Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Technical capabilities push detail and dynamics in a positive direction
- Sound-stage presence is quite three-dimensional, with depth that is unparalleled in something so small
- Many ins and outs, much more than some of its close competition
Product Considerations
- One of the biggest drawbacks to the Android open platform is its inconsistency from device to device
- ADL warns that it may not work with everything Android
- The Sony Z3 shows a few transport flaws, one being the lack of linearity in the sonic signature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A1 is truly a class definition higher than the FIIO X1, but the latter is still an excellent DAC headphone amplifier
- The ADL A1 exceeds expectations and the audio fidelity of the iBasso D7 Sidewinder
Takeaway: The A1 has a massive feature set with capabilities that far exceed other non-portable DACs, and it also presents a soundstage with unparalleled three-dimensional depth. For those looking for that intersection of the A1 "target", the little portable unit offers big payouts.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
A1
reviews
[{"title":"The ADL A1 Portable Headphone Amplifier- Review","link":"https://audio-head.com/the-adl-a1-portable-headphone-amplifier-review","source":"Audio-Head","datePublished":""},{"title":"Alpha Design Labs A1 Live Update (Completed)","link":"https://www.theaudiophileworld.net/2015/09/alpha-design-labs-a1-live-update.html","source":"The Audiophile World","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Max Headphone Output Levels (at 1%THD 1KHz): 70mW(12 ohm), 80mW(16 ohm), 65mW(32 ohm), 38mW(56 ohm), 9mW(300 ohm)
- Charge Time: approximately 7 hours (DC 5V, 0.5A USB bus power)
- Music Playback Time: Up to 7.5 hours when fully charged
- Size: 68(W) x 118(D) x 16.5(H)mm
- Weight: 150g
Description
Some digital enthusiasts require small, portable DACs and headphone amps because they're always on the move from location to location. Others need flexibility with their digital gear, especially the ability to insert a headphone amp into virtually any system and achieve impressive sonic performance. The new ADL A1 headphone amplifier/ DAC is designed for both of these digital enthusiasts—even if they're the same person!
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- ADL products combine a multitude of functionalities into a single, compact unit, such as DAC, headphone amplifier, and phono stage, providing versatility for various audio setups.
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Select product comparisons
ADL A1
- Positioning: A high-resolution portable headphone amplifier and DAC focused on mobility.
- Description: Offers a streamlined design tailored mainly for Android use with high-resolution audio playback. Shares core technology with the X1 but is optimized for portability and cost efficiency, making it suitable for users with small setups and tight budgets.
ADL X1
- Positioning: A compact and versatile portable DAC/headphone amplifier with broad connectivity.
- Description: Integrates a high-performance DAC chip with support for both digital and analog sources, ensuring flexibility across iOS devices and PCs. In comparison to the A1, its expanded input options and robust battery capability position it as a mid-range option for users needing more connectivity.
ADL Stride
- Positioning: An affordable portable amplifier designed to balance performance with simplicity.
- Description: Delivers clear and efficient amplification using a simplified circuitry that maintains solid sound quality for portable use. Relative to the Cruise, it offers similar basic functionality while keeping costs lower.
ADL Cruise
- Positioning: A premium portable amplifier that combines advanced DAC performance with refined build quality.
- Description: Uses a top-tier digital-to-analog conversion system and enhanced internal circuitry to deliver detailed sound and robust output. Compared to the Stride, its superior power output and additional technological refinements justify the higher cost.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
9
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
317
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
5
Founding Year
Our take on the brand
ADL is a hifi brand that sets itself apart through unique engineering choices like Furutech-designed diaphragms, cryo-treated magnets, and PEEK trembler film in their headphones.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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What if you spend more?
Chord Electronics
Mojo 2
650
650
/
65
Reviews
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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Product Strengths
- Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
- Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
- Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
- Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail
Product Considerations
- The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
- Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
- Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated
Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
xDSD Gryphon
599
599
/
30
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs) and wired options (USB, S/PDIF, analog inputs) makes it suitable for various setups—from desktop to portable usage
- Eloquent, informative, and entertaining sound quality, able to produce clear, non-artificial sound across different headphones
- Features such as XBass II and XSpace provide additional sound shaping options for the user to customize the sound to their liking
- The aluminum build provides a robust and premium feel, with a design that's described as sleek and comfortable to handle
Product Considerations
- The user interface is not very intuitive
- Decent headphones are needed to reveal its quality
- The OLED screen can be difficult to read
- Battery life is around six to eight hours
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the hip-dac2, the Gryphon offers better sound quality, more features, and flexibility
- Compared to the iFi GO bar, the Gryphon is bigger and has a built-in battery, and the GO bar is much smaller and draws power from the source device
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo, the Diablo has more power for very demanding headphones, Gryphon has more functions
- Compared to the Zen DAC, the xDSD Gryphon has a more sophisticated and detailed sound
Takeaway: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable and versatile device delivering high-quality sound with extensive features that cater to audiophiles. Its ability to improve sound quality from various sources and its robust build make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
iFi
GO blu
199
/
Released
2021
With Hi-Fi inspired architecture featuring dedicated Bluetooth, DAC, and Amp stages, the ultra-portable GO blu offers the best of both worlds – wireless freedom, paired with the clarity of wired sound.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and expansive presentation, offering a sonic upgrade to phones, especially when portability is a priority
- Versatile, with both wired and wireless connectivity options, including balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
- Impressively small size and lightweight design, making it pocket-friendly and convenient for on-the-go use
- Sound quality is generally linear, with fast and accurate bass, flat and clean mids, and a detailed treble that is not harsh
- XBass and XSpace features offer customized listening experiences
- Build quality and aesthetics are generally well-received, with its design standing out from other devices
- ChronoDial volume knob is particularly praised for its tactile feel and functionality
Product Considerations
- Black rubberized plastic casing can feel a bit flimsy to some users
- Some reviewers noted hiss with sensitive IEMs, especially on the balanced output
- Battery life estimation can be unreliable
- No dedicated app for the device, limiting EQ and DSP options
- Lacks a clip, making it less convenient for truly portable use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Audiolab M-DAC Nano, the Go Blu offers a wider soundstage, better separation, and dynamic sensitivity, though the M-DAC Nano is fractionally punchier in the bass
- Compared to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, the Go Blu is a wireless proposition, unlike the DragonFly Cobalt, which is a USB plug-in DAC
- Compared to the FiiO Q3, the iFi GO blu highs are a bit too brilliant, but everything else sounded quite impressive
- Compared to the NuPrime Hi-mDAC, the iFi GO Blu mids sound a lot like it, even if voices are slightly less natural
- Compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro and Aune BU2, the GO Blu provides a relaxed sound and has better build and functionality compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro, but is better when using bluetooth compared to Aune BU2, however when competing on wired terms, the Aune is clearer
Takeaway: The iFi GO blu is a tiny but mighty device that delivers impressive sound and versatility—improving the wireless music experience. It is easy to use and has some cool features, making it a good pick for anyone looking for a portable upgrade for their headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Topping
G5
299
/
Released
2022
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Phenomenal sound quality.
- Very usable and enjoyable interaction due to a physical volume knob.
- Plenty of power for almost everything and can drive just about anything.
- Versatile; it can be used as a desktop all-in-one, a Bluetooth portable DAC/amp, a portable amplifier, and even a DAC for speakers.
Product Considerations
- Susceptible to EMI noises, which can be a deal breaker; static noises, pops, and crackle sounds can occur when a phone is placed directly on top of it.
- Not a completely balanced architecture; the 3.5mm & 4.4mm headphone outputs sound the same.
- Charging port may not indicate charging on anything higher than an 18W charging block, and some chargers may not work.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FIIO BTR-7: Sounds more refined and has more detail and resolution.
- Vs SMSL C200: The C200 sounds significantly warmer with a fuller, juicier bass line and a little bit more airy, while the G5 is more focused on clean and clear edges, tidy, well-focused—and clean.
- Vs SMSL M500 MK2: The M500 MK2 sounds overall better with dynamics at the same level as the G5 and fuller, warmer tonality—and a bigger, more spacious soundstage.
- Vs Moondrop Moonriver 2: The treble is more refined, better details up top, and a sharp edge without being overboard like the Moonriver 2 can.
Takeaway: The G5 is a well-built and versatile portable DAC/amp with a neutral, clean, and dynamic sound. It is great for those looking for an all-in-one solution that can drive almost any headphone or IEM.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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Schiit
Gunnr
229
/
Released
2024
Get serious about gaming and ditch weak, unreliable Bluetooth audio with Gunnr, the only super-high-power gaming interface with soundstage control. Bring details closer, and hear more accurately with the twist of a knob—no software or apps needed!
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Has a microphone input, which is not a common feature on amp/DACs
- Has more power output than previous models
- Can be run over USB-C, making it portable
- Has width and presence knobs to control the soundstage size and to help accentuate certain sounds
- Good default audio tonality—a clean sounding amp deck
- Connectivity options are standard
Product Considerations
- The precision of the controls in relation to the case openings leaves something to be desired
- The width and presence knobs may not have a significant impact on the separation or layering of sounds in some games
- Turning the width and presence knobs too far can negatively impact the frequency response
- There is no physical mic gain adjustment knob
- Lacks game chat mix
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mayflower ARC MK2, the Schiit Gunner is better and cheaper
- Vs Schiit Hel, the Schiit Gunner has more power output, portability, audio shaping controls, negative gain mode for IEMs, and a more muted aesthetic
- Vs Schiit Magni Unity, the Schiit Gunner is not quite up to the Magni Unity for music listening, which puts out more power and has a thicker sound
- Vs Schiit Fula, the Fula is more portable, has a 3.5mm out, optical in, mic in, and a headphone out with a knob
Takeaway: The Schiit Gunner is a good amp/DAC that is great for gaming and listening to music, especially if a microphone input is needed. The portability and extra controls make it a versatile choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Product Page
Topping
NX7
152
/
Released
2021
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Respectable power for a portable amplifier
- Features Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier (NFCA) module as a portable package
- Rugged construction and good battery life
- Delivers detail and texture with a transparent, uncoloured sound
- Three gain modes and is compatible with everything from sensitive IEMs to full-size headphones
- Performs well with hard-to-drive cans and with IEMs that tend to produce hiss
- Build quality is quite good with an all-aluminum chassis
- An SNR of 135dB makes it one of the cleanest portable amps on the market
Product Considerations
- Can be too clean and dry, so synergy is important
- A bit big for a pocket
- Charging the 4000mAh battery takes up to 4 hours
Takeaway: The Topping NX7 is a very good amplifier that works wonderfully with a clean, unaltering nature. It's versatile with lots of clean power and can be used in a desktop setup as well as for portable listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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Product Page
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