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
- Refined, natural, and premium sound quality
- Compact and lightweight device, easy to carry around
- Sturdy and elegant build with a metal body and glass panels
- Very good detail and soundstage for a DAC in its price range
- Compatible with multiple devices including Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS (with the appropriate Apple adapter)
Product Considerations
- May not be powerful enough to drive high-impedance headphones, more suited for IEMs and moderately demanding headphones
- Could benefit from more power output compared to competitors like the AudioQuest Dragonfly Red
- Protective case/pouch not included
- Lacks hardware volume control and microphone support
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AudioQuest Dragonfly Red: A better value due to its lower price, providing a better implemented sound
- Vs AudioQuest Dragonfly Red: Sound is more focused and less intimate, with better space and layering
- Vs Shanling UA2/Hidizs S9 PRO: Excels in timbre and natural sound quality compared to these options, which prioritize balanced circuits and higher power output
- Vs Earstudio HUD100: The HUD100 is less dynamic but more linear
- Vs Zorloo Ztella: Better build quality and sound, with more vivid output
- Vs Audirect Beam 2: Better build quality and a more impactful sound
Takeaway: The EarMen Eagle is a portable DAC/Amp offering a significant upgrade in sound quality with its detailed and balanced output and high-quality build. It's perfect for on-the-go listening with IEMs or easy-to-drive headphones and good file compatibility.
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
Eagle
reviews
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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
- Input: USB A
- Output: 3.5mm Stereo
- THD: <0.002%
- Audio formats: DSD 64/128 DoP, DXD 384/352.5 kHz, PCM up to 384 kHz
- Dimensions: 55 x 22 x 8 mm (2.16" x 0.86" x 0.31")
- Weight: 15 gr (0.033 lbs)
- Supported OS: Win10, Apple iOS, Apple macOS, Android
- Power Output @ 16Ω: 1V/62mW
- Power Output @ 32Ω: 1.4V/62mW
- Power Output @ 150Ω: 2V/27mW
Description
EarMen Eagle is powered by ESS ES9280 C PRO, which can provide high audio performance with Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) <0.002% which allows you Sonic Purity and Natural Sound.
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:
- EarMen offers products built with a strong emphasis on durability, utilizing CNC-milled aluminum chassis in compact designs for robust protection and a premium feel.
- The brand offers fully balanced designs, ensuring signal integrity from source to output, and utilizes the topology even on single-ended signals for enhanced clarity.
- They produce versatile components, often including pre-amp functionality and multiple input/output options, and catering to both desktop and portable usage scenarios.
Select products
Select product comparisons
earmen-donald-dac
- Positioning: A dedicated digital-to-analog converter designed for straightforward digital audio conversion.
- Description: Offers precise digital processing with low jitter, making it suitable for users who prioritize clarity in small room setups. Compared to the integrated amplifier models, its single-purpose design keeps costs lower and the focus on digital performance sharper.
earmen-st-amp
- Positioning: An integrated preamplifier and power amplifier built for balanced performance in a compact design.
- Description: Presents robust, straightforward analog amplification with a simplified circuit that stands out next to the single-function DAC.
earmen-tr-amp
- Positioning: An integrated amplifier featuring a refined output stage aimed at enhanced dynamics and lower distortion.
- Description: Uses improved analog circuitry to deliver higher headroom and cleaner sound compared to the ST Amp.
earmen-tradutto
- Positioning: A specialized unit that combines transport and digital-to-analog conversion for high-fidelity playback.
- Description: Features a distinct transport mechanism with enhanced clocking circuitry that provides smoother digital processing than the simpler DAC or amplifier products. Compared with the ST Amp and TR Amp, its dual functionality targets buyers who need synchronized digital source processing and a step up in build quality.
earmen-colibri
- Positioning: The high-end flagship system engineered for top-tier audio performance and versatility in premium setups.
- Description: Features the most advanced analog and digital circuitry in the lineup, offering refined sound staging that surpasses the other products. When compared to all previous models, its extensive feature integration and superior build quality provide comprehensive system control.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
2
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
160
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
7
Founding Year
2018
Our take on the brand
EarMen is a European-manufactured hifi brand that draws from their decade of tube amplifier experience to create DACs and amplifiers with a neutral, natural sound signature. Their products feature fully balanced designs and are engineered to minimize signal interference from Bluetooth, WiFi, and mobile devices, while offering unique features like dual headphone outputs in their portable units.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
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Used
EarMen
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What if you spend more?
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What competes at this price?
EarMen
Colibri
149
/
Released
2022
Everything you desired and everything you needed is now within reach. EarMen is setting new standards by introducing a specially designed, battery-powered, and fully balanced device that delivers a unique and unforgettable audio experience. Despite its compact size, the EarMen Colibri packs a powerful punch, redefining your music enjoyment.
EarMen is a European-manufactured hifi brand that draws from their decade of tube amplifier experience to create DACs and amplifiers with a neutral, natural sound signature. Their products feature fully balanced designs and are engineered to minimize signal interference from Bluetooth, WiFi, and mobile devices, while offering unique features like dual headphone outputs in their portable units.
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Our Summary
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EarMen is a European-manufactured hifi brand that draws from their decade of tube amplifier experience to create DACs and amplifiers with a neutral, natural sound signature. Their products feature fully balanced designs and are engineered to minimize signal interference from Bluetooth, WiFi, and mobile devices, while offering unique features like dual headphone outputs in their portable units.
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
GO bar
329
/
Released
2022
The GO bar may be the size of a USB stick, but with powerful sound customisation and 10x the output power of your iPhone, it's your portable audio powerhouse - ready for any adventure.
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.
Expand Details
Our Summary
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.
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
iFi
GO bar Kensei
449
/
Released
2024
Forged for masters of audio. Like a true Kensei, this GO bar is a skilful master of power and performance. Adorned with K2HD Technology and crafted from Japanese stainless steel, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our refinement in the GO bar range.
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, 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.
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
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aune
Yuki USB DAC
169
/
Released
2023
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb detail and resolution, providing a clean signature with excellent instrument separation
- Wide, three-dimensional soundstage, offering a natural sense of spaciousness
- Good transparency and imaging
- Beautiful and distinguished design, featuring a glass window to view the internal circuitry
- Supports UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 for increased device compatibility
Product Considerations
- Volume control buttons are small and may be difficult to use, especially with a protective case
- Draws quite a bit of power from the source
- Rear button placement was found to be not very practical for daily use
- SE output is not as good with more demanding IEM, even on hi gain
- Behavior of the sub-bass reveals subtle colouring with some IEMs with dynamic drivers or DD+BA hybrids
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Fosi Audio DS2, the Yuki provides a more extensive soundstage, improved layering, upgraded imaging accuracy, and a richer sound
- Compared to the Fiio KA17, the Aune delivers a warmer and richer sound, whereas the Fiio offers a slightly more airy and sweeter sound
Takeaway: The Aune Yuki is a beautiful and well-built dongle DAC/AMP that delivers a detailed, high-resolution sound with a wide soundstage. If the user wants great sound in a small package, the Yuki could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
Product Page
Product Page
aune
BU2 DAC
319
/
Released
2021
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Interesting functions and features enhance sound fidelity
- Clean presentation and controlled bass make it suitable for upscaling various earphones
- Highly-resolving sound, lots of high-frequency details, and sharp, precise edges, as well as a deep bassline with energy and control
Product Considerations
- The volume knob is recessed and protected by a metal plate, making volume adjustments difficult
- The mid-range may be a little on the thinner side—almost to the point of being a little bit analytical
- The 2.5mm balanced output may not be as future-proof as the increasingly common 4.4mm balanced output
- Bluetooth connectivity does not support LDAC, and the sound is softer with lower high-frequency details compared to a USB connection
- Pairing with overly bright and analytical earphones and headphones might result in excessive prominence of upper mid-range and highest frequencies
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping EX-5: BU2 offers higher fidelity and sounds airier and more open, especially with reasonably demanding headphones that do not need too much power
Takeaway: The Aune BU2 is a versatile portable DAC/amp that enhances the music experience and can drive a variety of headphones and earphones, making it a good solution for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound on the go. The robust build and feature set offer a comprehensive solution for both wired and wireless listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
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