AIYIMA DAC-A2 Headphone Amplifier & Desktop DAC for PC, MAC and Gaming

Edit (4/14/25): The seller saw my review and decided to work with me to see if we could fix the high pitch I was hearing. While we couldn't in the end, it does seem to be a rare issue and they offered me a full refund to purchase a new one. Changing from 3->5 stars because of the exceptional customer service. ----- I bought this DAC as an affordable option for my office setup, and overall, it performs well. The build quality is solid, with responsive dials and more than enough power for my needs. Setup was straightforward, and the sound is clear, especially at lower volumes. However, I did notice a high-pitched whistle when using the USB input from my desktop. Even turning the treble all the way down didn’t eliminate the noise entirely, so I had to lower the volume to mask it. While this issue is disappointing, it doesn’t detract too much from its usability for casual listening. If you’re looking for a budget DAC and can work around minor noise issues, this could still be a worthwhile choice.

The DAC-A2 is a tremendous value in audio. Not terribly expensive but the ROI is phenomenal. I pared it with the OneOdio Studio Max 1 and it's an immense joy. The Aiyima provides exactly the controls that I'm looking for while offering near exacting audio reproduction. This is a small device but it requires some connections. There are two USB cables. One cable powers the device which is required. The other USB cable allows the Aiyima to pull digital audio from the PC and converts it fantastically. The volume can be incredible and was exactly what I was looking for. Optical and Coaxial input connections are available. It's solid, feels very well made. Metal, what's not to like.

Connected to DAW using USB and has worked perfectly for me. No noise no added distortion and has been consistent. RCA out to an amp that powers 4 JBL passive speakers and a powered Elac sub. The separate bass, treble and volume that is on the unit are turned all the way up and use the amp to control along with software eq. Have always had a power conditioner attached to the unit along with the DAW, amp and eq as to ensure no noise coming over and consistent power. Over 2 years with it constantly on and it's been flawless.

I'm using this to front end the Aiyima D03, it gives be a much better and cleaner sound than the build in DAC. Just received it early this morning but the difference is dramatic. I didn't give it 5 stars because it really needs a remote control. I knew it didn't have one and can live without it, but it would be very nice to have.

I added this DAC to my rather "unconventional" signal chain today as a way to input from over USB from a Macbook Air. The full chain is: Macbook Air (Source, VOL 100%) AIYIMA DAC-A2 (VOL 80%) Douk EQ5 (Primary Vol Control) Douk TUBE-T5C (VOL 80% Aiyima T9 (Highs, VOL 80%) [Polk RTi A1 Tweeters] Aiyima T9 (Mids/Sub VOL 80%) [Polk RTi A1 Woofers Polk PSW404 Sub (from pre-out on Mids/Sub Aiyima T9) Bass and Treble controls on DAC-A2 and Douk TUBE-T5C are all set flat (just very slight boos to Bass on the T5C). EQ5 is used as master volume, and tone control. I'm actually very impressed with how well the DAC-A2 slotted into the signal chain with very little fiddling. I know some reviews mention "scratch" issues with the volume control, but I haven't experienced that at all. Tone and Bass pots are "clicky" so it's easy to get them centered for flat tone response. I haven't experimented with the optical input from a WIIM Pro, but that is the next step. Overall I like this configuration, just wish there was an on/off switch instead of the Volume Pot combo, but the same can be said fro the T5C. Other than a dedicated on/off switch like the T9 and perhaps a "bypass" of the tone controls I haven't got any criticism for this device (just those two suggestions). It does what it says on the tin, and price was great!

I bought this as a means to fight the interference I heard due to the number of cables/wires ran behind my pc. This was my second choice, but the first one i ordered was lost in shipping so I tried for a different vendor. When it's working, it works fine, and it is nice to have the bass/treble controls if you aren't going to have them further down in your setup. I would have preferred the 1/4" headphone jack over the 1/8" as those are easier to fix when they become loose, which is what's happened to mine within a year of use. This is very odd as I was using it at work where I leave my headphones plugged in all the time. I also would have preferred a separate power switch so that I could leave the volume at my preferred level, but both of those are minor gripes. The size is great and it has plenty of power for a standard set of headphones. It completely erased any and all interference I was hearing. The fact that it's powered via USB is also nice. USB isn't enough for full on speakers, but plenty for this use, and provides the convenience of plugging into your PC. It's sad though, that it needs a separate input for power instead of feeding power from the full sized type-B port on the back. 2 stars off for not even lasting a year. The solder joints on the jack look fine, so it's internal to the connector.

WOW! What a difference. Amazing. I am using this on my MSI Codex R2 Gaming Desktop PC. Audio chipset is a Realtek AL897, pretty standard PC 7.1 HD Audio. It just wasn't enough for my Sony MDR7506 which sound great, btw. It just lacked. With the AIYIMA DAC-A2 installed, what a difference. I went with the optical port out, straight into the optical port on the back, changed a couple of settings on my PC (it did not change automatically) and boom!! I like my music loud, and was not disappointed. My cans are vibrating on my head!! For some people having an issue or confused, it is pretty easy. Some pointers for first timers - Make sure you remove the rubber covers on the optical cable. (I know it sounds basic, but some people are new to this). Any USB port will work for the included USB cable to power the device. Go into your sound setting and make some changes if you aren't getting sound. Make sure to change the toggle switch in front to the desired input.

Initially this unit is great - both sound quality and functionality. Unfortunately, I returned the first one and ended up having the same issue on my replacement. The issue is that after a couple of months, when adjusting the volume, there is a loud static/crackling sound when adjusting. Also, the left and right channel volumes are not consistent and it takes some trial and error to get them closely aligned again (sometimes not ending up on the volume you want). I contacted the seller and I don’t know if there was perhaps a language barrier but the response is that this is perfectly normal. I think most will agree that this is not a normal or desired behavior on a DAC where volume needs to be adjusted and it is important for left and right channels to be consistently aligned. Buy at your own risk as I can almost guarantee you will face these issues unless you do not need this device for volume adjustment.

Amazing DAC that punches far above its class. Easy plug and play. Adjusted bass/treble to my preference and WOW, such incredible sound! The price is incredibly good too, I don't think you can find anything better at this range. Super happy!!

歪み感なく素晴らしい音質です。価格からは想像できないくらいです!

音質の再現、UP音楽の録音する状態まで把握できる感じで、予算のない自分にはぴったりでした。物足りなさは直接パワーアンプに繋いでいるので音の大きさが物足りない感じです。

Great DAC, does what it is supposed to do. Very well constructed too.

Great value! I have mine connected via Optical to my Linux PC, so no driver required. Perfect match.