CYBERDRIVE USB-C Audio DAC Dongle by ESS 9280 Quad DAC, Support 384K / DSD256, 135dB SNR, 120dB DSR, 0.0001% THD, with 2Vrms to 600ohm Amplifier, Power by 3.5mm Jack for Earbuds and Headphones, Blue

I would not consider myself a serious audiophile, but I do own multiple mid-range headphone amplifiers, desktop DACs and headphones that I enjoy daily. I also like to listen on my phone when not home and I prefer wired IEMs rather than bluetooth which means I need a way to plug them into my phone which brings me to a short review of the Cyberdrive USB-C DAC/dongle.I had previously tried three other similar dongles with varying degrees of success. The first was the generic Apple brand dongle that a friend gave me but I quickly found out that it didn't have its own DAC so it was not compatible with my S23+. Next I tried a USB-C to Audio dongle from Amazon that had a DAC but was one of the cheapest options that didn't list the actual DAC chip it was using. This worked fine of course, and without comparing it to anything else I was happy enough with the results. Next I decided I needed another dongle to keep with my earbuds that I use to workout and so this time I went with a slightly more expensive dongle that listed using the Realtek ALC4042 DAC chip. This was a marked improvement over the no-name DAC and just had a more dynamic presentation. Unfortunately, the original no-name DAC dongle started to randomly disconnect so it needed to be replaced. I was just going to get a second dongle with the Realtek ALC4042 DAC chip and call it a day but then I came across the Cyberdrive dongle which is using the ESS 9280 DAC chip. Since my favorite DAC at home is an ESS based DAC I thought I would take a chance even though there was only (at the time) one review for this item on Amazon. And I am glad I did. This dongle is absolutely better sounding than the Realtek dongle. I am someone who believes that all well implemented DACs more or less sound the same so I was surprised at being able to immediately notice a difference. There was just a better/clearer separation of instruments and vocals. The one caveat is that the Cyberdrive dongle does play a bit quieter that the others so I had to increase the volume on my phone 2 notches to get equal sound to the Realtek dongle. For me this isn't a problem because my IEMs are efficient enough but it could be an issue with harder to drive gear.In summary, this is a fantastic sounding DAC and at $13.99 it is an absolute steal.

Looks like Amazon is charging $7-8 to return things like this now, even if they're DOA. That's fun...Anyways, mine would only play the left channel, weird phase inversion and disconnects, I'm guessing some manufacturing defect. Attempting an exchange... but I have a lot of experience with USB DACs and this one didn't work, out of the box.

Ok this does not cost as much as some of the other popular dac amps do but what if I said this is just as good and it’s enough? Would you believe me? Probably not. But I have a few good iems and headphones and this little guy is enough for it all. It was able to power my Sundara’s, a large planar magnetic headphone, enough to sound loud and clear. I have the AFUL Performer 8, a $370 in ear monitor, and it sounds great. I mostly use this amp with my Letshuoer S12 iems, a planar magnetic earphone. This thing has enough power and quality to satisfy most people’s needs. Can it be better? Yes. What would I like instead of just this? This but the capability to also charge as well instead of using a usb c hub in addition to this, which isn’t a totally bad thing imo. I do have more expensive amp/dac’s but this is a great go to especially while on the go. You don’t need to spends hundreds on just a silly usb c dac amp when you have this. Yes I highly recommend this especially if you’re on a budget or want to upgrade from an Apple 3.5mm dongle.

This dac is Incredible! Sou ds just as good as much more expensive dacs I've had the fiio btr5 the k3 and k5 this is on the same level if not better. Of course thoes can reach much higher volumes but this is more than enough for my akg n5005 and my Focal Elegia. Cristal clear sound. Definitely keeping this one. I saw some bad reviews about the QC and mine also came a little dirty, looks like it had some residue from the factory but it cleaned up real nice with a microfiber. I'm excited to see what else they come out with. I'll update my review if anything changes

DO NOT buy this. It only works half the time and when it does work it sounds horrible. I've had cheaper dongles that sounded better.