USB DAC/AMP

[glens]

At work I have a new-ish MacBook Pro with USB-C slots (and a headphone port). Because I'm lazy (and would like better sound quality if I can get it), I'm looking to get a desktop DAC/AMP - preferably one that can be connected via USB (C or A preferred), so that I don't have to unplug/plug in my headphones any time I move my computer.

Does anyone have a suggestion of one - specifically that will also give me volume control via knob/dial on said piece of equipment? Right now, the Mac sees the device that my headphones are currently plugged in to as just a dumb device, so I can't control the volume from it - and I have very limited volume control with the other device as well.

 

[John Parks]

This one's got my eye at the moment: https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-dac/ Not bad for $129!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Macs have typically excellent DACs. You will likely need new headphones. Another possibility that mac 3.5mm doesn't have enough power to drive your phones in which case you need a bit more serious headphone amp.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

I would be looking at O2DAC or O2SDAC. O2DAC used to be best money can get but I have heard that O2SDAC is really competitive with budget price option.