Do I need to get out the soldering iron again? (2018)
Audiophiles and engineers trade experiences on how to get clean, convenient audio in a world of noisy laptop jacks, buggy phone playback pipelines, and increasingly dongle-dependent hardware. Many argue that cheap USB-C DACs or small external amps (often under $20–$60) now deliver measurably transparent sound, making high-end gear or DIY op-amp circuits unnecessary for most people, while others still enjoy building custom solutions or investing in more capable DAC/amp combos for demanding headphones. Underneath the technical talk runs a broader tension between valuing openness and hackability (often associated with Android and DIY hardware) and paying an “Apple tax” for integrated, low-friction systems that just work.
External DACs and Audio Quality
- Many commenters agree that built‑in audio outputs on laptops/phones are often noisy, underpowered, or both.
- External DAC/amp combos (e.g., Topping, Fiio, Schiit, Zoom, Focusrite, Apogee, DragonFly) are seen as effective fixes, especially for sensitive or harder‑to‑drive headphones.
- Several argue modern cheap USB‑C dongles, especially Apple’s, offer objectively excellent performance and are “good enough” for most users.
- Grounding/shielding issues (hum, noise changing with screen brightness or charger state) are common; optical (Toslink) or external DACs can eliminate this.
Cost vs Benefit of Audio Gear
- Strong theme: diminishing returns. Claims that 80–95% of maximal quality can be had for 10–20% of the price.
- Priority advice: spend on headphones first (e.g., HD600/560s/DT770/etc.), then DAC/amp if needed.
- Some suggest ultra‑cheap USB soundcards work surprisingly well, though quality and noise are hit‑or‑miss.
Apple vs Other Ecosystems
- Debate over Apple’s performance‑per‑dollar: some say Apple is overpriced on CPU benchmarks; others argue total system quality (display, DAC, build) makes pricing comparable to high‑end PCs.
- Apple audio hardware, including internal DACs and the USB‑C dongle, is widely praised as transparent and high quality.
- Larger debate on “Apple tax” vs time saved and reliability. Critics emphasize lack of control (browsers, adblockers, sideloading, ownership); defenders value not having to tinker.
- EU regulation and emerging sideloading options are mentioned but their impact is described as uncertain.
Analysis of the DIY Op‑Amp Circuit
- Multiple commenters dissect the four‑op‑amp design: two form a virtual ground; two buffer left/right with 0.1× gain.
- Explanation offered: reduce DAC hiss by attenuating the signal and compensating with higher source volume, lowering noise at the output.
- Others argue the design is overcomplicated, wastes battery, and that a simple resistive pad or basic buffer could achieve similar hiss reduction.
- Some call parts of the design functionally pointless; consensus is that it works mostly by attenuation, not magic filtering.
Alternative Hardware and Setups
- Suggestions include: Bluetooth neckband IEMs, Sony Walkman/LDAC devices, Fiio BTR series, MP3 players with Rockbox, iPods with SD mods, Pi+DAC+MPD systems, and simple bookshelf speakers with small amps.
- Class‑D vs tube/AB amps is debated: some report “listening fatigue” with cheap class‑D, others find modern switch‑mode amps excellent.
Android / Software Audio Issues
- Android media service is blamed for pops/explosions between tracks; some see this on other OSes as well.
- USB Audio Player Pro and external DACs are cited as ways to bypass buggy system stacks and achieve bit‑perfect playback.