This type C DAC dongle is made by one of the best amplifier manufacturers in the market. However, sticking with music mode gives you the best potential detail in the sound signature. Lastly, you get three different modes with the Zerda, music, game, and movie. The chipset used here is an ESS9298 that’s able to decode 16bit/384kHz PCM and DSD with a customized anti-interference magnet that helps to eliminate noise. You just get a better sense of definition across the frequency spectrum, minus some sharp treble. Vocals appeared a lot more clearly due to the more forward midrange, and the bass features better accentuation with smoother textures and impact. Of course, the most important factor is sound, to which the Zerda produces a good sense of fidelity. Now it won’t matter, because you get one supplied by the Zerda ITM01. This is great for those who are looking for a great IEM but prefer a cable with a remote. Not only does it have a cable that can be switched out from type c to lightning, but it also has a remote for playback and volume control. They’ve released other DAC dongles and other type C adapters before, but in my opinion, the Zerda ITM01 was the strongest of the bunch. I’ve been a fan of Ikko’s output of affordable IEMs this year and there’s no better compliment to them than the Zerda ITM01. The Bolt also features THX certification, with ultra-low harmonic crosstalk and crossover distortion that isolate the DAC from the USB port. As a sonic enhancer, the Bolt gives you everything you’d need for only $109, supporting MQA, and PCM files that include sampling rates up to 385kHz, and DSD files up to 5.6MHz. In some IEMs, I noticed the sound was a bit more floaty in the image and the crisper midrange tonality. When I first started using the Helm Audio Bolt I immediately noticed the expanded soundstage and revealed detail. You won’t get as many features, but the sound quality should receive a similar enhancement. Plus, dongles are much more convenient than carrying around another big rectangle when you’re on the go. You also have potable amplifiers like the iFi Hip-DAC, and Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt, but they require even more adapters in order to work with your phone, and sometimes they might not even be compatible with certain devices. Different DAC adapters can significantly change the sound of your headphones or IEMs depending on which ones you choose, like widening soundstage or emphasizing detail. Some DAC dongles even have special attributes like higher bit rates and MQA support. With Bluetooth, you’re relying on the CODEC and streaming quality for your audio, while an adapter can decode and output a much more pure signal. There are plenty of reasons to go wireless, but it all comes down to resolution. Although there will always be a place for cables to obtain quality sound, most smart devices have already abandoned their headphone jacks, leaving those listeners to resort to USB Type C or lightning headphones (of which there are few of), purchase a DAP (which aren’t always affordable) or purchase an adapter. With the influence Bluetooth has on the market, there are still those who refuse to ditch the cable. Even many of the top audio brands, like Sennheiser, Shure, and Audio-Technica have all embraced wireless without alienating some of their devoted audiophile customers. You see them everywhere, from casual streetwear, sportswear, and gaming accessories. Bluetooth headphones and wireless earbuds are dominating a significant portion of the market today.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |