MAKTAR Spectra X2 Portable DAC/AMP [3.5mm jack to USB-C], High Resolution Lossless 32bit / 384kHz Headphone Amplifier, Compatible with iPad, MacBook, Android, Laptop

I bought this at the end of 2023, but only started actively using it in April 2024. Absolute garbage. Stopped working this week, starting the 20th of May 2024. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible for me to return the item. Very disappointed. Seriously, do not buy this.

First, I received product on time and in new condition. It works as it should - plug in the ends and you hear high quality audio.Part of the cost must surely have gone to the packaging as its high quality. Gives you that premium feeling.Is it worth the price?Not sure. I'm happy with it but I do suggest price shopping if budget is a concern.

After getting a few notes from audiophiles, I revised this review.---The $10 JSAUX dongle I was using before does just as good a job as this $170 Spectra X2 dongle. They both claim the DAC is good for up to 32bit/384kHz, and they sound the same.Spectra X2 claims to be an amplifier, but it doesn't power my 20 Ohm impedance headphones (HifiMan Sundara-C) any better than the cheapo dongle. Volume levels are exactly the same with or without the Spectra X2, across 3 different devices I used it on. The amp part must be super weak.The only reason to even mention amplification in the title must be for SEO/clickbait nonsense.---Furthermore, Amazon sent me a very Used scratched up one despite having ordered it New. It must be wrecked to offer such lousy performance. Instead of letting me throw it away and get a replacement, they want me to waste my day at the post office to return this junk first.Horrible experience overall.

Looks great but I'm not sure if it's even working- there's nothing to tell you the difference- no switching anything on- just plug and play and since I use Sennheiser IE 300 with it- the headphones already play Hi Res Audio so idk- may end up returning it- bought it to use with my Sennheiser HD660 over ears but I don't hear any difference at all. And those HD660 sound pretty awful for something over 600 bucks although I got them at the Black Friday price. So to anyone in doubt- maybe shop around for something different where you can hear and see the difference.

Jack does not make good connection and becomes looser with use until it quits working.