well as with a PC, for which it is proposed to use a player of its own design - TEAC HR Audio Player. In addition to 2 USB ports, there is a combined optical/line input, and a headphone output allows you to use a model with any impedance from 8 to 600 Ohms. The controls are standard: volume, input selector and sensitivity switch. The built-in battery lasts for 8 hours. The case has an interesting geometry and is available in two colors: black and red. If we talk about sound, then everything is in perfect order here too. The HA-P50 is distinguished by good detail, transmission of dynamics and space, and in terms of reproduction of vocal parts it is completely unrivaled.

Conclusion

To sum it up, we can say that the Oppo HA-2 has the most impartial sound with a slightly higher resolution than other devices. The Denon DA-10, although it colors the sound, does it very musically and its sound will appeal to many, so this is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. The TEAC HA-P50 has the most spacious room and delivers voices very well. And finally, Fiio E18, although somewhat inferior in sound to the previous three, undoubtedly deserves close attention for its significantly higher quality than competitors in its price group have.

Most phones, regardless of price category, are famous for the flat sound of their speakers and a small volume reserve. Especially for music lovers, we have compiled a rating that includes the best smartphones with good sound of 2018-2019. We will be very glad to see your likes and comments on our selection. Also leave your options for smartphones that you consider worthy for this selection.

No. 10 - Meizu MX6

Price: 27900 rubles

  • Screen: IPS, 5.5” FullHD;
  • Processor: MediaTek Helio X20 (2.3 GHz);
  • Memory: 4/32 GB;
  • Camera: main – 12 MP, front – 5 MP.

Meizu MX6 has become one of the brand's best smartphones in terms of multimedia capabilities. At the presentation of the device it was mentioned that it will use a custom IMX386 photo sensor from Sony. The shooting quality of the MX6 camera can be considered one of the highest among all the manufacturer’s model lines at the moment.

The second advantage of the smartphone is its excellent multimedia speaker with a large volume reserve and clear sound. During track playback, the mid frequencies dominate, but the bass gets a little blurry. However, this is already a very good result for a device without a dedicated DAC.

Conclusion:MX6 stands out from its competitors with its sound, so the model is quite suitable for unpretentious music lovers.

#9 - HTC U ULTRA

Price: 36,000 rubles

  • Screen: Super LCD5, main – 5.7”; additional – 2.05”, QuadHD;
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 (2.3 GHz);
  • Memory: 4/64 GB;
  • Camera: main – 12 MP, front – 16 MP.

Most manufacturers solve the problem of information overload on the screen by simply increasing the display diagonal. HTC went further and installed two entire screens into the U ULTRA, one of which is responsible for displaying only the most necessary information and notifications. The solution looks quite unusual and fresh compared to its competitors.

The smartphone comes with branded HTC USonic headphones. The headset itself adapts to the shape of the user's ear for better sound. U ULTRA also has two stereo speakers, which are perfect for watching movies on the gadget’s big screen.

Conclusion: a smartphone with a large set of unusual features. Sounds great with a branded headset.

#8 – Sony Xperia XZ

  • Screen: IPS, 5.2” FullHD;
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (2.2 GHz);
  • Memory: 3/64 GB;
  • Camera: main – 23 MP, front – 13 MP.

Sony Xperia XZ supports all high-resolution audio file formats (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD). The smartphone is equipped with a digital noise reduction system, the Clear Audio+ function and the S-Force Front Surround option. Each composition with Hi-Res quality is marked with a corresponding icon in the smartphone player.

By the way, the player itself has a rather complex equalizer with a large number of customizable options. You can also transmit audio from the device via DNLA. All this makes the Sony Xperia XZ one of the best mid-priced smartphones in terms of sound.

Conclusion: the best smartphone with good sound in its price category. True, some buyers may still be confused by the proprietary “angular” designXperia.

#7 - iPhone X

Price: 72,500 rubles

  • Screen: AMOLED, 5.8” 2436×1125 pixels;
  • Processor: A11 Bionic;
  • Memory: 3/128 GB;
  • Camera: main – dual module 12+12 MP, front – 7 MP.

iPhone X breaks absolutely all records in the smartphone market: it is one of the most expensive production models in the world at the moment, one of the most popular smartphones, and also one of the best mobile devices in terms of speaker sound quality.

Compared even to last year's generation of iPhones, Apple has come a long way. Now the stereo speakers of their latest flagship are even louder and the sound itself is even clearer. This is partly due to the new processor with its innovative software for processing multimedia compositions. In general, the iPhone X will be able to compete with the flagships of other brands in terms of its technical characteristics for many years to come.

Conclusion: perhaps the only drawback of the new iPhone is that the price is too high for consumers from the CIS. In all other respects, this is an almost perfect smartphone.

#6 – Samsung Galaxy S8

Price: 42,000 rubles

  • Screen: SuperAMOLED, 5.8” Quad HD+;
  • Processor: Exynos 8895 (2.35 GHz);
  • Memory: 4/64 GB;
  • Camera: main – 12 MP, front – 8 MP.

Judging by the popularity of the new flagships, the Galaxy S8 has become perhaps the best smartphone in this model line. Buyers liked the completely new form factor (large frameless display) and a couple of Samsung-branded features (for example, AlwaysOn Display). It is also worth noting that this model was created in collaboration with AKG, the largest manufacturer of audio electronics.

The AKG brand is emblazoned on the headset, which can be found included with the smartphone. Its sound quality significantly enhances the multimedia capabilities of the Galaxy S8, in which the proprietary Exynos chipset is paired with the Aqustic DSP, significantly improving the sound of the smartphone compared to Snapdragon models.

Conclusion:GalaxyS8 came before the last generationiPhone and has already managed to “snatch” a significant part of the audienceApple.

Samsung Galaxy S8

#5 - LG G6

Price: 40,000 rubles

  • Screen: IPS, 5.7” Quad HD+;
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 (2.35 GHz);
  • Memory: 4/64 GB;
  • Camera: main – dual module 13+13 MP, front – 5 MP.

LG, whose smartphones have long been famous for bold experiments, this time decided to go the beaten path. The company focused on the main trends of 2017 - a large frameless display, water protection and a dual camera. This list also included a high-quality two-channel DAC Saber ESS ES9218, which is why the flagship was included in our rating.

A special highlight of the G6's sound is the deep bass; thanks to the loud speakers, the smartphone fully conveys the sound image of the song being played. To fine-tune playback, you can use the built-in equalizer. It is also possible to adjust the sensitivity of several microphones of the noise reduction system.

Conclusion: LG G6 is a worthy answerSamsungGalaxyS8 from a Korean manufacturer.

No. 4 - ZTE Axon 7

Price: 25,000 rubles

  • Screen: AMOLED, 5.5” Quad HD;
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (2.3 GHz);
  • Memory: 4/64 GB;
  • Camera: main – 20 MP, front – 8 MP.

The manufacturer of Axon 7 paid due attention to stereo speakers, this can be seen even in the design of the smartphone. The speaker grilles are highlighted on the lower and upper metal inserts of the front panel of the device. In general, Axon 7 looks quite unusual compared to the boring black monoblocks of its competitors. Despite the relatively large display, the device has compact dimensions and is comfortable to hold with one hand.

Axon 7 is positioned as a multimedia smartphone, which is why there is a separate DAC for playing audio files. The device uses the Dolby Atmos system, thanks to which it was possible to achieve a very large volume reserve for stereo speakers.

Conclusion: one of the best smartphones in terms of sound. It may well replace a small wireless speaker or Hi-Fi player.

No. 3 - Highscreen Boost 3 SE Pro

Price: 16990 rubles

  • Screen: IPS, 5” FullHD;
  • Processor: MediaTek MT6753 (1.3 GHz);
  • Memory: 3/32 GB;
  • Camera: main – 13 MP, front – 5 MP.

Don't be fooled by the Boost 3 SE Pro's relatively low specifications. This smartphone is positioned as a profitable replacement for Hi-Fi players, so Hightscreen is completely focused on the sound quality of the device. The DAC of the ESS9018K2M Saber device was modified by specialists in collaboration with several well-known audiophiles. There is also a powerful Class A amplifier ADA4897–2 inside.

To unlock the maximum potential, it is recommended to use a smartphone with Hi-Fi headphones. Thanks to the amplifier, it was possible to achieve a huge volume reserve; about 25% volume is enough for comfortable listening. The compositions are fully revealed throughout the entire frequency range.

Conclusion: a budget choice for audiophiles, an excellent replacement for more expensive Hi-Fi players.

No. 2 - Meizu Pro 7 Plus

Price: 32,000 rubles

  • Screen: SuperAMOLED, 5.7” QuadHD;
  • Processor: MediaTek Helio X-30 (2.6 GHz);
  • Memory: 6/64 GB;
  • Camera: main – dual module 12+12 MP, front – 16 MP.

Meizu Pro 7 Plus is the flagship experiment of the main Chinese manufacturer. The smartphone is equipped with an additional screen on the rear panel, with its help you can view the most important information (time, date, notifications) and take high-quality selfies with the main dual camera.

The gadget uses a discrete Cirrus Logic CS43130 DAC with a built-in headphone amplifier. The chip provides a wide dynamic range and output power of up to 32 mW per channel. The depth and clarity of sound here is truly amazing, especially compared to competitors in the same price category. The only small drawback is that there are only five bands in the built-in equalizer, so to fine-tune the sound you will have to download a third-party application.

Conclusion: a good option for those who love non-standard solutions in smartphones.

Meizu Pro 7 Plus

No. 1 - LG V30+

  • Screen: P-OLED, 6.0” QuadHD+;
  • Processor: Snapdragon 835 (2.45 GHz);
  • Memory: 4/128 GB;
  • Camera: main – dual module 16+12 MP, front – 5 MP.

The LG V30+ uses the ES9218 Saber DAC from ESS Technology. The converter has two new functions that have not previously been seen in smartphones in this LG line - digital filters and sound presets. The smartphone comes with branded B&O PLAY headphones.

In practice, we have the highest sound quality when compared with other devices in our rating. During playback, all frequencies are clearly highlighted, there are rich vocals and deep bass in the electronic genre of music. However, to adjust the sound, a ten-band equalizer is again missing.

Conclusion: the best choice at the moment. The sound quality of the LG V30+ is far superior to all well-known serial smartphones of 2018-2019.

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One of the most affordable smartphones for an audiophile. Asahi Kasei AK4962 digital-to-analog converter, loud and high-quality stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos equalizer for fine-tuning the sound. And most importantly - only 24 thousand for a smartphone that sounds better than flagship Samsung or iPhone!

The following can be said about the sound: a rich “middle”, in which low and high frequencies remain “scenery” and fade into the background. In “slow tracks” such a sound, as they say, touches the soul, in musical tracks in general it gives out new details where you expect to hear only the monotonous drone of a bass guitar or sounds produced by a synthesizer.

The speakers are booming and loud - without a hint of “bass”, but with a very spacious and correct sound at any volume due to the well-coordinated work of high (“tweeters”) and mid-range (melody, vocals) frequencies. In general, those who appreciate the sound in modern mobile phones will love the Axon 7 mini even despite its shortcomings.

But this model, it must be said, has enough shortcomings - while the AMOLED display is of high quality and does not raise any questions, then the old Snapdragon 617 processor runs the system shell and applications without enthusiasm, “I just can’t.” The cameras are also not of good quality and are approximately equal to those in mobile phones, which are half the price. The autonomy of the musical ZTE is also not encouraging - it’s good if it lasts until the end of the day. But the Axon 7 mini charges quickly - Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 support helps out.

Highscreen Boost 3 SE Pro

Can a Russian smartphone sound better than American, Korean and Japanese competitors? It turns out that maybe Boost 3 cannot be called a comprehensively developed smartphone, but the sound in the headphones of this unsightly-looking model is impressive.

You can say that the ESS9018K2M DAC itself is not ultra-cool to sing its praises, but it is not the size that matters, but the skill, as experienced young ladies say. So, about the skill: Highscreen managed to deliver the audio stream so that Android did not spoil it along the way (well, Google didn’t count on the fact that the “green robot” would be used by people who need better sound than in audio tracks on YouTube!). Boost 3 SE also pleases with the absence of automatic “improvers” piled on top of the system - all the power of the ADA4897-2 amplifier is available immediately in the audio player, and it can be controlled directly. So much so that if you overdo it, it won’t take long for you to go deaf! But beginners will not get to such settings, and experienced guys will be able to adjust the sound to suit themselves in such a way that “nothing else is needed.”

Highscreen Boost 3 SE Pro

True, in other respects Boost 3 is not a luxury, but a means of transportation. Cheap in appearance, with a voracious old processor, a cheap screen, a low-quality speaker, terrible cameras, an audio player as terrible as my life... Apart from the sound, the only cool thing about this model is its autonomy (do you, old people in the mobile industry, remember about the famous smartphones - long-lived Boost series?), and everything else barely costs 17 thousand rubles, with the Xiaomi Mi5 still alive. But Boost 3 is inexpensive, repairable, and very popular with audiophiles for its permissiveness in sound tuning and its detail in headphones. It will not go unnoticed.

Meizu Pro 6 Plus

The fastest smartphone with high-quality sound. The long-suffering Meizu Pro 6 model “didn’t take off” at first, because instead of the long-awaited Samsung processors, the Chinese were forced to install the ten-core, hot, power-hungry and not flagship-level MediaTek Helio X25 (aka MT6797T). It didn’t turn out very well - the smartphone, of course, sounded good, but it was frustrating due to its heating, poor battery life and did not shine in games.

Pro 6 Plus was released only at the end of 2016, when the palm in terms of speed had already been taken over by Huawei with its 6-inch shovel. Therefore, the new product failed to make a breakthrough on the level of the old Meizu Pro 5 (with a record-breaking fast processor, like the Galaxy S6, but better sound and faster performance).

Meizu Pro 6 Plus

Yes, and the devil with it, with performance - it is at the level of Snapdragon 820, that is, it is cool enough to feel at ease even with a Quad HD display on board. Another thing is important - we have a rare smartphone in Russian retail that is capable of playing games equally well, taking high-quality photos, and when you get tired of all this, delighting with high-quality sound in headphones.

Compared to the smartphones already mentioned in this article, the Pro 6 Plus does not sound as passionate, “high-calorie” and hysterical, but the ESS ES9018K2M DAC is clearly superior to all audio processors integrated into your Snapdragons, and the ADI AD45275 amplifier “pumps up” even massive headphones. If you want figurative comparisons, Meizu Pro 6 Plus is similar to a sports SUV - it is capable of “piling” on the asphalt and kneading dirt. With such versatility, no one cares that UAZs, like Highscreen, are able to impress the owner to a greater extent off-road.

Vivo X7 Plus

Just don’t say “what kind of miracle is this?” - Vivo is super popular and loved in China. In Russia, only a select few know about it - enthusiasts who do not hesitate to tinker with the firmware in order to Russify it or add Google services to smartphones developed by the Chinese for the Chinese.

However, today we are talking about sound and what smartphones can provide in addition to this very sound. The Vivo X7 Plus offers the AK4376 DAC, a converter that was designed to take into account compromises regarding power consumption, power handling and other nuances in smartphones.

That is, don’t expect the “we sacrificed everything to make the sound cool” concept from the X7 Plus - this model is just about how to take a little bit of everything and create a balanced smartphone.

So - Full HD AMOLED display, 4000 mAh, thin metal case, 4 GB of RAM and a steep $590 (~35 thousand rubles) for a “Chinese phone” with good sound. Impudence? Maybe, but there is an opinion that millions of Chinese cannot be wrong.

ZTE Nubia Z11

If you are not Chinese and are not going to buy some kind of Vivo only for patriotic reasons and an imaginary balance of characteristics, here is the coolest audiophile mobile phone of our time. The second ZTE on our list? Yes, but what can you do if Samsung and Huawei are not interested in high-quality sound in smartphones (at least until 2017), LG is not able to bring the sound of its V10/V20 to a competitive level, and HTC almost always puts the BoomSound nameplate on the model with a standard (albeit seasoned with equalizer) Snapdragon “under the hood” or, at best, content with a discrete DAM made by Qualcomm?

People are asking, so it’s necessary :) Hello, dear readers of the site, due to numerous requests, I’m writing a review of the Sabaj DA2 external DAC. In such a tiny case the size of a flash drive, we get: DSD support, resolution up to 768 kHz/32 bit (marketing, in reality, everything is more modest), a high-quality ESS SABRE9018Q2C DAC with a built-in amplifier.

The scope of application of this device: tablets, smartphones, TV set-top boxes, laptops, computers. We just connect via USB, configure, install the driver, and then connect the headphones and enjoy, everything is simple. I repeat, despite the dimensions, we can see some good filling inside, more on that later.

Characteristics:

Maximum resolution: up to 768 kHz/32 bit, DSD512.
Powered by USB.
DAC: SABRE9018Q2C
Signal to noise ratio: 108 dB

More complete specifications:

Box.
The DA2 is supplied in a small square cardboard box with the “Hi-Res Audio” sign on the front side. The cardboard of the box is thick, so no one crushed my DAC along the way.


There are quality certificates on the side.


The bottom of the box is held in place by two name stickers:


The reverse side, here is the contact information.


Opening the box, you can see the DAC itself on a foam backing; 3 cables for connection are hidden to the left.

Equipment.
The manufacturer pleases, he put 3 short cables at once, for all occasions. The length of each was 20 centimeters. Each plug has a protective film to prevent scratching.
First cable: USB - Micro USB (for connecting to a computer, or any other device that has a regular USB, although you can via OTG to a phone)
Second cable: Micro USB - Micro USB (for connecting to smartphones with a Micro USB connector)
Third cable: Micro USB - Type-C (for connecting to smartphones with a USB Type-C connector)


There are also instructions in Chinese and English; they are small, but they contain everything you need.

Appearance, size, weight.
And here is the shock, it’s really like a small flash drive or lighter, to say that I was surprised is to say nothing. I offer you a photo in which: a flash drive, a Zishan Z3 player, an AA battery.


Lighter, matches, Creative SB Play, Walnut V2.







Weighs 9 grams.


The size is so small that using the DA2 with a smartphone is convenient, although I expected inconvenience when used in conjunction with a mobile phone; in fact, for me it is more like an extension of the cable.


The body is made of two thin halves of aluminum, the coating holds, but I don’t know how long it will last.
Micro USB connector. The cable is inserted tightly, but there is noticeable play up and down (if you deliberately loosen the board), that is, play of the board itself inside the case.


On the other side there is a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The plug goes in easily at first, and then with a click a good, reliable contact is obtained.


On the front side: metal volume control buttons, there is a + - mark, the buttons rattle a little, but not critically, the volume can also be adjusted in the system itself, on Windows 8.1 I do this using the slider in the mixer. In games, of course, it’s more convenient to use buttons.


On the reverse side: 4 flimsy screws that hold the structure, a link to the official website, a mark for headphones and USB.


The joint is on the body, the seam is noticeable.


The indicator is blue, I noticed that if you select the maximum resolution in AIMP, then during playback there will be a mixture of blue and pink colors. And if DSD, it lights up red. It does not shine brightly, but rather dimly; there is no need to seal it.


I was pleased with the quality of the case, yes, the buttons have a slight play, but the screws are not very good, the scarf moves a little. I think this is normal, in any case, you can disassemble and correct these points.

Heat.
The device heats up, but it doesn’t burn your hand, it’s warm.

We connect to the bakery.
First you need to install the USB XMOS driver. Tested on Windows 8.1, 64bit. Link:
Without a driver, the DAC is not detected in the system! Next, the “Xmos USB DAC Driver Control Panel” icon will appear at the bottom; it contains the following settings, mainly related to USB.











Identified in the system as SABAJ USB DAC:

In the system we select it as “default”.

Maximum resolution:

Of the players I use AIMP and foobar2000, both of them can select the ASIO mode, and in AIMP you can select the maximum resolution up to 384 kHz.




I also tried the WINYL player, you can also choose ASIO or for example wasapi. I mostly listen to music in Lossless, DSD less often (but I need to test it :), for DSD I installed the SACD Decoder plugin for foobar2000, and made the necessary settings. I listened to quite a few albums in DSD, I especially liked this one:
“Lyn Stanley - Interludes - 2015/2018 (Vocal Jazz)”, as one commentator said, “I’ll finish everything now,” the album sounds like it’s “live”, the vocals are realistic, and you seem to be sitting in the front row on stage :) . Natural cymbals, drums, in general the album was a great success :)
Current consumption:
In idle time.


When playing at maximum volume.

Connect to an Android smartphone.
You can connect using the supplied cable:


The same goes for the OTG adapter, tested and works.


Next, the Hiby Music player was installed, which, when connecting DA2, offers to select it and play the sound through it.




On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 pro smartphone: it works, but about once a day a bug appears, instead of sound there is an unpleasant hiss. I didn’t notice such a glitch with the ZTE Z17 Mini. Maybe there is not enough power, or something else...

Filling.
It is easy to disassemble, there are 4 screws on the case, we unscrew each one and gain access to the board. The screws are small, tiny, it took me a long time to find the right bit for the screwdriver, I have a cheap set (Jackly for $15). The screws were loose from the box, they were not tightened completely. The screw heads and threads in the metal are very weak, I think there is no point in disassembling them more than once or twice.


The two metal halves of the case fall apart, the + buttons are removable, there was also a plug under the scarf, the function of which, as I understand it, is to securely fix the entire structure.


The metal is thin, and the board separately weighs even less:


Next is a photo in macro photography, due to the size of the board, it was difficult to take normal photos, I spent more than an hour just on these photos, but in the end it turned out well, everything is visible in detail.
The board fits on your finger:


The micro USB connector is still holding, it seems to be soldered normally, there is an event indicator next to it.


Generator:


The 3.5mm jack is made of some hard plastic, next to it are two + - buttons.


On the other side:


DAC: SABRE9018Q2C (all photos are clickable, all names are visible up close)


USB Xmos Chip.









I am satisfied with the quality of the soldering, the board is clean. Well, here's a photo from the manufacturer.

How does it sound?
To evaluate the sound, I used the Meze 11 headset (costing about $60), Meze 12 ($80), also promotional Hifiman RE400 ($25), hybrid Kinera Seed ($50), and a huge number of inexpensive headphones (Urbanfun Hi -Fi, Arvicka Hybrid, Qian 25, Qian 69, Mevi Hi-Fi, Tennmak Bass, BlitzWolf BW-VOX1, Z&W Panda PK2s, Beyerdynamic DP100 and many others).

The sound is godlike, I like the Sabaj DA2 even more than the DAC X6. The sound here I don’t know how to say correctly, it’s exactly right, more detailed, cleaner, the bass here is more textured and it’s fast. The sound is smooth, neutral, maybe a little bright with a slight rise at high frequencies. Very detailed, really, even at low volume you can hear all sorts of background features, and it sounds unusual. The instruments are separated, they are distinguishable individually. At low volumes, detail is preserved, and at high volumes there is no muttering, the bass is well controlled.

Bass.
The bass is very well controlled, it is biting, fast, where there is a punch. It doesn't drown out the midrange. The resolution is good, live music sounds great, and all the nuances of the recording can be heard. The so-called “tight string” effect is created, when instead of mumbling and murkiness there are real, moving low frequencies. The amount of bass is average, I wouldn’t call the DA2 a device for a basshead, but to say that there is precisely a lack of bass... no, it’s quite enough. In fact, it’s easier to choose headphones and not worry about it. One quibble: I would have liked a little more sub-bass, as I'm used to the DAC X6, and there is a little more of it.

Middle.
The mids are open and natural, the depth of the stage is average, the width is above average, that is, quite wide. The vocals sound close, rising above the instruments. Strings, violins, guitars, as well as drums - yum.

Top.
They hurt the ear only on low-quality compositions, and where there are a lot of these very tops. They also hurt your ears with headphones like Arvika, KZ ZS5, Yersen Fen 2000, and are not very pleasant with RE400 (it’s bright for me). It won’t sound good with anything, cheap hybrids for $15-20 won’t work here, it’s better to choose neutral ones or those with a bass bias. I liked the single-driver Meze, I think Shozy Zero will work fine. Perhaps I’m the only one who has this impression; I like it when the high frequencies are smoothed out and moved further away.

With all the headphones listed, I did not feel a lack of volume, there is a reserve. The noise level during a pause, for example, is minimal, that is, no extraneous noise or interference is heard. I didn’t notice any interruptions during playback; I connect it to the computer via a cable from Ugreen.

This also begs a comparison with the DAC that I had on the .
And he is also on the sabra (ESS 9023). But there is nothing to compare, the cheap 9023 sounds a bit muddy, with muffled high frequencies, and is noticeably inferior in detail. In general, they write about ESS Saber, they say they are bright, detailed, and in the case of DA2 this is true, but if you take that cheap 9023, well, nothing in common at all, in general, just the complete opposite, so the name of the chip itself says little, because on The sound is also affected by the harness.

Personal opinion: I liked Sabaj DA2, despite the fact that it is more suitable for portable devices, I like to listen to it at home, on a computer or laptop, I really liked the sound of this keychain. The sound is full-fledged, mature, and overall a worthy product.

That's all for me, thank you very much for your attention.

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