At the moment I need to dedicate my overview to the GraveAudio DA06 cellular DAC, which, at a ridiculously low worth, offers roughly the identical outcomes as costlier gadgets from respected manufacturers. Furthermore, each by way of measurements and by way of its technical capabilities. That’s, let’s lastly sit down and determine why we’re overpaying and whether or not there may be no less than some sensible sense on this.
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DAC: Conexant CX31993
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Output energy: 30 mW into 32 ohms
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Audio decision: as much as 384 kHz/32 bit, DSD128
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Decoding codecs supported: PCM, DSD (DoP)
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Frequency vary: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
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Energy: 5 volts 0.011 amps
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Inputs: Kind C
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Outputs: 3.5 mm jack
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Weight: 6 g
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ОС: Android, iOS, Home windows 10, macOS
The DAC is provided in a small tin field with the model identify and an inventory of its technical traits. From which we be taught that the mannequin relies on a contemporary Conexant CX31993 converter, supporting resolutions as much as 32 bit 384 kHz and DSD as much as DSD128.
Inside was the DAC itself, in addition to an ordinary adapter from Kind C to USB connector. If, for instance, you have to join it not solely to a smartphone, but additionally to a pc or set-top field.
When it comes to its kind issue, DA06 is an everyday adapter, much like what some producers connect to their smartphones. Solely the connectors listed here are made completely of metallic, there may be particular safety in opposition to bending, and the connecting cable itself is woven from 4 silver-plated wires.
The system seems nice, and I’ve no questions on its reliability. I have been utilizing the identical one for over a yr now – it is nonetheless like new.
As for the inputs and outputs, every little thing can be acquainted: the sign in digital kind is shipped to Kind C, then transformed to analog, amplified, and on this kind transmitted to the three.5 mm jack. The place do you really join your wired headphones?
Furthermore, nothing will get sizzling right here, throughout pauses I hear absolute silence and, what is essential, there may be full assist for the headset unit. Sure, with management buttons and microphone.
The system consumes even lower than Realtek: 5 volts accounts for under 0.011 amperes. Which, as you perceive, is a very negligible load on any fashionable battery. On the similar time, it supplies quantity on the traditional stage of 32 mW of energy right into a 32 ohm load. The producer, in fact, declares twice as a lot, however modestly retains silent concerning the load worth. In reality, the system turned out to be barely extra highly effective than the Celest CD-1 we lately reviewed.
Naturally, there isn’t a unique driver for Home windows for it. Nevertheless, some massive manufacturers even have options based mostly on this chip and their software program might be appropriate – it’s best to strive it. In any case, we now have entry to 2 unique WASAPI modes, in addition to all present ASIO emulations, akin to ASIO4ALL, Flex and FL Studio ASIO.
The system additionally works nice on Android and iOS, together with in BitPerfect mode. Individually, I want to be aware that it carried out simply fantastic on Samsung smartphones; you should use it with the merchandise of this model with out hesitation. Properly, the icing on the cake was assist for entry to the system’s {hardware} quantity. PCM right here works, as said, as much as 32 bit 384 kHz, and DSD – as much as DSD128 and solely within the conversion mode to PCM (DoP).
I carried out measurements in a decision of 24 bits 96 kHz on an E1DA Cosmos ADC. The place all factors obtained a superb ranking, except for the interpenetration of channels, which, within the case of a standard asymmetrical connection, is, actually, the way it must be.
In any other case, we now have a superb frequency response curve, a noise stage of about minus 160 dB, a superb dynamic vary and distortion at a stage of minus 120 dB, each harmonic and intermodulation. Properly, in proportion phrases it’s about 0.00026%.
There may be nothing particular to remark right here, actually, glorious outcomes on the stage of significant Hello-Fi gadgets. All the pieces is honest right here.
When it comes to presentation, we get a clear, assertive sound with good detailing of nuances and with out the extreme brightness and unjustified aggression inherent in previous funds options. The bass right here, though deep, is slightly tight and really textured. This implies with barely higher velocity efficiency than, for instance, the ALC5686.
Though, I’ve one other, costlier DAC readily available, on precisely the identical {hardware}, with an similar energy stage and the identical measurements. So, it has noticeably extra bass, someplace on the Realtek stage. Consequently, all this restraint and technicality at low frequencies relies solely on totally different connecting cables and, presumably, connectors. I personally don’t see another causes.
Properly, by analogy with the low frequencies, the mids are additionally barely dry, with a lot better articulation, composure and good separation of devices. As well as, in comparison with the background of the Celest CD-1, the heroes of the overview appeared richer to me and never so sharp on the prime. And subsequently, much less tiring and extra snug for our listening to. Which provides one other benefit compared with DACs on the ALC5686 chip.
However, like all low-power amplifiers, when the quantity is diminished, the sound within the DA06 immediately fades and turns into unnaturally bland, flat and extremely boring. That’s, the hero of the overview should be listened to exceptionally loudly, and he’s additionally not capable of pull out any headphones which might be roughly tight. On this regard, a miracle didn’t occur, and couldn’t have occurred, as a consequence of banal processes from the physics course. GraveAudio is designed just for delicate in-ear options and related full-size options.
However, if we ignore these nuances, the DA06 sounds driving, intelligible and roughly wealthy. Sure, with out clearly expressed timbral quantity and class in nuances, like the identical Shanling UA3, however clear, sincere and detailed. Right here I’d additionally embrace some sparkle on the prime and emphasised technicality, which, no doubt, can be appreciated by rockers, followers of digital music and the overwhelming majority of metalheads.
On the orchestra every little thing is simply as massive and even slightly extra appropriate than on the ALC5686, however I didn’t discover any important distinction between them. However jazz and different acoustic music sound extra nice right here than on the Celest CD-1 mannequin. All the pieces can be nicely drawn and clear, however the sound appears slightly extra alive and pure. After all, there may be not the dimensions, depth and effectiveness that costlier gadgets have accustomed us to, and the quantity stage is essential for sound high quality, however all this, no matter one might say, relates relatively to the amplification path and the wiring of the chip particularly.
Because of this, the GraveAudio DA06 cellular DAC seems first rate, is sturdy, consumes little vitality and, which could be very uncommon at present, absolutely helps a headset unit with a microphone. The one draw back I can consider is its energy output. Sadly, any roughly tight headphones are too powerful for this system. The pluses embrace merely glorious measurement outcomes, assist for the said sign decision and reasonably deep, fairly bodily and technical sound, with out pointless brightness, aggression and positioning errors.
Properly, the underside line is that there are financial savings right here, in fact. For instance, I’d emphasize the much more wealthy and vibrant sound of a customized DAC on the identical {hardware} and with precisely the identical output energy. In case your wealth permits it, take it higher. As compared with extra critical gadgets, the important thing variations straight rely on the implementation of the amplification path. That’s, you may get the utmost out of this chip if, so to talk, you set a aim. For its worth, the hero of the overview is solely incomparable. It is higher, however way more costly. Thrifty music lovers ought to take it with out hesitation.
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