Are you tired of the underwhelming audio quality that your smartphone’s built-in DAC serves up? You’re not alone. Many of us crave an audio experience that’s more than what that tiny digital-to-analog converter squirreled away in our phones can deliver. But the quest for better sound often leads to a complicated mess of wires, portable DACs, headphone amps, and wired headphones that can turn any commute into a cable nightmare, complete with snags on bag zippers and unsuspecting commuters.
The good news? There’s a simpler way to elevate your music game, and it doesn’t involve getting entangled in a web of wires. In fact, this trio of wireless DACs is here to prove that you can enjoy superior sound without the hassle.
Number 1. FiiO BTR7
The FiiO BTR7 has dual headphone outputs with 3.5mm and 4.4mm Pentaconn connections. This is an absolute must-have for every aspiring audiophile in your life. It first appeared a little more than a year ago and is now available for around $200 / £175 / AU$279, replete with cords and a beautiful grey protective cover.
When I used the FiiO BTR7 with my iPhone, I was pleasantly delighted by the audio quality. I no longer had to deal with the Lightning port’s awkwardly protruding wires. It also has a microphone for calls and a stunning 1.3-inch IPS colour screen that displays codec and resolution information. Despite its small size (about the size of an extended matchbox), the FiiO BTR7 performs admirably.
While not included in this comparison, the similarly priced iFi Go Blu (which I assisted in evaluating for TechRadar’s sister magazine, What Hi-Fi?) weighs somewhat less than the BTR7 at 26g against 45g. Nonetheless, I thought the BTR7’s sound to be more balanced and free of noise.
The FiiO Control app is simple to use and includes customizable EQ settings as well as a full parametric equaliser with up to eight presets. It also supports manual Bluetooth codec selection, with no significant exclusions in the high-resolution category.
The BTR7 supports audio up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256, and MQA 8x decoding, making it appropriate for Tidal’s top-tier Master Quality songs. It is equipped with two ESS ES9219C DAC chips and an XMOS XUF208 CPU. It’s also worth mentioning that Tidal has released a high-resolution FLAC update. The gadget is equipped with a pair of THX AAA-28 amps that can give up to 160mW of power via the single-ended 3.5mm output or 320mW via the balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn connector.
In my testing, I utilised an unbalanced connection to assess the device’s performance, utilising some of the greatest over-ear headphones available, such as the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 planar magnetic headphones, the Sivga Oriole, and the Focal Bathys. The FiiO BTR7 outperformed my expectations in terms of power. To produce powerful and immersive sounds, I seldom had to turn the volume past 45 of its 60 increments.
The Bluetooth chip of the BTR7 is the QCC5124, which supports Bluetooth 5.1. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, I feel the FiiO BTR7 is a tempting alternative for audiophiles.
Number 2. Audiolab M-DAC Nano
One delightful feature of this uncomplicated plug-and-play DAC is the elegant 64-step digital volume dial nestled in the top left corner of its petite, square design. It evokes the feeling of a solo eyeshadow cosmetics case rather than a piece of high-fidelity audio equipment.
However, don’t be deceived by its diminutive size; the M-DAC Nano from Audiolab is a potent, pocket-sized DAC. Its operation is refreshingly straightforward: just establish a wireless connection between the Audiolab and your smartphone or DAP (Digital Audio Player), plug in your wired headphones, and you’re ready to immerse yourself in high-quality audio.
Audiolab’s secret weapon is a discreet “F” button located in the opposite top corner of the unit, which activates 32-bit/384kHz upscaling. While there’s no visual display indicating your file type or resolution, simply trust your ears to discern that this DAC is delivering its exceptional performance.
Although it’s been around since late 2018 for most of us, it supports Bluetooth 4.2, including aptX, aptX Low Latency, and AAC codecs. Considering its price point, I firmly believe you can’t make a wrong choice with this device.
My iPhone sounds significantly superior when paired with the M-DAC Nano, liberating it from the physical tether of a Lightning to USB adapter or a wired DAC, such as the excellent Astell & Kern HC3, which often involves intricate and easily breakable configurations. Furthermore, it’s the lightest option in this mini roundup, weighing in at a mere 28g.
Number 3. Hidizs AP80 Pro-X
Before I go any further, I want to emphasise that if you decide to purchase this item, I strongly advise you to pair it with the accompanying MS3 wired headphones. They combine to make an incredible compact audio system that provides good value for money.
While my major focus is on the Hidizs AP80 Pro-X’s capabilities as a wireless DAC for flawlessly processing and enjoying music from your smartphone (a role it excels at), it’s worth mentioning that the Hidizs AP80 Pro-X is also a dedicated high-resolution audio player. To save your music files, you’ll need a microSD card.
For less than $300 (roughly £348 or around AU$440), this player provides an astounding 11 hours of listening on a single charge when combined with the supplied in-ear headphones. In comparison, Astell & Kern’s A&norma SR25 MKII gives up to 20 hours of playing, whilst the company’s flagship A&ultima SP2000T only delivers nine hours. Thus, in terms of battery life, the low-cost Hidizs compares brilliantly with much more costly rivals.
The AP80 Pro-X has twin DAC chips and can play high-resolution PCM, DSD, and MQA files. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility for Sony’s LDAC codec as well as HiBy UAT (Ultra Audio Transmission), which guarantees 192kHz passthrough at a maximum transmission rate of 1.2Mbps.
Even when linked with a smartphone, the Hidizs’ small 2.45-inch 480 x 360 touchscreen is remarkably snappy, crisp, and colourful in a variety of lighting settings. It displays the higher-resolution characteristics that audiophiles value, and the player’s settings allow you to easily pick the suitable Bluetooth codec section.
The Hidizs AP80 Pro-X has a luxury feel that belies its low price, making it a good discussion starter on your commute. Of course, if you want a more private experience, you can easily slip it into your pocket and immerse yourself in the magnificent LDAC tunes it provides.
