There are many portable DAC solutions available. Dune Blue offers various possibilities from Shanling and Earmen. This is one of the more affordable options that are available at €49 euro incl. VAT.
The UA1 is very compact, weighing in at 8.3 grams, and embeds a nice circuit built around an ESS ES9218P chip with a USB-C connection. On the DAC side, the UA1 is capable of playing high resolution audio files up to 384kHz / 32bit and even DSD files up to DSD256. The output stage is for its part capable of developing up to 80mW of power at 32 Ohm with a minimal noise level, which represents a performance gain compared to audio outputs of most phones.
The Shanling UA1 is reviewed by Nanotechnos from Headfonia who has much experience with USB- and portable DAC’s. The main part of his testing was done on the Shanling AE3, which was reviewed earlier by Headfonia, click the link. The UA1 is well received by Nanotechnos and he is quite surprised by the performance at this price point. Please read the full review on Headfonia.
“The Shanling UA1 is a nice little DAC, capable of great lengths once paired with a good IEM. Sound quality is good, as is the build quality, and the conception design makes it the perfect companion for your smartphone”
Shanling UA1 portable DAC MSRP €49 incl. vat