Tag: Bluetooth Audio

  • Topping DX5 II DAC: Hi-Res Audio, USB ASIO, Powerful Headphone Amp

    Topping DX5 II DAC: Hi-Res Audio, USB ASIO, Powerful Headphone Amp

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Topping DX5 II DAC is designed for audiophiles, supporting both wired and wireless headphones with ultra-low noise performance.
    2. It features dual 32-bit ES9039Q2M DAC chips, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range of 133 dB, with THD+N under 0.00006%.
    3. The DAC has strong amplification capabilities, driving low-impedance headphones at 7600 mW and high-impedance headphones at 490 mW while maintaining low distortion.
    4. Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.1 with support for various audio codecs, and it can connect to PCs via USB for high-resolution audio playback.
    5. Users can customize audio settings using a 10-band parametric EQ and easily navigate options through a 2.0-inch LCD display.

    Topping has introduced the DX5 II DAC, designed for audiophiles who enjoy high-resolution music. This DAC is compatible with both wired and wireless headphones, promising an ultra-low noise experience. Priced at $299, the DX5 II can be purchased from Topping’s Amazon store.

    Specifications and Performance

    Equipped with dual 32-bit 2-channel ES9039Q2M DAC chips, the DX5 II delivers impressive performance for balanced headphones, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 133 dB and a dynamic range of 133 dB. The total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) at 1 kHz (A-weighted) is less than 0.00006%. The X-Hybrid amplifier is capable of driving low-impedance headphones at 7600 mW for 16 Ω and can also handle high-impedance headphones up to 490 mW at 600 Ω, all while maintaining THD+N below 1%. For added convenience, you can connect external active speakers directly to the DX5 II in preamp mode.

    Wireless and Connectivity Features

    The DX5 II also shines when it comes to wireless capabilities, featuring a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 System on Chip (SoC). It supports a variety of codecs for Bluetooth audio, including standard SBC and AAC, as well as higher-quality aptX Adaptive, aptX HD (24-bit, 48 kHz at 576 kbps), and High-Res Audio LDAC (24-bit, 96 kHz at 990 kbps).

    For direct connectivity, the DAC can be linked to PCs via USB, allowing playback from streaming platforms and local music files, supporting formats like 32-bit 768 kHz PCM and DSD512. It can also operate in ASIO mode using the Thesycon driver, which is great for low-latency professional audio tasks. The 12-volt input/output trigger allows for automation when paired with other audio devices.

    Customization and User Interface

    Users can fine-tune their audio experience with the 10-band parametric EQ software for PCs, enabling the saving and recalling of multiple custom profiles. The 2.0-inch LCD display provides easy access to all settings and status information, which can be navigated using the input knob and three control buttons.

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    Topping DX5 II DAC: Hi-Res Audio, USB ASIO, Powerful Headphone AmpTopping DX5 II DAC: Hi-Res Audio, USB ASIO, Powerful Headphone AmpTopping DX5 II DAC: Hi-Res Audio, USB ASIO, Powerful Headphone AmpTopping DX5 II DAC: Hi-Res Audio, USB ASIO, Powerful Headphone AmpTopping DX5 II DAC: Hi-Res Audio, USB ASIO, Powerful Headphone Amp
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  • FiiO BTR17: Qualcomm aptX Lossless & 650mW Amp for $199

    FiiO BTR17: Qualcomm aptX Lossless & 650mW Amp for $199

    Most modern smartphones have ditched the headphone jack, with high-end devices like the Apple iPhone 16 only using highly compressed Bluetooth codecs such as AAC and SBC. The FiiO BTR17 headphone amplifier aims to address these issues. When connected to a smartphone through USB-C, users have the option to plug in their headphones via either a 3.5 mm or a balanced 4.4 mm jack.

    Superior Sound Quality

    To provide exceptional audio, the FiiO BTR17 is equipped with an ESS Sabre ES9069Q DAC along with a powerful 650 mW amplifier, making it suitable for even the most demanding headphones. Users can also connect Bluetooth headphones, as the FiiO BTR17 supports Sony LDAC and Qualcomm aptX Lossless, courtesy of the Qualcomm QCC5181 Bluetooth chip. This allows for streaming music in CD quality without any loss. Weighing around 73 grams, this device boasts a battery life of about eight hours.

    User-Friendly Interface

    The gadget features a small 1.3-inch IPS display that shows the current settings and music quality. A dedicated rotary control allows users to adjust the volume, while a 10-band equalizer enables customization of sound preferences. Firmware updates can be easily installed through the FiiO Control app on a smartphone. The device has a desktop mode for peak performance, while the smartphone mode helps save battery life by preventing excess power drain from the smartphone.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the FiiO BTR17 headphone amplifier for $199, available in blue or black colors. FiiO also provides a leather carrying case and a USB-C cable with the product. For more information, you can visit the official product page.

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  • Android 15 Introduces Bluetooth Auracast for Audio Sharing

    Android 15 Introduces Bluetooth Auracast for Audio Sharing

    For individuals who often travel in groups with friends or family, the challenge of sharing audio content, such as movies or playlists, arises due to current Bluetooth limitations that restrict streaming to a single device at a time. However, the Bluetooth LE Audio standard, along with its Auracast feature, presents a solution to this issue.

    Auracast Feature Overview

    Auracast facilitates the broadcasting of audio to nearby devices using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Unlike conventional Bluetooth methods, Auracast eliminates the need for pairing between the transmitting and receiving devices.

    In essence, envision your smartphone as a miniature radio tower, transmitting an audio stream that can be picked up by other compatible devices.

    Enhanced Audio Sharing Capabilities

    While some smartphones already possess audio-sharing functionalities, they are often limited to specific ecosystems. For instance, Samsung phones offer a feature called “Dual Audio,” permitting media audio to be sent to two different Bluetooth devices simultaneously, but this functionality is restricted to select Samsung devices. Similarly, Apple’s “Share Audio” feature only works between iPhones.

    In contrast, Auracast is accessible to any device or platform that licenses the technology from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the regulatory body for Bluetooth standards.

    Android 15 Introduces Bluetooth Auracast for Audio Sharing

    Implementation of Auracast

    Although Auracast was announced in 2022, it has already been embraced by smartphone manufacturers. As Bluetooth LE Audio becomes a standard feature, the landscape is evolving.

    A significant development is the native integration of a dedicated “audio sharing” page in Android 15, enabling users to manage Auracast streams efficiently. This feature allows users to discover, connect to, or commence their Auracast broadcasts.

    Mishal Rahman, in a blog post on Android Authority, successfully activated the Auracast feature on a Pixel 8 Pro running Android 15 Beta 1.1, establishing a connection with Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1. Notably, this connection required Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds, which support Auracast.

    Utilizing Auracast on Android 15

    To initiate an Auracast stream on Android 15, users need to navigate to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Audio sharing. Here, a toggle for “share audio” can be activated to commence the broadcast.

    For added security, users can set a custom broadcast name and password under “stream settings” or generate a QR code for others to scan and join the stream.

    Upon successful connection, both devices will play the same audio through their respective earbuds. It is crucial to note that Auracast supports one-way broadcasts, meaning connected devices cannot control playback on the source device.

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