DAC3 Headphone Amplifier - Audioengine EU

Tech Specs

DAC3 Mobile Headphone Amplifier & DAC

The DAC3 is a mobile 32-bit digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier that delivers high-quality audio from a digital source, like your phone, tablet, or computer to an analog source, like headphones or speakers. The DAC3 will level up your streaming experience, whether at home or on the go.

Quickstart Guide

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

DAC type

USB

Input

USB audio

D/A converter

ESS ES9281A PRO

USB transfer mode

Asynchronous dual clock

USB device class

Type 1.1 or above

Input bit depth

32 bit

Input sample rate

44.1kHz-96kHz native playback

188.2kHz & 192kHz re-sampled to 96kHz

Output

Analog 3.5mm mini-jack stereo

Full-scale output level

2.0V RMS

Output impedance

2 ohms

Recommended headphone impedance range

12 ohms to 10K ohms

Headphone amplifier

LME49726

Frequency response

10Hz-25KHz (+/- 0.5dB)

SNR

>116dB

THD+N

(1kHz FS 96kS/s) <0.002%

Crosstalk

-110dB

Power requirement

USB 5V DC, 200mA

USB power filtering

2-stage redundant regulation

Product dimensions

1.9” (48mm) ×0.6” (15mm) ×0.375″ (10MM)

Shipping weight

1.0lbs (0.5kg)

Environmental

Operating Temperature: 32 to 95 degrees F

Non-operating Temp: -4 to 113 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Included accessories

Lightning to USB-C and USB-C cables

Setup guide

DAC3 Internal Converter

The heart of the DAC3 is the ES9281A PRO DAC, which is well-regarded for its low noise and high fidelity. Due to the high signal-to-noise specs of the ES9281A PRO and the added benefit of double redundancy power source conversion and filtering, the DAC3 presents impressive low noise and low distortion characteristics. The DAC3 can process digital audio at any bit depth up to 32 bits and any sample rate up to 192kHz. DAC3 pads (upsampled) all bit depths internally to 32-bits, thus achieving a higher signal-to-noise ratio.

DAC3 Headphone Amplifier

The DAC3 contains a high-performance headphone amplifier based on the LME49726 low-noise opamp. This amp is able to provide low-impedance, high-fidelity audio and a 2-volt output which easily drives a wide range of headphones, satisfying even the most demanding headphone enthusiasts. The DAC3’s relay-controlled stereo output can also be connected to any system with an analog audio input, such as Audioengine powered speakers.

DAC3 Power

The DAC3 is powered directly from the USB bus and power is passed through two stages of regulation to ensure no USB bus power variations affect the audio quality. This low-noise, low-ripple power supply is located on a separate circuit board for extra isolation and thermal management.

DAC3 Volume Control

Volume for headphones and line-out is controlled directly from the DAC3 side panel. Smoothly adjust volume levels at fine increments without any undesirable noise or channel imbalance at lower volumes.

Quickstart Guide

DAC3 Quick Setup

The following diagrams show the most common configurations for connecting your DAC3 from a computer’ USB port to wired headphones or any music system.

Step 1: Connect the DAC3 to your phone, tablet or computer’s USB-C port using the included cables. (Lightning to USB-C for iOS devices and USB-C for MacOS, Android and Windows).

For PC, the DAC3 should be recognized automatically.

For Mac, under System Preferences/Sound, select “Audioengine DAC3” as the sound output.

Step 2: Connect the mini-jack output of your DAC3 to wired headphones, or any audio input of your powered speakers, stereo system, etc.

Note that the audio cables to connect your DAC3 to a stereo system are not included with the DAC3.

Step 3: Adjust the volume on your device and DAC3 via the side panel control to a medium level and start playing music.

For the full setup guide, download the attached PDF:
DAC3 Quickstart Guide

Troubleshooting

DAC3 Troubleshooting Tips

The following troubleshooting tips can help diagnose and correct most concerns with the DAC3. We have attempted to make this list as comprehensive as possible. So, even though some of these may not apply to your issue, please still go through each one.

Restart your phone, tablet or computer and make sure your computer’s OS and all related apps are up-to-date.
Verify that the audio cable (or headphone) connection out of the DAC3 is complete and in working order. You can do this by unplugging the cable and then reconnecting.
If using a computer, disconnect all other USB devices temporarily to see how this affects DAC3 playback. Audio over USB and bus powering a device can both be somewhat demanding. USB ports can share a bus internally and can also share their bus with devices internally as well. Because of this, some ports may not perform as well as others; so be sure to try each USB port one at a time.
If using Windows, uninstall the USB driver from your computer. Then disconnect D3 from your computer and plug it back in to allow the driver to re-install automatically. You can find complete instructions from Microsoft on how to reinstall a plug-and-play device under Windows here.
If you are using a Mac, try a NVRAM/PRAM reset. This resets the system configurations for some audio and video related items and can many times help clear up problems related to audio. See Apple’s support page for information on how to do this. Also, be sure to check the App store to see if there’s a newer version of Mac OS you could be running.
Try music with different bit depths and sample rates. On a Mac these settings are under Applications –> Utilities –> Audio MIDI Setup. Try using both 16-bit and 24-bit, as well as 32-bit settings.
Experiment with using a different media player (iTunes, Songbird, WinAmp, Cog, etc) and different audio file types (MP3, ALAC, FLAC, etc). And if your media library is located on an external drive or network attached storage (NAS), try playing audio files on your internal local hard-drive.
If possible, try your DAC3 with a different device to see if something is causing an issue in the current setup.

FAQ’s

Audioengine D1 vs D1P and DAC3: Reviews from Top Publications
- Audioengine D1, D1P and DAC3 Reviews from Top Publications
  
  What are the differences?
  
  The Audioengine D1, D1P, and DAC3 each offer a distinct approach to enhancing your music. The D1 is a classic choice for desktop setups, transforming ordinary computer audio into something rich and clear. It’s designed for those who want to elevate their home listening without the hassle of complex equipment.
  
  The D1P takes the D1’s strengths and packs them into a more portable form. It’s ideal for those who need high-quality sound on the go, without sacrificing performance. The D1P’s compact size makes it easy to carry, but its sound remains powerful and precise.
  
  Then there’s the DAC3, the most advanced of the three. It delivers studio-quality sound in a sleek, portable package, perfect for those who demand the best audio performance no matter where they are. The DAC3 is versatile, connecting easily to modern devices while ensuring every note is captured with perfect clarity.
  
  Each model serves a purpose, whether you’re setting up at home, traveling, or simply wanting the best sound possible. Audioengine has designed these DACs to meet the needs of every listener, ensuring that your music always sounds its best.
  
  On this collection page you’ll find detailed reviews from industry experts and major publications that applaud Audioengine’s D1, D1P, and DAC3.
  
  These reviews collectively affirm the top-tier performance and reliability of our digital-to-analog converters and headphone amplifiers. Each piece is celebrated for its precision engineering and outstanding audio fidelity, offering users an unrivaled listening experience.
  
  https://www.youtube.com/embed/C0rt9IiLBxM
  
  Audioengine D1 vs. D1P: Key Differences
  
  The Audioengine D1 and D1P are both 32-bit digital-to-analog converters designed for outstanding audio performance, but they cater to different preferences and use cases.
  
  Audioengine D1 is equipped with the PCM5102 DAC chip, making it a robust choice for desktop audio setups. It features USB and S/PDIF optical inputs and provides outputs for headphones and powered speakers. This makes the D1 an ideal solution for users looking to enhance their home audio systems.
  
  On the other hand, the Audioengine D1P is built for portability without compromising sound quality. It features the ESS ES9219C DAC chip, supports high-resolution audio formats, and offers MQA rendering. The D1P includes a toggle switch for easy switching between headphone and line-out modes and is powered via USB-C, ensuring compatibility with various modern devices like laptops and smartphones. This makes the D1P a versatile choice for audiophiles who seek premium sound quality in a compact design.
  
  By offering features tailored to different applications, both the Audioengine D1 and D1P maintain the brand’s commitment to providing high-fidelity audio solutions, whether at home or on the go.
  
  Audioengine D1P Professional Review:
  
  https://www.youtube.com/embed/8o3b1S0GF2Q?si=YrLFkap-9CL2y8Zl
  
  NEW Audioengine D1P DAC and Headphone Amplifier
  
  For those demanding the best sound quality, the D1P enhances music streaming to high-fidelity, exceeding the capabilities of traditional audio equipment.
  
  It bypasses the limitations of standard device sound cards, ensuring that your favorite tracks from platforms like Tidal, Apple Music, or Spotify are delivered in studio-level quality. Supporting high-resolution audio formats — including PCM up to 32bit 384KHz, DSD up to 256, and MQA files — the D1P allows you to immerse yourself in the full depth of your music, unveiling every note with clarity and detail.
  
  Audioengine DAC3 and Headphone Amplifier
  
  Professional Review by The Honest Audiophile
  
  https://www.youtube.com/embed/qFKbLYB4nxM
  
  More Professional Reviews:
  
  Best DAC and Headphone Amplifier of 2024: Audioengine D1
  
  C-Tech by CalCalist
  
  “The D1 by Audioengine has been honored as the “Best DAC and Headphone Amplifier of 2024″ by C-Tech by CalCalist. This prestigious accolade highlights our dedication to excellence and innovation in audio technology. The D1 is praised for its superior sound quality and advanced features, making it the preferred choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in audio performance and convenience.”
  
  Audioengine HD3 – Hi-Fi Stereo Desktop Speakers w/ Built-in 10K OHM Headphone Amplifier
  
  Reddit R/Headphones
  
  “The HD3 features a PCM5102 DAC and a OPA2134 headphone amp that’s separate from the main speaker amp…The 3.5 mm headphone output does exactly what it’s supposed to do: power your headphones without coloring the sound.
  
  There was no noticable hiss or distortion at either end of the volume range. All you get is clean power with no coloration.
  
  At $399 — $319 refurb — the HD3 is an awesome value that rolls 2 channel powered speakers, a DAC, a headphone amp, and Bluetooth receiver all into compact and attractive package.”
Dac3 General Specifications
- DAC type
  
  USB
  
  Input
  
  USB audio
  
  D/A converter
  
  ESS ES9281A PRO
  
  USB transfer mode
  
  Asynchronous dual clock
  
  USB device class
  
  Type 1.1 or above
  
  Input bit depth
  
  32 bit
  
  Input sample rate
  
  44.1kHz-96kHz native playback
  
  188.2kHz & 192kHz re-sampled to 96kHz
  
  Output
  
  Analog 3.5mm mini-jack stereo
  
  Full-scale output level
  
  2.0V RMS
  
  Output impedance
  
  2 ohms
  
  Recommended headphone impedance range
  
  12 ohms to 10K ohms
  
  Headphone amplifier
  
  LME49726
  
  Frequency response
  
  10Hz-25KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
  
  SNR
  
  >116dB
  
  THD+N
  
  (1kHz FS 96kS/s) <0.002%
  
  Crosstalk
  
  -110dB
  
  Power requirement
  
  USB 5V DC, 200mA
  
  USB power filtering
  
  2-stage redundant regulation
  
  Product dimensions
  
  1.9” (48mm) ×0.6” (15mm) ×0.375″ (10MM)
  
  Shipping weight
  
  1.0lbs (0.5kg)
  
  Environmental
  
  Operating Temperature: 32 to 95 degrees F
  
  Non-operating Temp: -4 to 113 degrees F
  
  Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
  
  Included accessories
  
  Lightning to USB-C and USB-C cables
  
  Setup guide
  
  DAC3 Internal Converter
  
  The heart of the DAC3 is the ES9281A PRO DAC, which is well-regarded for its low noise and high fidelity. Due to the high signal-to-noise specs of the ES9281A PRO and the added benefit of double redundancy power source conversion and filtering, the DAC3 presents impressive low noise and low distortion characteristics. The DAC3 can process digital audio at any bit depth up to 32 bits and any sample rate up to 192kHz. DAC3 pads (upsampled) all bit depths internally to 32-bits, thus achieving a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
  
  DAC3 Headphone Amplifier
  
  The DAC3 contains a high-performance headphone amplifier based on the LME49726 low-noise opamp. This amp is able to provide low-impedance, high-fidelity audio and a 2-volt output which easily drives a wide range of headphones, satisfying even the most demanding headphone enthusiasts. The DAC3’s relay-controlled stereo output can also be connected to any system with an analog audio input, such as Audioengine powered speakers.
  
  DAC3 Power
  
  The DAC3 is powered directly from the USB bus and power is passed through two stages of regulation to ensure no USB bus power variations affect the audio quality. This low-noise, low-ripple power supply is located on a separate circuit board for extra isolation and thermal management.
  
  DAC3 Volume Control
  
  Volume for headphones and line-out is controlled directly from the DAC3 side panel. Smoothly adjust volume levels at fine increments without any undesirable noise or channel imbalance at lower volumes.
My Sample Rate indicator light on my DAC3 / D1P is staying the same color, regardless of my audio track’s sample rate. How do I fix this?
- Using Third-Party Software
  1. Audirvana:
    - Audirvana is a high-quality audio player for macOS that automatically switches the sample rate to match the source audio.
    - It provides a direct mode that bypasses macOS’s audio processing, allowing for bit-perfect playback.
    - To use Audirvana:
      
      Download and install Audirvana from the official website.
      
      Open Audirvana and go to the preferences.
      
      Ensure the option to automatically adjust the sample rate is enabled.
  2. Roon:
    - Roon is another powerful music player and library manager that supports automatic sample rate switching.
    - It offers advanced features for managing your music collection and provides high-quality playback.
    - To use Roon:
      
      Download and install Roon from the official website.
      
      Open Roon and go to the settings.
      
      In the audio settings, configure your DAC as a zone and ensure it is set to automatically adjust the sample rate.
  3. BitPerfect:
    - BitPerfect is a simple and affordable app that integrates with iTunes (Music app) to ensure bit-perfect playback, including automatic sample rate switching.
    - To use BitPerfect:
      
      Download and install BitPerfect from the Mac App Store.
      
      Open BitPerfect and configure it to work with your preferred audio output device.
      
      Ensure that automatic sample rate switching is enabled in the settings.
  For Windows
  
  To configure your Windows PC to automatically switch the indicator color on your D1P or DAC3 based on the sample rate of the audio file being played, you can use specialized audio playback software that supports this feature. Here are a few options:
  
  Using foobar2000 with WASAPI or ASIO Plugins
  
  foobar2000 is a popular and highly customizable audio player for Windows that can be configured to use WASAPI or ASIO for bit-perfect playback, which allows automatic sample rate switching.
  1. Download and Install foobar2000:
    - You can download foobar2000 from the official website.
  2. Install WASAPI or ASIO Plugin:
    - Download the WASAPI component or ASIO component from the foobar2000 components page.
    - Install the component by dragging the downloaded file into the foobar2000 Components window (File > Preferences > Components).
  3. Configure Output:
    - Go to File > Preferences > Playback > Output.
    - Select your DAC under the WASAPI or ASIO output device.
  4. Enable Bit-Perfect Playback:
    - Ensure that your DAC is set to “Event” or “Push” mode (for WASAPI) or the correct ASIO driver.
    - This configuration will allow foobar2000 to automatically switch the sample rate based on the source material.
  Using JRiver Media Center
  
  JRiver Media Center is another powerful media player that supports automatic sample rate switching.
  1. Download and Install JRiver Media Center:
    - You can download JRiver Media Center from the official website.
  2. Configure Output Mode:
    - Go to Tools > Options > Audio.
    - Select your DAC as the audio device.
    - Under Settings, choose “WASAPI” or “ASIO” as the output mode.
  3. Set Automatic Sample Rate Switching:
    - In the Audio settings, go to “DSP & output format”.
    - Ensure “Output Format” is checked, then set the sample rate to “Source Sample Rate” or “No Change” to enable automatic switching based on the source file.
  Using Roon
  
  Roon is a premium music player with extensive support for high-resolution audio and automatic sample rate switching.
  1. Download and Install Roon:
    - You can download Roon from the official website.
  2. Configure Audio Device:
    - Go to Settings > Audio.
    - Enable your DAC as an output device.
  3. Set Up Playback:
    - Ensure that the sample rate conversion settings are set to “Source Sample Rate” to allow Roon to automatically adjust the sample rate.
  Using specialized audio playback software like foobar2000, JRiver Media Center, or Roon can help you achieve automatic sample rate switching on your Windows PC, allowing your DAC to read and display the correct sample rate based on the audio file being played. These applications provide bit-perfect playback and ensure that your DAC receives the correct sample rate without manual configuration.
How do I know if I bought from an authorized and legitimate site?
- Audioengine operates two websites, audioenginedev.wpengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here.
  
  What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don’t get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.
Bluetooth won’t connect on my Mac Computer (2019 or newer). Reset the Bluetooth to determine if that is the issue.
- Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Open Terminal:
    - You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing “Terminal”.
  2. Execute the Command:
    - In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
  bash
  
  Copy code
  
  sudo pkill bluetoothd
  1. Enter Your Password:
    - After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac’s administrator password and press Enter.
    - Note that when you type your password, it won’t be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.
  By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.
What are the QA Stickers?
- We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.
Why does the light on the DAC3 light up when first connected to my phone but then turn off?
- If you do not have headphones connected to the DAC3, the LED light will turn off after cycling through ‘Blue/Green/Red’. This is an intended feature to help save device power when headphones are unplugged.
What DAC chip does the DAC3 use?
- The DAC3 uses the ES9281A PRO DAC chipset
Will my device be sufficient to power the DAC3?
- The DAC3 only needs 200mA USB power to work, which most all modern source devices are capable of.
A hum or buzzing sound can be heard.
- Verify that the audio cable from the D3 is plugged in and in working order.
I am playing HD files or streams but the DAC3 HD indicator LED is not illuminated.
- Verify that the sample rate selection in your computer’s OS is set correctly. Your OS’s output settings will determine the color of the LED on the DAC3 — not the specific file being played.
Only one channel plays music.
- Check the cables between DAC3 and your headphones or sound system. Also check your audio player and OS audio controls to ensure that the audio balance is centered as well.
The output level from the DAC3 is low.
- Please check that the volume control on your phone/tablet/computer is up and at a good level; 75% should be a good level. Also try adjusting the volume on the DAC3 as well.
My DAC3 is connected as shown, but there is no music output.
- 1. Verify that one of the included cables is completely plugged into the DAC3 and your source device.
  2. Also verify that a 3.5mm mini-jack is firmly plugged in.
  3. Try disconnecting and reconnecting both the USB and 3.5mm cable.
  4. You will see an LED light confirming the DAC3 is getting power and is connected to an output.
  5. Check the volume level on your source.
  6. If connected to a computer, verify that the DAC3 is recognized and the active output device.
  7. Try restarting your computer.
  If none of the above helps resolve your issue, please contact our Support Team for additional assistance.
Does DAC3 support MQA files?
- Yes! DAC3 offers broad support for standard hi-res audio formats including MQA, PCM and DSD.
Will DAC3 work with lower impedance headphones such as my Beyerdynamic DT-990 and Hifiman HE500?
- DAC3 can easily drive wired headphones with impedances of 12 ohms or higher.
Can I use the DAC3 with an Apple iPhone or iPad?
- Yes! All you would need to do is connect your iOS device to the DAC3 using the included Lightning to USB-C cable.
How easy is it to set up the DAC3?
- To get things up and running only takes 3 simple steps. You would just need to first connect the included USB-C cable from your device’s USB port to the DAC3; then you’ll need to connect the mini-jack output of your DAC3 to headphones, or any audio input of your powered speakers, stereo system, etc. Next, if using a Mac, you will need to go to System Preferences/Sound, and select “Audioengine DAC3”; if you’re using a PC, no setting changes are needed as the computer will automatically find the USB driver. Finally, you’ll just need to adjust the volume on your device and DAC3 to medium and you’re ready to play music from iTunes or your favorite media player and that’s it! Setup really is that easy!
Can I connect the DAC3 to my Android device?
- The DAC3 will work with Android or any device that can operate as a USB-C host, can provide enough power via USB, and includes generic drivers for standard USB audio playback. A device with Android 5.0 or later should have both USB host mode and native plug-and-play functionality for USB audio, so you could connect the two together using the included USB-C cable.
How can the DAC3 external computer DAC improve my music?
- The DAC3 is essentially a very high-end external sound card. Its components and implementation of those components make it more capable than what might be built into a computer, not to mention the benefit of moving those sensitive components outside and away from the potentially noisy interior of your computer. All of this means the signal your speakers or wired headphones receive will be clearer, with a lower noise-floor, and with a more pronounced dynamic range over your internal sound card.
How powerful is the headphone amp in the DAC3? Will it drive my headphones?
- The DAC3 includes a headphone amplifier based on the ES9281A PRO Ultra DAC delivers 32-bit precision, high dynamic range and ultra low distortion. This headphone amp is able to provide low-impedance, high-fidelity audio to a wide range of wired headphones.
Are firmware updates or driver downloads needed for my Audioengine product?
- No, there are no firmware updates or special drivers needed unless you own our A1-MR multi-room speakers or our B-Fi multi-room wireless streaming device. If a firmware update is released for the A1-MR or the B-Fi, you will be notified of the update the next time you open the Audioengine Control App. If an update is needed, simply click “update” on the DEVICES page next to the product that needs to have the firmware update applied. The app will handle the rest of the process from there! Standard plug-n-play drivers that are provided by your computer’s OS are utilized when using the USB input on our A2+, HD3, and HD4 speaker models. And all of our Bluetooth speakers/products are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth, and the A2DP profile for streaming stereo audio. This includes most smartphones, tablets, and computers. For computers that don’t include Bluetooth support out of the box, you can simply add a USB Bluetooth adapter.

DAC3 Mobile Headphone Amplifier & DAC

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Quickstart Guide

Troubleshooting

FAQ’s

C-Tech by CalCalist

Product Information

Sales

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