Name: D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC
SKU: D1-DACHeadphoneAmp
Availability: InStock

The D1: A Master of All Trades

Universal Compatibility: Seamlessly connects to and is powered by desktop computers, laptops, and other USB-enabled devices.
Versatile Connections: Offers USB C and optical inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of digital sources including PCs, TVs, and media players.
Powered by Your Devices: Designed to draw power directly from your computer or any USB port, eliminating the need for external power sources and simplifying setup.

Features

High-Performance Amplification: Tailored for desktop use, it provides an amplified audio signal to both headphones and powered speakers.
Precise Volume Control: Direct volume adjustment from your computer or device, ensuring accurate sound levels without imbalance.
Dedicated Outputs: Features separate outputs for headphones and powered speakers or AV receivers, designed for a comprehensive desktop audio setup.
Premium Build Quality: Boasts custom audiophile-grade RCA connectors and a durable aluminum case for a long-lasting desktop audio solution.
Superior Sound Quality: Delivers sound quality typically found in more expensive DACs, making it a perfect choice for a wide range of high-end headphones and speakers.

Designed for Audiophiles

Drives High-End Headphones: Engineered to power audiophile-grade headphones, delivering pristine sound quality that meets the expectations of the most discerning listeners.
Platform Agnostic: Fully compatible with iOS, MacOS, and Windows, ensuring a broad usability across devices for a unified audio experience.

Setup That’s as Easy as 1-2

The D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC offers a plug-and-play solution, requiring no special software, apps, or drivers. Its compatibility with any audio system or powered speakers, like the Audioengine A5+ or A2, along with power directly from the USB bus, facilitates an effortless enhancement of your desktop listening experience.

D1 DAC/Headphone amp

D1 DAC/Headphone amp (rear)

Volume control
Power indicator
Headphone output
Stereo RCA Output
Optical / TOSLINK input
USB C input

Tech Specs

DAC type

Dual Mode USB C and Optical (SPDIF)

Inputs

USB C/Optical (SPDIF)

Outputs

RCA stereo/3.5mm headphone

D/A converter

ESS9018

What’s in the box

D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

USB cable

D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

Setup guide

Questions & answers about the
D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC

My 24-bit D1 USB connection is not being recognized
- The Gen 1 24-bit D1 requires a USB 2.0 cable to work properly. If your computer has USB-C inputs, use a 2.0 USB cable with a type C-to-A USB adapter.
I’m not able to adjust the volume with my tv remote using the Optical input?
- All Optical audio is considered a “fixed” output, meaning volume will not attenuate from the TV remote. If you have an HD5/HD6 you can use the Audioengine remote for this. Fo
How powerful is the headphone amp in the D1? Will it drive my headphones?
- The D1 includes a headphone amplifier based on the ES9601C SABRE low noise opamp. This headphone amp is able to provide low-impedance, high-fidelity audio to a wide range of headphones. We’ve found the sweet spot for the D1 is headphones that measure between 20 and 300ohms. The resistance of a pair of headphones can tell you a little bit about how much power they need, though other variables do have an impact as well. We have heard from customers with headphones measuring as much as 600ohms who say they’re happy with the output of the D1.
How can the D1 external computer DAC improve my music?
- The D1 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 receive will be clearer, with a lower noise-floor, and with a more pronounced dynamic range over your internal sound card.
Can I use the Airport Express with a D1 DAC?
- You should be able to incorporate the Airport Express with the D1 easily. All you would need to do is run an optical cable from the output of the Airport Express into the optical input of the D1. Then all you would need to do is connect the D1’s RCA output into the analog input of your Audioengine Speakers or your AV receiver.
Can I connect the D1 to my Android device?
- The D1 will work with any device that can operate as a USB 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 a USB OTG cable along with a standard USB cable.
How easy is it to set up the D1?
- To get things up and running, you would just need to first connect the included USB cable from your computer’s USB port to the D1; then you’ll need to connect the RCA outputs to your powered speakers/ AV receiver or your headphones to the headphone output on the front of the D1.
  
  Next, if using a Mac, you will need to go to System Preferences/Sound, and select “Audioengine D1”; 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 play music from iTunes or your favorite media player and that’s it! Setup really is that easy!

Product Vide10-second checkout with Amazon or Paypalos

The new D1 is the perfect music “interface” between your computer and speakers or headphones.

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I would recommend feeding it anything and everything your music library has to offer.

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Sweeter than the sound is the price — only $170. That’s peanuts for a DAC/amp combo of this quality. The...

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Those looking for a portable DAC + amp combo will find the Audioengine D1 an excellent performer with tons of...

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The D1 is pretty damn awesome. It’s got the same basic performance of a D3 plus way better connection options,...

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Which Audioengine Speaker System is Right for You?

Comparison Price
Built-In Power Amp
Input Bit Depth
USB Connectivity
Optical Connectivity
RCA Output
Headphone Port
Headphone Amplifier
Headphone Impedance
Portability
Supported Formats

D1 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC
$169
ESS9018
32-bit
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
10 ohms to 600 ohms
Desktop
PCM, DSD

D1P 32 Bit Portable Headphone Amplifier & DAC
169.0
ES9281A
32-bit
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
10 ohms to 600 ohms
Portable
PCM, DSD, MQA

Founded in Austin, Texas, the live music capital of the world.
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How a pair of music-loving tech veterans set out to create reasonably priced speakers that are good-looking, easy to use, and, most important, sound amazing. Or what you might call “the perfect pair of speakers.”

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