

D1 is the perfect digital interface between your computer and music system and will improve the sound of ALL your music. Out of all the sources that reviewed them, the iFi hip-dac turned out to be most loved by What Hi-Fi?, which gave it a score of 10, whereas the Audioengine D1 got its highest, 8, rating from reviewers at What Hi-Fi?. Audioengine D1 Premium 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) allows you to bypass your computers soundcard or headphone output and send audio through USB or optical.

Audioengine D1 review score analysis - it turns out that all of the sources that have tested both Headphone Amplifiers, including What Hi-Fi?, preferred the iFi hip-dac over the Audioengine D1. We also performed a thorough iFi hip-dac vs. Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC, Premium Desktop Digital to Analogue Converter. It did great in its " Best DAC 2022: Elevate your listening experience with the finest digital-to-analogue converters" roundup - in fact, it earned its "The best DAC under £150" title, which, on its own, indicates a certain level of quality. All of the ESS 9018/9028 and newer AKM chips are rather colored in their own ways. It did great in its " The Best Portable Headphone Amp With Built-In DAC" roundup where it was named its "Ranked 2 out of 3", which, in itself, makes it a product worth considering.Īs for the Audioengine D1 - it impressed reviewers at Expert Reviews, a trustworthy source that conducts solid hands-on testing.

The iFi hip-dac was loved by reviewers at Wirecutter, a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing. Dell laptop USB (digital output) -> Audioengine DAC -> Audioengine A2 speakers great, pleasing sound for daily listening, if the bass was a bit weak. There are virtually no better Headphone Amplifiers at this price point than the iFi hip-dac and the Audioengine D1. Adding an Audioengine D1 DAC to these widows laptops helped immensely. These two options dominate the market at the $180 budget range.
