Product Strengths

• Comprehensive specifications, aiming to equal or improve upon existing portable DACs
• Features a balanced 4.4mm output and a single-ended 3.5mm headphone output
• High power output, described as the most powerful headphone amp of its size
• Includes XBass+ and XSpace analog processing for sound enhancement
• Supports PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 256, and DXD

Product Considerations

• The blue text on the blue chassis is hard to read in almost any lighting condition
• Can be considered chunky compared to other dongle DACs
• Can be noisy and produce audible hiss with sensitive IEMs, though IEMatch can help mitigate this
• High power consumption potentially impacts battery life of the source device
• The digital filters can be tricky to access, according to one review

Takeaway: The iFi Audio GO bar is a powerful and versatile portable DAC/amp that can drive most headphones, providing a clean and detailed sound. It is packed with features and offers good sound quality, making it a great option for enjoying high-resolution music on the go.

Product Strengths

• Detailed, organized, and spacious sound.
• Strong output power for a dongle.
• Premium build quality with tactile Japanese stainless steel.
• Feature-rich with exclusive sound-tuning options, like K2HD processing, XBass, XSpace, and digital filters.
• Improved clocking and circuitry contribute to less background noise, no jitter, and increased audio quality.

Product Considerations

• Treble can sound rather relentless—overstated, hard-edged, and thin.
• The device can get quite warm during use.
• High power draw can drain a mobile phone battery quickly.
• Stainless steel exterior is prone to collecting fingerprints and scratches.
• Controls can be difficult to understand at first, necessitating the manual.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Kensei offers slight improvements in clarity and bass accuracy compared to the original GO Bar, with less warmth in the lower mids.

Takeaway: The iFi GO Bar Kensei is a premium, well-built portable DAC/amp that delivers a detailed and powerful sound experience. It's packed with features and offers a noticeable upgrade for those serious about high-quality mobile hifi listening.

Product Strengths

• Clean implementation of the AKM AK4493S DAC
• Diminutive size
• Dynamic and has a good dynamic range
• Good value for the price
• Supports multiple input options (USB-C, optical, coaxial) for versatile connectivity

Product Considerations

• Does not come with a 5V power adapter
• May come off as too clinical for some users
• A reviewer noticed a little bit of digital noise when switching the format while using with a laptop
• RCA inputs are not color-coordinated (all black), according to one reviewer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Topping E32, these two were quite equal; E32 feels like its bass line is a little bit more muscly, SU-1 sounds more open and more airy than this darker and tamer E32
• Vs iFi Audio ZEN DAC V1, SU-1 sounded more balanced and neutral, and the dynamic range was improved; the ZEN DAC is warmer sounding

Takeaway: The SMSL SU-1 is a tiny but capable DAC with versatile connectivity options, suitable as a starter DAC or for travel. Its clean and dynamic sound offers great value, making it a worthwhile upgrade for budget-conscious audiophiles.

Product Strengths

• Ultra-tiny and compact design makes it suitable for various setups
• It can be powered directly from a USB port, eliminating the need for an external power supply
• Offers multiple input options, including USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth

Product Considerations

• Bluetooth support is limited to SBC and AAC codecs, which may not satisfy users looking for high-resolution streaming
• When used as a preamp, the volume can only be adjusted via the included remote
• Lacking a bit of texture and can be hard-hitting on shouty songs
• The small size and light weight may cause the unit to be moved by stiff or heavy cables

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Topping E30 II: Offers better instrument separation and detail retrieval
• Vs Topping E30: Has better detail, better clarity, and better instrument separation
• Vs SMSL C200: Has a similar sound, but the C200 is slightly more detailed and resolute
• Vs Topping E32 Mk2: Has slightly better instrument separation and detail retrieval, though the differences are minor
• Vs JDS Labs Atom DAC+: Has more input options (Bluetooth and coaxial) and volume control, unlike the Atom DAC+

Takeaway: The SMSL C100 is a tiny but capable DAC that offers a good balance of features and sound quality. Its compact size and USB power make it a convenient addition to any audio setup.

Product Strengths

• Fully balanced 4.4mm output and a 3.5mm single-ended output
• Battery-powered, providing ultra-clean and stable DC current, avoiding noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution and not draining the sound source battery
• Excellent build quality, often made from a CNC milled aluminum block with glass surfaces for durability and a premium look
• Neutral and transparent sound signature
• Has hardware controls
• Dead silent without EMI interference

Product Considerations

• Battery life is around 5 hours
• The size is larger than most dongle DACs due to the internal battery
• Stock USB cable may be too long and stiff for portable use
• Bass boost can muddy details

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to EarMen Sparrow, the Colibri has enhanced overall performance due to the internal battery, providing cleaner power, wider soundstage, and deeper detail retrieval, although both use the same DAC chip (ES9281 Pro)
• Compared to Cayin RU6, the Colibri has a slight edge in spacing as a result of less aliasing and its lower noise floor
• Compared to AudioQuest Dragonfly, the Colibri is a major step up

Takeaway: The EarMen Colibri offers high-fidelity sound in a portable package, making it a great choice for audiophiles on the go because it delivers clean, powerful audio without draining a device's battery, allowing for extended listening.