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$169.00$169.00
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Audioengine LLC
$145.45$145.45
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Amazon Resale
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Audioengine D1 32-bit Desktop DAC and Headphone Amp, Preamp, Laptop, Amplifier, Gamers and Musicians
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Return this item for free
We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
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- Drop off and leave!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Audioengine |
Mounting Type | Table Top |
Number of Pins | 3 |
Upper Temperature Rating | 95 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Interface Type | USB |
About this item
- FOR HEADPHONES - Take your music and gaming audio private. Switch back and forth easily
- FOR SPEAKERS - Share your audio with guests. Switch back quickly
- FOR HIFI AUDIO - 32 Bit, 24 Bit, and CD quality capable DAC
- GAMERS AND MUSIC - Studios, game rooms, computer rooms, dorms, home offices
- SMALL SIZE - 4 x 3 inches in size keeps your desk clutter free
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Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced and offset.As certified byCarbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services
Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services enables companies to demonstrate carbon neutrality for their products by reducing carbon emissions throughout their operations and offsetting their remaining carbon footprint through the purchase of carbon credits. SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced and offset.As certified byClimatePartner certified
The Climate neutral label by ClimatePartner certifies that the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset. Additionally, ClimatePartner encourages companies to set ambitious reduction targets and reduce their products' carbon footprints. The certificate number can be entered on ClimatePartner’s website for additional information such as the supported carbon offset project(s). ClimatePartner is improving lives by helping companies tackle climate change with practical solutions.Certification Number743M8TReducing CO2
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced and offset.As certified byClimatePartner certified
The Climate neutral label by ClimatePartner certifies that the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset. Additionally, ClimatePartner encourages companies to set ambitious reduction targets and reduce their products' carbon footprints. The certificate number can be entered on ClimatePartner’s website for additional information such as the supported carbon offset project(s). ClimatePartner is improving lives by helping companies tackle climate change with practical solutions.Certification Number743M8T - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.As certified byReducing CO2
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced and offset.As certified byClimatePartner certified
The Climate neutral label by ClimatePartner certifies that the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset. Additionally, ClimatePartner encourages companies to set ambitious reduction targets and reduce their products' carbon footprints. The certificate number can be entered on ClimatePartner’s website for additional information such as the supported carbon offset project(s). ClimatePartner is improving lives by helping companies tackle climate change with practical solutions.Certification Number743M8T - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced and offset.As certified byClimatePartner certified
The Climate neutral label by ClimatePartner certifies that the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset. Additionally, ClimatePartner encourages companies to set ambitious reduction targets and reduce their products' carbon footprints. The certificate number can be entered on ClimatePartner’s website for additional information such as the supported carbon offset project(s). ClimatePartner is improving lives by helping companies tackle climate change with practical solutions.Certification Number743M8T
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 1.48 x 1.38 x 0.39 inches; 5 ounces
- Item model number : D1
- Batteries : 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required.
- Date First Available : December 6, 2011
- Manufacturer : Audioengine
- ASIN : B006IPH5H2
- Country of Origin : China
- Best Sellers Rank: #46,310 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
- #54 in Headphone Amps
- Customer Reviews:
From the brand
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Gamers, Music and Movie Lovers
Award winning professional hardware sold at consumer prices.
-
Subwoofers Add More Audio
Complete your sound stage by adding one of our subwoofers and hear the audio you've been missing.
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Hear More Audio via 24 bit
Audiophiles know - Hi-Fi audio files and professional equipment enhance music, gaming, movies, podcasts and more.
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Speaker Stands Enhance Audio
Improve your sound stage by elevating your speakers at 15 degree angles on stands to enhance your audio by up to 20%.
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Wood vs Plastic vs Metal
Enclosures made of wood offer less distortion than metal or plastic, which leads to greater clarity and more enjoyment.
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13 Step Hand Painted Process
Our piano gloss finishes will impress. They look great anywhere in the home or office and are built to last.
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Superior Craftsmanship
Real wood that lasts. The variety in the wood grain makes each bookshelf speakers set unique. Quality inside and out.
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Professional Components
Our amplifiers, Bluetooth receivers, and Wi-Fi products are built with ease of use in mind. Most are plug and play out of the box.
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How did we get our start?
Founded in 2005, our founders worked in the tech industry for many years with companies like Harman, Apple, Gibson Guitars, and Alesis.
What makes our products unique?
We take professional components used in high end audio equipment and sell them at consumer prices.
What problem are we solving?
The average consumer is missing audio they're unaware exists. Better hardware and hi-fi audio files open a whole new sound experience for listeners.
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A veteran owned company with engineering, design and phone support all based in the USA.
Product Description
Why choose the D1 Desktop/Headphone Amplifier?
Introducing Audioengine D1 Premium 32-Bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter), our 2nd generation, top-of-the-line DAC and headphone amplifier that's the perfect audio upgrade for your computer desktop. D1 lets you bypass your computer's sound card or headphone output and send audio through USB C or optical. D1 is the perfect digital interface between your computer and music system making it easier than ever to enjoy all your favorite tunes.
The D1: A Master of All Trades
Play high-resolution music 32 bit music from Apple Music, Amazon Music and Tidal with stunning clarity you'll notice immediately. Professional hardware at affordable prices.
Designed for Audiophiles, Priced for the Rest of Us
The D1 is a great companion for music lovers. It converts digital music and other audio back to analog witch ensures you get the experience the artist intended.
Features:
- USB C and S/PDIF optical inputs for the digital signal, analog output for the analog signal
- Direct volume control from your computer, phone, or tablet
- Accurate volume control without any imbalance at lower levels, which means it doesn’t get crazy loud when you turn it up just a touch
- Separate outputs for headphones and powered speakers or AV receiver
- Powered by USB C from your computer, phone, or tablet, so no additional cords necessary
- Custom audiophile-grade RCA connectors and aluminum case, so it’s rock solid and built to last
Compare Personal Amplifiers:
D1 | DAC3 | D1P | |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars
1,020
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
1,020
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4.4 out of 5 stars
1,020
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Price | $169.00$169.00 | $149.00$149.00 | $169.00$169.00 |
DAC | CD, 24 Bit, 32 Bit | CD, 24 Bit, 32 Bit | CD, 24 Bit, 32 Bit |
Input Options | USB, Optical | USB | USB, Optical |
Output Options | RCA, Headphones | Headphones | RCA, Headphones |
AMP | ESS ES9018 | ES9281A | ES9219C |
Headphone Impedance | 10 ohms to 600 ohms | 10 ohms to 600 ohms | 10 ohms to 600 ohms |
Portability | Desktop | Mobile | Portable |
Supported Formats | PCM DSD MQA | PCM DSD MQA | PCM DSD MQA |
Headphone AMP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Product guides and documents
Videos
Videos for this product
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D1 unboxing Video
Audioengine LLC
Videos for this product
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D1 Headphone Amp Enhance Your Sound
Audioengine LLC
Videos for this product
0:38
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Play Your Music Your Way With Audioengine
Audioengine LLC
Videos for this product
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This Is Audioengine - Home Music Systems
Audioengine LLC
Videos for this product
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About the D1
Audioengine LLC
Videos for this product
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Audioengine Never Settle For Less
Audioengine LLC
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the audio signal converter offers good sound quality, functionality, and value for money. They appreciate its excellent RCA connections and potent performance. Many consider it an easy solution for computer audio, working flawlessly with Windows 11 and Tidal. The build quality is praised as solid and future-proof. Customers like the ease of setup and size, though opinions vary on the USB power capability.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers appreciate the sound quality of the product. They mention it works well with lossless audio files and years-old MP3s. The signal to noise ratio is great, and the volume increase is noticeable. It makes no noise, and the volume knob works fine for adjusting the volume of their M-Audio BX5 D2.
"...Still, you can vary the volume from the source, or if your speakers are powered, you can change the volume on them...." Read more
"...The volume knob works fine for adjusting the volume of my M-Audio BX5 D2 monitors but a tiny twist of the knob causes volume to go from soft to..." Read more
"...You get pronounced bass on songs that are meant to have it, but it's more controlled, like the artist/producer meant you to hear it - instead of..." Read more
"...It can get LOUD, with plenty more juice then my cans need. The impact on my phone's battery life is negligible...." Read more
Customers appreciate the quality of the product. They mention it has soft-touch ends, excellent RCA connections, and an amazing potentiometer. It's a well-built and well-designed piece of equipment. Some say it's a nice little DAC just below audiophile level, while others say their Mac Mini has a very good built-in DAC that sounds great even.
"...Now, with the Dac3, I have a great way to have a quality MOBILE music system that I can enjoy just about anywhere...." Read more
"...am happy to report the D1 greeted me with complete radio silence and is well shielded. Good show Audioengine designers!..." Read more
"...The level of sound realism that is being presented is amazing. The details and sound separation was also superb...." Read more
"...Smaller, even. Aluminum housing with soft-touch ends, excellent RCA connections, and an amazing pot for the volume control only made it seem a lot..." Read more
Customers appreciate the product's functionality. They say it works well with various devices like Xbox 360, Windows 11, and Tidal. Some mention that the USB connection works fine on Windows but stutters in Linux. Overall, customers find the product to be small and packed with great technology.
"...It works well, especially when using an iPhone...." Read more
"...The device is beautiful, solid, and just works flawlessly. The volume knob feels great, with the perfect amount of resistance...." Read more
"...I think if you have headphones in the 300-450 range, this is a great DAC." Read more
"...You might be surprised, as I was, that all the enhancements are not necessary once you finally have a good sound source--remember, the D1 is your..." Read more
Customers like the value for money. They say it's worth twice the listed price and the best money they've spent.
"...The price is fine, considering what you're getting." Read more
"...My headphones actually sound like they're worth the money I paid out for them!..." Read more
"...Checking my options I started looking at USB DAC, the price has dropped and thats why I hadn't been paying much attention...." Read more
"...It would be worth it at twice the listed price. I run mine through a Rotel RB-991 and RSP-1066 and then to Klipsch KLF-30's." Read more
Customers like the DAC3's build quality. They say it has a solid build, works well, and is future-proof.
"...LAST BLURB: A solid unit that's easy on desktop space and has great sound and sturdy construction." Read more
"...The device is beautiful, solid, and just works flawlessly. The volume knob feels great, with the perfect amount of resistance...." Read more
"...The built of the product looks solid. Case feels solidly built. Nice metal gray color. The unit doesn't feel hot even after long period of usage...." Read more
"...before I wrote this so time will tell but I think its a winner seems built well. Great 2 way stereo DAC." Read more
Customers find the electronic signal converter easy to set up and use. It connects easily to their MacBook Pro via USB and Rokis. The setup process is simple and straightforward, with no issues. Many consider it a great choice for a first-time DAC.
"...Hook up was easy: a pair of RCA/TRS cables to my M-Audio BX5 D2 monitors and the included USB cable into my Cinema Display...." Read more
"...I am on windows 10 and this is plug and play. It is recognized but check your sound settings, I have made it the default sound...." Read more
"...was via Toslink optical from Apple TV to D1 DAC and was very easy to setup...." Read more
"...It's super easy to set up...just plug into PC using USB and plug into powered speakers (like the A2s) with red/white audio cords...." Read more
Customers appreciate the compact size of the DAC. They find it suitable as a portable device with good sound quality and imaging. The DAC comes with a travel pouch for safe transport.
"This is my 3rd DAC over the past few years. It is the smallest of the bunch and a nice package...." Read more
"...I just love the portability; can easily bring along with me anywhere. Nice gold plated RCA connectors. The gain dial turns smoothly...." Read more
"...The bass, which before, always felt just fine, tightened up a lot, and became much more focused and responsive...." Read more
"...In summary, the Audioengine DAC3 excels in aesthetics, portability, and sound quality but has limitations in terms of connectivity options and the..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the USB power. Some find it simple with two ports and a USB connection for their PC or tablet. It acts as a USB pre-amp for the A2s and has both USB and optical inputs. Others mention issues with the USB cable, weak connection, and short cord.
"...The Dac3 design is simple, two ports, USB C to feed the source material (phone or computer/tablet) and an analog output to your phones or speakers...." Read more
"...-- Because the D1 is strictly powered via USB, an adapter has to be used if you want to plug it into the wall...." Read more
"...However, it's well made with metal case, gold plated connections and great fit and finish...." Read more
"...The D1 is very powerful (I have to run it at almost minimal volume in order not to get ringing ears) and the slightest volume knob twist increases..." Read more
Reviews with images
Perfect so far. Loving it!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2023Style: MobileVerified PurchaseThis is my 3rd DAC over the past few years. It is the smallest of the bunch and a nice package. I've learned a lot about sound sampling and how Apple Music does it. It gets complicated and confusing, but I prefer to just listen and enjoy now. The Dac3 design is simple, two ports, USB C to feed the source material (phone or computer/tablet) and an analog output to your phones or speakers. The volume is a simple rocker switch that I sometimes find difficult to use. Still, you can vary the volume from the source, or if your speakers are powered, you can change the volume on them. The indicator light is where I got my education. The light will change color to show the resolution of the source material. It works well, especially when using an iPhone. On a Mac running Apple Music, however, the indicator does not change automatically, (The company should explain this in their literature). If you use 3rd party music apps like Tidal or Roon, you can see the indicator light change automatically according to the source input signal. Apple Music is unable to do that on the Mac for reasons I won't go into to. However, on the iPhone, things work as you would expect. So, I restrict using the Dac3 with my iPhone (14 Pro). I listen through UE CSX 18+ and Westone W60 IEM's and Beyerdynamic DT990 headphones. Each has their own sound signature, with the Dac3 sitting in between feeding them pure converted analog signals. All I can say, is it sounds just great, and there is plenty of amplifier power for them. I have an Ifi Zen dac connected to my Mac Studio driving Audioengine 5+ speakers. Those speakers (and a subwoofer) are my main source of musical appreciation while in my office. Now, with the Dac3, I have a great way to have a quality MOBILE music system that I can enjoy just about anywhere. The price is fine, considering what you're getting.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2012Style: DesktopVerified PurchaseDAC stands for digital-to-analog converter, a device that turns the ones and zeros of digital music into electrical signals for reproduction by amplifiers and speakers. The Audioengine D1 is an outboard DAC, i.e., a component that resides in a box outside the computer, rather than on a PCI card or on the computer's motherboard. The purpose of an outboard DAC is to bypass the computer's cheap audio circuits and process digital audio directly from USB or optical ports. The advantage of an outboard DAC vs. one on a card is that you can take it with you and it's easier to hook up gear. So does the D1 best my Mac's audio?
BUILD: Out of the box my first impression was it's tiny. However, it's well made with metal case, gold plated connections and great fit and finish. Hook up was easy: a pair of RCA/TRS cables to my M-Audio BX5 D2 monitors and the included USB cable into my Cinema Display. My Mac Pro (OS 10.5) immediately recognized the new device and switched system audio to Audioengine D1. However some apps can override system audio preferences and you may have to select D1 from within the app, especially if you have multiple DAC units online.
SOUND: I have tracks of me playing classical guitar, so I listened to those first since I knew exactly how they should sound. And what a disappointment: bright, harsh, random clicks and a wee bit of distortion! I was ready to return the unit but decided to read the manual: "give it 40 to 50 hours break-in before doing any critical listening." Hmm, I have other components that definitely sounded better--smoother--after a week or two or burn-in so I engaged iTunes shuffle and left the house for the day. The next day I was shocked at the improvements: smooth natural and transparent and easily besting my Mac's DAC. Incidentally, the D1 has a much hotter signal than my Mac and I had to turn down the volume to avoid burning my ears.
Besting the Mac's build-in DAC was expected but a relief after the initial harsh tones at hookup. With half the burn-in period under my belt I would describe the sound as detailed and fairly smooth with no hint of harshness. And the detail is almost overwhelming: zaps, scrapes, coughs, etc., in the background of live concerts are extremely vivid whereas they were barely audible with my iPod or computer DAC. Also, the reverb tails of studio reverb are much more prominent--almost too prominent (will be going easier on the wet mix). So, yes, lots of detail you normally miss with a cheaper DAC. While that's great for a clean studio recording, it may not be so enjoyable for noisy stage and club recordings.
I compared it side by side with my MOTU Ultralite ($600 recording interface) and was pleasantly surprised. I auditioned both DACs with M-Audio BX5 speakers. I can't say the D1 sounds better than the Ultralite but it's in the same ball park sonically. The Ultralite is a little more dynamic, smoother (sweeter mids) and has a flatter EQ profile whereas the D1 has a wee EQ bump in the bass and slightly more edgy treble. Both are highly revealing of background detail compared to the built-in Mac DAC. However the Ultralite has a lot more gain in the preamp section albeit the D1 is no weakling. The D1 is not ideal DAC for mixing but perfect for what I bought it for, causal listening.
RFI RESISTANCE: I live in the inner city and am surrounded by cellphone and radio station transmitters. RFI is a major problem in my condo and every piece of gear needs shielding or it becomes a classic rock station. I am happy to report the D1 greeted me with complete radio silence and is well shielded. Good show Audioengine designers!
IO: Digital audio may be routed to the D1 either through the USB input or the optical (SPDIF). The USB is more universal and closer at hand on most desktops. The optical input requires an expensive cable and, for me, a very long one as my Mac Pro is under the desk! Most users will be happy with the convenience of the USB hookup, and that is fine long as your audio source is 24-bit and 96KS/s or less. If you are one of the rare individuals requiring 192KS/s, you will need to use the optical input.
The D1 has a good quality headphone output via a mini (3.5mm) stereo output jack. It has no problem driving my Sennheiser HD580 headphones although I mainly use it with Shure 400 series earbuds. The volume knob works fine for adjusting the volume of my M-Audio BX5 D2 monitors but a tiny twist of the knob causes volume to go from soft to painfully loud with many earbuds.
Finally, I found the D1 short on outputs: a pair of RCA and a mini stereo jack and that's it. Also, it can only handle a single input source (the USB input is disabled when an optical cable is plugged in). A second USB input would have been handy for a visiting iPod or Tascam portable.
GOTCHAS: There are a few minor gotchas. First, as mentioned above, finer gradations of volume control would be welcome. Also, system volume and mute controls don't work from the keyboard or Apple IR remote and must be controlled directly from the D1. Audioengine could easily write a driver to fix that if they wanted to. MOTU allows Core Audio volume control with their devices (or you can use device controls). I miss being able to mute with a simple button tap. And, finally, that bright LED light on the front panel needs a filter or disable switch (other than turning it off).
LAST BLURB: A solid unit that's easy on desktop space and has great sound and sturdy construction.
Top reviews from other countries
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Marcelo Pulido CastilloReviewed in Mexico on December 18, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Increíble el sonido de este DAC
Style: DesktopVerified PurchaseIncreíble el sonido de este DAC en conjunto con los altavoces Audiengine A2+, me dejaron gratamente sorprendido, soy usuario de Bowers & Wilkins y Focal, pero el DAC junto con los altavoces tienen un muy bien sonido, agudos claros, los tweeters de seda trabajan muy bien y los drivers de kevlar no decepcionan, ¡Producto altamente recomendable!!!!!!
- SAReviewed in Canada on January 5, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars This device turned my Bluetooth speakers into a premium version.
Style: DesktopVerified PurchaseMy bookshelf Bluetooth speakers have analog RCA input along with Bluetooth. And I was always wondering how they would sound with the signal via RCA inputs. And it worked! With this DAC connected, (how I understand) I eliminated sound-degrading Bluetooth transmission, substituted speakers' DAC with this premium one and sent pre-amplified signal directly to speakers' amplifier. The result is awesome - I got a premium version of my speakers! Even when listening to a less sophisticated music as a popular genre track in mp3 quality I hear an improvement in sound quality, like my speakers are 30% better - better bass, better treble and deeper, clearer sound. But when it comes to music like modern jazz and a track is higher than CD quality, OMG. It will now take longer before I'm spending on new speakers. Rich in sounds music, when quality of recording is high, appreciates if a device is capable of reproducing 24bit/96kHz sound. Apparently, I can not get such a high quality sound from my relatively inexpensive speakers, but, for sure, they get the best possible input signal.I have to mention it's not always just plug-and-play and get good sound. In the beginning I couldn't figure out why this DAC was not providing good sound being connected to my Chromebook - I just had devices connected to other USB ports and the Chromebook, probably, didn't have enough resources for all. In a Windows computer there are a few things to be checked if something is going wrong - specifically, Sound and Power Options settings in the Control Panel. By the way, a streaming service I use shows my Chromebook is able to process 24bit/48kHz sound quality at max, but it's above CD-quality anyway. And when this DAC is connected to the Windows desktop, my streaming service says music (selected tracks) will be played with 24/96 quality. A tip: "Power on" light on the D1 is the power on/off button too :)
- SheimedReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2024
2.0 out of 5 stars Shoddy manufacturing but wonderful sound!
Style: MobileVerified PurchaseI must have got a bad unit because the casing came loose without effort, leaving the DAC chip exposed to all creation. I'm rather disappointed but hey ho, that's life. Will return and order a new one. Hopefully, it fairs better than its sibling did.
Sheimed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2024
Images in this review -
Baptiste MOINEReviewed in France on March 1, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Parfait
Style: DesktopVerified PurchaseTrès discret et esthétique. Ergonomie au top avec son bouton d'allumage à LED. Je recommande.
- Mike BReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Very pleased so far with my Audioengine D1 USB / optical / DAC.
Style: DesktopVerified PurchaseMy Audioengine D1 USB / optical / DAC was delivered and works exactly as I expected. I am very pleased so far. It has a good air of "quality manufacture and robust construction". It is very easy and logical to use, and the performance / sound quality is very good with no noise. I have experimented, trying to "catch it out" and very occasionally after unplugging and re-plugging the supplied USB cable (between laptop and D1), I have encountered mild "playback stutters", but turning power off (the button on the D1), then back on, always seems to overcome the problem. I can now play all my mp3 collection from my Toshiba Laptop (ripped from my CD collection at the highest bit rate allowed by the Microsoft Software). My “HiFi” speakers are either side of my TV, so I can also play sound from "Youtube" and “catch-up TV” from the Toshiba through them from my laptop to accompany watching their pictures via hdmi. The sound quality from both "Youtube" and “catch-up TV” is very good. "Plug and play" with the D1 so far works seamlessly on my laptop with MS Windows 8.1. The power button LED is bright (white), but because of the cabling, it faces away from me so I don't see it (hence the dim glow is good for letting me know if the unit is "powered up"). The D1 "on-off power button" is actually very convenient, as is the "volume" knob (during play of, for example, an mp3, if the D1 is switched off using its "on-off power button", the music is then automatically switched to the laptop's speakers, then on re-powering the D1, the laptop speakers are switched off, and the output to my "HiFi" speakers is gently re-applied). The operation has exactly the logic I would expect. BACKGROUND TO MY REQUIREMENT: I was happy enough using an old Dell laptop PC as an mp3 player via its internal (DAC) sound card through my Cambridge analogue amp and some old "Acoustic Research" speakers (my entire ripped CD collection is on the Dell hard drive). However, the Dell battery failed, so I can now only run it from the mains power supply and the noise pick up from the analogue cables was terrible (I had the cables connected to the headphone output on the Dell). I have all the same mp3 files on the hard drive of my Toshiba laptop, but for an unknown reason, I got nothing when I tried to drive my Cambridge amplifier from the headphone output on the Toshiba. By contrast, the D1 is powered from a USB connection with the laptop (no internal rechargeable battery), and uses the USB as the digital source, hence, I can use it on either my old Dell laptop or my Toshiba laptop. The D1 does have a headphone amp, but no balance or frequency controls (only headphone output adjustment via the D1 knob). But the main reason I wanted the D1 was for its stereo-phono outputs to connect my existing analogue cables to my Cambridge amplifier. My Cambridge amplifier then gives very good gain / balance / frequency control. The D1 gives me future options for use of USB or optical inputs.
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