Dodocool DA134 Hi-Res USB-C to 3.5mm - Unboxing & Review - General Accessories

This is the Dodocool DA134 Hi-Res USB-C to 3.5mm Sound Card.
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Unboxing
The item comes in a pretty small and slim packaging with no accessories at all, only an user manual and warranty card. I would have appreciated to see, at least, a Type-C to MicroUSB or to USB-A for PC and legacy devices support.
As you can clearly notice, the whole device is packed in a rather nice aluminum body. It feels solid and premium, and also works as a sort of interference shield.
Something that doesn't look premium at all is the internal board. For some weird reason, the USB cable has been soldered in a really bad way, and some wires are slightly scratched on the plastic side. I hope this is just a case, otherwise it is hard to define this board as durable.
The device appears to be using an AKM AK4430ET DAC with a Bravo SA9123 Audio Controller IC, datasheets linked below. I am not an audiophile, but based on my minor knowledge, this can be declared as a mid-range USB DAC, with decent components that could have been better (of course).
AK4430ET: https://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/datasheet1/?partno=AK4430ET
SA9123: http://archive.esmchina.com/forum.esm-cn.com/FORUM_POST_1000164011_1201276323_0.HTM
Built-in Multimedia Controls are working just fine, even on my PC, but they just handle the device's control, meaning that you can adjust the same controls (Play/Pause, Volume +/-) from the smartphone (or other device) directly. Personally i don't find them useful, but may be for someone else.
When it comes to compatibility, even though this is meant to be used with Type-C Android Devices, it works just fine on my PC using a Type-C to USB adapter, and even on Android Devices with a MicroUSB plug (using the adapter of course). Perfectly recognized, and working as should.
PC (Linux)
Android (Mi Note 2)
Sound Quality
As regards the audio quality, compared to my smartphone internal DAC, i can notice a slightly higher volume but, to be honest, not an huge difference. Nowadays most smartphones (excluding low-end ones) already come with a decent internal sound card, but the amplifier isn't that great most of the times.
Still, some extra punchiness to the sound is noticeable, even with low-end earphones known to have a pretty high resistance. Not impressive, but not disappoiting either.
If you know to have a device that provides a terrible sound quality via the headphone jack, then the difference will be really noticeable.
Conclusions
I always thought that an External DAC, even if not super high-end, would provide better sound quality compared to a generic sound source, but apparently this is not valid anymore nowadays.
Other than that, this is not a bad product, there is some room for improvements and the build quality is pretty decent (excluding the soldering issue) considering the price target.
For those who need a cheap workaround to a crappy built-in sound card, then this is a product that should be considered.
Pros:
- Premium Aluminum Chassis
- Decent Internal Components
- Excellent Compatibility (using an adapter)
Cons:
- No Adapters included
- Questionable internal soldering
Rating: 8.3
Packaging and Accessories: 6
Design and Materials: 8.5
Sound Quality: 9
Price: 9.5 (Amazon)
Official Website: https://www.dodocool.com/p-da134gy.html
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: https://imgur.com/a/O2LdZ
You can buy it on many online shops. Official, and authorized, Retailers are listed in the Dodocool website.​

Very interesting review.
I'm just looking for an external (and small) DAC for my phone Wich do not have jack.
I've found the GGMM A1 or this Dodocool to use instead of a cheap usb-c -> jack adapter.
Have you tried some other DAC to compare? Like Smsl or other

aaalexx said:
Very interesting review.
I'm just looking for an external (and small) DAC for my phone Wich do not have jack.
I've found the GGMM A1 or this Dodocool to use instead of a cheap usb-c -> jack adapter.
Have you tried some other DAC to compare? Like Smsl or other
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the only DAC i have currently.

Ask
Does it have headphone amp?

Related

Archeer AH07 Bluetooth Headphones - Unboxing & Review

Archeer AH07 Bluetooth Headphones
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Unboxing
The Headphones are packaged into a stylish and compact, premium-like and solid package, with some basic accessories: 1x Micro-USB Cable, 1x 3.5mm Audio Cable, 1x User Manual, and the Headphones (of course).
As regards the Chassis, well there is a mixture of Metal and Plastic, together with a soft-cushion in order to make its wearing experience comfortable.
Each side can be rotated/adjusted, here you can see the internal slider. This is something rare to find, even on high-end headphones.
Thanks to the soft-cushion, made of artifical leather, there are no issues as regards prolonged usage.
Over-ear pavilions (please correct me if i'm using the wrong word) guarantee a better sound insulation, but i found the soft-cushion, at least on my skin, getting pretty hot after some minutes of usage. This is probably caused by the almost-perfect insulation that reduces to minimum the amount of air coming to ears, or just my skin.
Sound Quality
As regards the sound quality, well i am not an audiophile so i can't provide you some professional audio tests, but basing on my power-user experience, i can definitely say that these headphones are able to provide an almost high-end experience, with a great sound quality and complete frequencies coverage.
The Volume is high enough, and low frequencies (aka Bass, even though this isn't the correct definition) are here. I haven't noticed any lack of frequencies, the sound is equilibrated and well calibrated.
This is my Loudness/Volume Test while running a Dolby Sound Test. Result: 82.2 dBA (MAX)
As regards the built-in Microphone, it seems to work just as fine as on the majority of headsets. Nothing to say about it.
Is there something negative about sound quality? Yes, but not directly related. Sound Insulation isn't perfect, it doesn't have any active noise cancellation system so what provides the insulation is just the pavilion. I am not saying that it isn't good, it is definitely enough for me, but in case of loud environments it could be a problem.
Controls and Connectivity
I was able to pair the headphones with my device in just one step (using BT), and after being connected i didn't experienced any issue as regards stability or such. There is APT-X support here for high-definition BT Audio.
There is also the possibility to use Wired Connection instead of Wireless (using BT), without having to use its internal battery, and i do not notice any Quality difference compared to the Wireless connection, maybe because i'm using a last-gen device.
As regards the controls area, there are just three buttons here, but they are multi-functional. The Power Button works also as an Answering Button and as a Music Control for Play/Pause, and the Volume Buttons are used to control the volume (of course), to Reject/Mute a Call and as a Music Control for Next/Previous song.
Conclusions
I am impressed by the quality of these headphones, being a Piston 3 user where sound frequencies are a bit messed up, i can definitely hear the difference. Archeer...well done!
Summarizing all, these AH07 Headphones are really well-made, nice build quality, and what matters most is the sound quality that is great.
So...do I recommend this accessory? Well, i haven't tested lower-end headphones so i can't provide you a comparision or such, but considering the mid-range price, i doubt it is possible to find something better at the price target. Recommended if you want to buy something well-made, with great sound quality, at an acceptable price.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Great Sound Quality
- Solid
- Comfortable
- Acceptable Price
Cons:
- Sound Insulation could have been better
Rating: 8.8
Packaging and Accessories: 8.5
Design and Materials: 9.5
Sound Quality: 9.5
Price: 8 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: http://www.archeer.com/Archeer-AH07...laxing,Up-to-14-Hours-Playback-Time-p-20.html
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2b5mP2M
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/wLYZ9​

HooToo Shuttle Type C Hub with HDMI - Unboxing & Review

HooToo Shuttle Type C Hub with HDMI
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Unboxing
It comes in a dual-package with no accessories, it means that there is just the USB Type-C Hub and a nice sheet where everything is well-explained about each connection.
As regards the Materials, it is entirely made of Metal (except the lower side), similar to Apple's Macbook, with a rubberized and well-made cable that has a Metal Connector too.
On the front there is just the HooToo logo, pretty cool with a White LED that turns on when connected to the Device or Power Supply. It works as a classic Power LED, just bigger and stylish.
This is the full-featured (HT-UC001) variant of the Hub, HooToo offers also other variants with less features without HDMI, DC in, etc...
On one side of the device there are 3x USB 3.0 ports (one of them for Charging only) and 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC Slot.
On another side there is 1x DC IN port required to get the pass-through Power Delivery feature used to charge your device in the same time.
On the left side there is 1x Full-Size HDMI port used for Video Output. Remember, it isn't guaranteed that your device supports this feature so please check everything before buying this variant, otherwise get the one without it.
Finally on the right side there is the rubberized USB Type-C cable, with a nice Metal connector that definitely improves its durability.
Real Usage
Unfortunately i don't have a Laptop with USB Type-C, so all my tests were executed on one of my USB Type-C smartphones. It means that i won't be able to provide any video output test because Android doesn't support this feature. (do not confuse it with MHL, it is different and this adapter isn't MHL-enabled, completely different technology)
Just as the most elementary test, i have tested my USB Flash Drive with the device, and it has been immediately recognized without any issue. i know it is a USB 2.0 Flash Drive.
Next i have tested my Sandisk Extreme MicroSDHC card, with UHS-III. Thankfully, it has been immediately recognized (as USB drive) without any issue at all.
Well the charging port is working just fine too, it is a simple charging port (the third USB 3.0 port with a Lightning picture on the left), nothing special to say about it. With DC IN connected, it charges any device connected without using too much power from your device.
I have ordered a USB 3.0 adapter from China in order to the test the Video Output feature, and to provide some USB 3.0 speed tests. This review will be updated as soon as i get it. If you don't have a USB Type-C port, this adapter might be for you
Conclusions
Well this device impressed me for the Materials Quality, it is probably one of the most complete Type-C hubs available but its cost isn't so low too. So...this time it is correct to say that you have to pay in order to get some good quality devices. Except this price issue, that might not be an issue for someone else, i think this is something pretty useful to have for mobility reasons. You can do everything with just a small piece of Metal, it is impressive to see how many features can fit inside.
So...do I recommend it? If you can afford it, and your device supports all features, Yes, otherwise go for the lower variants that allows you to save some money.
Pros:
- Impressive Metal Quality
- Dedicated Charging Port (DC IN & USB Output)
- Cool Power LED (HooToo Logo)
- Supports UHS-III SD Cards
Cons:
- Expensive
- No Type-C adapter included
Rating: 9
Packaging and Accessories: 9.5
Design and Materials: 10
Performance and Usage: 9
Price: 7.5 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: http://www.hootoo.com/ht-uc001-usb-type-c-hub-charging-hdmi-apple-pd.html
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/RIoQD​

ARCHEER Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver with APT-X & SPDIF - Unboxing & Review

ARCHEER Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver with APT-X & SPDIF - Unboxing & Review
ARCHEER Bluetooth 4.1 Transmitter and Receiver
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Unboxing
This Accessory is packaged with an high amount of cables: 1x 3.5mm Audio Cable, 1x 3.5mm to RCA Cable, 1x TOSLink/SPDIF Optical Cable and 1x Micro-USB Cable. Also, there is the usual Instruction Manual. (English/Chinese)
As regards the Build Quality, it has a Matte Surface (easy to scratch unfortunately), and the quality of the Plastic is decent. Considering the usage, there is no need to have premium material for the exterior. What matters is the audio quality.
On the front, there is a single Power Button that works also as a secondary button to enable pairing mode or switch between devices, together with a Status LED just under it.
On the left, there are two switches, used to switch (well...yes) between TX/RX modes and SPDIF/Aux connection.
On the back, there is a classical 3.5mm Aux Jack, 2x SPDIF Ports and a Micro-USB port for charging.
Nothing important on the other sides.
Sound Quality
As regards the sound quality, as i always say i am not an audiophile so i can't provide you some professional audio tests, but based on my power-user experience, the quality is definitely higher than using a standard adapter without APT-X and SPDIF, using 100% of the Bluetooth Bandwidth in order to obtain the best sound quality with no compression, low bitrate, and other issues caused by a standard A2DP connection.
I have tested the SPDIF port using my TV together with my APT-X Archeer Headphones and the combo is just great.
Also using APT-X Headphones but together with the AUX port as Input, works fine too, but not as good as using the Optical Connection of course.
There is something i miss though, a microphone for voice-calls if used with a Smartphone. This would have been a great feature to have, but as always, it isn't possible to have everything,
Conclusions
Compared to similar products, based on my research, this might be one of the cheapest ones available on the market, and considering the quality, it is definitely something to not ignore.
Summarizing all, i can definitely recommend this accessory.
Archeer, if you are reading this review, please add a Microphone in your next model
Pros:
- Decent Battery Life
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Dual AUX/SPDIF connections
- Pretty easy to use.
Cons:
- No Microphone
- Matte, easy to scratch, Surface
Rating: 9.5
Packaging and Accessories: 10
Design and Materials: 8
Sound Quality: 10
Price: 10 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: NOT AVAILABLE YET
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/ARCHEER-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Receiver-Wireless/dp/B06XRXV664
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/n6FzR​

Archeer A320S Bluetooth Speaker with True Wireless Stereo - Unboxing & Review

Archeer A320S Bluetooth Speaker with True Wireless Stereo
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Unboxing
First of all, ignore the package's conditions since, well, this is how i got the package from the courier. Luckily everything was fine inside. Anyway, just like the previous A320 i reviewed last year, this one comes with the same amount of accessories: 1x Micro-USB Cable, 1x 3.5mm Audio Cable, 1x Kit of Rubber Pads, 1x Protective Pouch and the Speaker (of course).
Also as regards the design and materials, everything looks exactly the same, with a nice bamboo-style front, some sort of fabric all around the device. Everything is well-made, with no imperfections (even better than the A320) and a great attention to details.
The whole back side features the same bamboo-style look with an air output (for the Subwoofer) on the bottom and the I/O Zone in the middle.
In the I/O Zone, completely rubberized so a bit easy to scratch, there is an AUX/Audio Input 3.5mm connector (just like a standard headphone jack) required to use the device in wired mode, a Reset Button, a Red LED that turns on while the built-in battery is charging and a Micro-USB port (for charging).
On the lower side instead there isn't anything at all, with just a sticker (that can be removed) with some data about the device.
As regards the Speakers, just like on the A320, there is a Subwoofer in the center and one speaker/tweeters for each side. It is said that, compared to the predecessor, the quality has been improved slightly. Is it true? Well, follow my next paragraph to know more.
On the upper side instead there are all Keys (Volume Up/Down, Play/Pause, Power), and an Activity/Connection LED with a Microphone just below.
Sound Quality
Compared to the A320, what Archeer says is slightly true, i notice an higher amount of high frequencies while keeping low frequencies reasonably high. But, it doesn't mean that it is perfect since it isn't at all. This is still a speaker made for bass-lovers, with the most punchy sound you can probably get from a bluetooth speaker and terribly high sound pressure.
Of course this means that there is a lot of output power there, and this is true, as you can see from this photo taken while running my classical Dolby Sound test.
Still, i would have preferred to get a switchable equalizer in order to switch from a full-bass to a more balanced mode in order to satisfy all kinds of users.
But, the main reason why i choose to get this new A320S model instead of keeping my old A320 is the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) mode, with the possibility to pair to speakers together in order to get the best sound experiece. Does it work properly? Yes, super-fast to configure and, together, the output power gets even higher. Technically, you get 25W x 2, with a total of 50W! My sound meter isn't even able to record the difference, but some decibels extra are here.
Controls and Connectivity
Unlike the A320, on this model there seems to be a Microphone, and my smartphone confirms it since Phone Calls are supported too. This is an huge improvement even though the result is not the best, but still better than nothing.
Unfortunately there is no Bluetooth Version upgrade or APT-X support addition with this new model, thus it still works on Bluetooth V4.0. It isn't bad, but you will never be able to get the same audio quality you can get using the wired connection instead.
Let's say that an small Bluetooth Version upgrade plus the addition of an Optical Audio Input would have made this device almost perfect.
Conclusions
After many days of testing, i might say that this isn't a product for everyone and, most important, if you already have the A320 model and don't need, or can't afford, to get two A320s for the Stereo Feature, then it would be useless to get it.
I am partially happy of this new model, and i say partially because i would have expected an higher amount of upgrades, especially considering that this is still a pretty expensive piece of technology.
This is a product, or better a niche product, that i can recommend to those audiophiles with super-high bass "in the blood", but for those who prefer a more clear and high-pitched sound that can't use an equalizer to reduce the amount of low frequencies, then this might not be the right product.
Pros:
- Built-in Microphone
- Good Battery Life
- Outstanding Power Output
- Supported Dual Speaker pairing (TWS)
Cons:
- High frequencies are still limited
- No Optical Input
- Outdated Bluetooth Version with no APT-X support
Rating: 8.7
Packaging and Accessories: 9.5
Design and Materials: 10
Sound Quality: 9.1
Connectivity: 7
Price: 8 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page (for A320, can't find the official A320s webpage): http://www.archeer.com/Bluetooth-Sp...Audio-System-for-Bedroom-Livingroom-p-40.html
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: https://imgur.com/a/Ooqlp​
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BlitzWolf BW-ANC1 ANC Earphones with APT-X - Unboxing & Review

These are the BlitzWolf BW-ANC1 Earphones.
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Unboxing
Unlike previous audio products i reviewed in the past, this one comes in a rather boring external packaging, but the amount of accessories well over expectations, with a nice rigid case, a small USB Cable (no Type-C sadly) and the usual replacement earbuds in different sizes.
Something that stand-out for this product is the Nylon-Braided cable for extra durability, but the two cables that go from the little box to each earphone is not braided (for some reason).
Starting from the box, it is made of Metal with Rubberized Buttons (Play/Pause/Answer + Back + Forward). The clip is OK, keeping the little box stable anywhere it is placed. It is not the most compact solution, but i guess they i had to go for this instead of something slimmer in order to include a beefy battery.
On the top of this box, there is a dedicated button to control ANC (working only when the whole thing is turned on, excellent solution) with a dedicated white LED. Near the ANC LED, there is also a standard Blue LED for the BT connection.
The microphone is placed on the right earphone's cable and it is included in a small cone made of Metal. Well engineered in my opinion.
Each earphone features a metal chassis (not as good looking as in the photo to be honest, not the same shown color) and is compact, quite comfortable.
Sound Quality
Thanks to the APT-X support, those are the best sounding earphones i have ever tried, but not perfect. The sound seems to be slightly tuned to increase low frequencies (as usual). Other than that, i can't find any flaw in the sound quality at all.
The volume is quite high, there is no distortion even at maximum volume, and the APT-X support is correctly recognized by my smartphone as shown here.
Also, the Active Noise Cancelling feature works flawlessy, there is no extra noise added to the sound (like background noise or anything like that) neither interferences.
Nothing to complain about call quality, the microphone position is just excellent matching wired earphones.
Conclusions
As promised some months ago, i would be focusing on those ANC products that are becoming more and more common and affordable. This is, with no doubts, the most balanced i have ever tested. Good sound quality, decent battery life and no flaws in the design.
If only there was a built-in equalizer to switch between different presets...
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- ANC - Active Noise Cancellation (properly implemented)
- Metal Parts all over the place
Cons:
- Slightly tuned for low frequencies
- Not all cables are nylon-braided
Rating: 8.6
Packaging and Accessories: 8.5
Design and Materials: 9.5
Sound Quality: 8.5
Price: 8 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: http://bit.ly/2lWVJik
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: https://imgur.com/a/mKZvgi1​

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