Hifime UAE23HD USB type-C DAC with Sabre 9018 chip for new Macbook, Nexus 6p and other type C smartphones and computers!
UPDATE NOV 2017: We have made a tweak to the latest batch to improve compatibility with Android for this Type-C DAC. This removes the “skipping” issues previosuly reported with some phone.
UPDATE NOV 2016: Android 6.X and 7X introduced a bug when this DAC is used with some phones (Nexus, Samsung). It works if you put it in Airplane mode. The problem doesn’t occur on computers (Macbooks etc).
Background
The new USB Type-C plug is used on many newer phones and computer and this DAC connects directly without the need of any extra adaptors or cables.
The DAC is the same Sabre 9018 that we are selling here.
It’s ideal for smartphones as the power consumtion is low at 40-80mA and it has a headphone amplifier/output chip that can drive most headphones, including noise sensitive IEM and bigger high impedance headphones.
It is instantly recognized by Nexus 6p and works with all programs including Play Music, Spotify, etc. You can also use USB Audio Player Pro to play high resolution tracks up to 96/24.
The volume up/down buttons controls the volume from the DAC.
Sound
The high-end 9018 DAC chip combined with the Sabre headphone driver give a very detailed sound with a great soundstage. The noise is very low and can be used with also the most sensitive headphones. It is tested to work and sound great with Audio Technica ath-m50 (38 ohm, 99dB), Sennheiser hd650 (300 ohm, 103 dB), IEM: JH Audio JH-13 (28 ohm, 116dB).
Compatibility
It works without drivers with all major systems and programs; Windows, MAC, Linux. iTunes, Spotify, and Android see compatibility list).
Features
- USB Type-C connector
- Sabre ES9018k2m DAC chip and SABRE9601 headphone and line out driver, SA9023 USB receiver chip
- Works and sound great with most headphone (including low impedance IEM and high impedance headphones) and all line-level devices (preamps, amplifiers)
- Accepts 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz input files @16 and 24 bit.
- Volume controlled by computer vol +/- keys
- Ultra-low noise regulator LP5907 with added noise-reducing aluminum solid capacitors (NCC PSF series)
- Patented Time Domain Jitter Eliminator (by ESS Technologies)
- Optical output
- No drivers required! Optional Windows ASIO drivers available
Performance
- 122dB SNR
- 110dB THD+N: 2V rms @ 600 ohm load
- 100dB THD+N: 30mW @ 32 ohm load
- No DC blocking capacitors on the output
- Power usage: 40-80 mA depending on sample rate and volume
- Dimensions:5.5 x 3.5 x 1.8 cm (without cable)
- Weight 30g
| Weight | 0.04000000 kg |
|---|
11 reviews for HiFime TYPE C USB DAC (ES9018K2M+SA9023)
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Jerome Bahans –
Works fine and great sound, however the connecter is very weak, and the DAC broke down after a couple of months. Rather choose the USB A connector instead.
Flynn –
Works perfectly with the Pixel 3XL. Don’t buy if you have a Nexus 6P, music stutters unless the phone is in airplane mode. Battery consumption is acceptable but not really low. You either charge the phone or listen to music, can’t do both unfortunately.
David Mitchard –
Great sound however the connector cable is very weak. I’ve bought 2 of these which were both broken after a few months. Needs a better cable or allow user supplied cable.
Matthias –
Love the sound and form factor of this DAC!
Unfortunately I’ve had problems with the USB-C plug on my first unit out of the box. The connector was lose and would easily dissconnect with the smallest movement.
The replacement unit I quickly received (great service even over here in Europe from hifimediy!) has the same problems after a few months. I wouldn’t recommend it for mobile use. I ended up using mine only at home on my phone where it still get’s moved around more than on a laptop. Apparently that is already too much for the built quality of the connector. As I said, otherwise great unit which really makes me want to try the bigger DACs from hifime, like the UDA38Pro.
jesus abel –
Does not work on a Pixel 2 XL.
Jon Prather –
I am using one of these on a Google Pixel XL running Android 8.0. Everything works perfectly with the integrated system applications, and as expected exclusive mode USB Audio applications work perfectly as well. Literally just plug and play.
Highly recommended accessory for those who miss a headphone jack, or those like me who are not satisfied with the onboard audio chipset.
Ben –
Works for 2.0 and 5.1 audio from my 2016 MacBook Pro.
Tomokazu –
I connected "HiFime Sabre 9018 USB TYPE C" to my smartphone.
The LED lights momentarily weakly, it turns off, and it will not be recognized.
Using the OTG function conversion connector, the LED lights up when connected, I was able to listen to music via USB.
"Xiaomi MI5S Plus(xiaomi.eu custom ROM installed)" – "USB type-c to a conversion connector" – "USB type-a to c conversion connector" – "HiFime Sabre 9018 USB TYPE C"
Robert –
Great sound with USB Audio Player Pro, with others music apps + Android 7, not so much. Before I updated my Nexus 6P to Android 7, this DAC was sweet, then I updated my phone to Android 7 and now only USB Audio Player Pro plays music without stuttering/skipping every few minutes. Video applications (Netflix et al) all sound great, but I think that has something to do with the fact that they put out sound as PCM. USB Music Player Pro sets up a user defined space that bypasses Android and that sounds great. In fact once I startled myself a bit when I started playing some music because I didn’t realize how loud it was going to be. If you are running Android 6 or if you are running Android 7 and don’t mind shelling out 10$ for USB Audio Player Pro this is the DAC for you. If you are running Android 5, Android 7 and don’t want to pay that much for a music app, maybe wait a bit to see if google fixes this, or if all the audio players start using "user defined spaces"
Oleg –
Works with my Umi Super.
Little shatters appears when i turn screen off (every 4-6 seconds).
Really deep sound, i like this a lot.
Alan Fortune –
This was bought via Amazon and was an upgrade from the Sabre U2 DAC which in itself was excellent. The 9018 raises the bar for a low cost high quality DAC. The improvement in quality straight out of the box was striking. Run in time has not really made that much difference. This sounds excellent immediately. Deep Bass, sparking Mids and clear Highs are very obvious. One thing I’ve noticed is a big improvement in PLII surround sound. As I watch a number of programmes and some films I’ve noticed an increase in surround effects and room acoustics. I find myself listening to old music afresh, hearing things I’ve not noticed before. This is the best low cost DAC on the market.