Not sure if you need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for your laptop or computer? Audioengine’s D3 Premium 24-Bit DAC makes a strong case for it. At an affordable price that costs as much as a quality pair of headphones or earphones. Simple connection using your USB port, plug in D3 to your Mac or PC and send high-quality music to your headphones or any audio system. D3 includes a USB DAC and headphone amplifier for incredible audio performance in a portable design and is the perfect intro to computer audio transition.

The Audioengine D3 Premium 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) enables you to bypass and improves the quality of your computer’s headphone output and send music directly through a USB port for noticeably improved fidelity and higher output. To obtain such a powerful yet portable converter with performance and features you’d have to search for more expensive DACs. D3 is the perfect interface between your computer and headphones or any music system.

Easy Setup

The set-up takes seconds. It’s pretty much plug-and-play with no software needed. On a Mac, you’ll need to switch the audio preferences to use the D3 as the output instead of the internal speakers, but that’s it. The D3 plugs directly into a USB port on your computer, so no external power supply or cables are needed. The output of the D3 connects to headphones, Audioengine powered speakers or any audio system. With a sample rate indicator that shows sample rates above 48K, you will know easily when you’re getting the most out of your HD music.

Versatile

The quality of most computer headphone outputs isn’t very inspiring, but thanks to this piece of genius, the D3 provides a far better option for streaming audio from your computer’s USB port and directly connecting to your music system or headphones. It’s the perfect way to get great-sounding music not only from your computer to headphones but also from your computer to any music system.

The most immediately obvious thing the D3 is going to do for most laptops and computers is boost the signal. Simply put, the maximum volume you’ll be able to achieve with the D3’s output will likely significantly exceed the max volume of your laptop’s headphone output (or USB output, if that’s what you typically use). But using a D3 is not about blasting sound to your ears alone. Good things happen to well-made headphones, earphones, and speakers when they get a more pure, powerful signal.

Designed For the Headphone Enthusiast

Processing digital audio at any bit depth up to 24 bits and any native sample rate to 96KHz, D3 is up to the task. D3 has high signal-to-noise ratio, low distortion and delivers sound quality heard only in more expensive DACs. This high-performance headphone amplifier was designed for a wide range of headphones and will satisfy even the most demanding headphone enthusiast with its high output and revealing sound. On the face of the dongle, which has a brushed metallic surface, are two status LEDs—one tells you whether it’s receiving power and the other lights blue indicate when you’re receiving a signal with a sample rate higher than 48 kHz. The D3 can be used with headphones and earphones with an impedance of 12 Ohms and up.

See and Hear the Difference

Clad in an aluminum case which is held together by the tiniest of bolts, the D3 looks and feels like a solid little unit with a robust case that resists any attempts to flex it out of shape. A unique product that reaffirms Audioengine’s commitment to great sound, high-quality components and audio fidelity at affordable prices. The Audioengine D3 continues to close the gap between your computer music and home hi-fi, and even if you’re not an audio enthusiast, we guarantee your music will sound better.

Features

Portable USB audio converter for Mac or PC
Stream bit-perfect native 24/96 HD audio
High-performance headphone amp included
Plug-and-play, no drivers or software to install
Connect headphones or any music system
Easily drives low impedance headphones
Computer OS volume control
Asynchronous data transfer with dual master clocks
HD indicator for sample rates above 48K
Metal injection molded (MIM) aluminum case

WORKS WITH
Any computer, Mac or PC
Headphones
Powered speakers
Any music system with audio inputs (RCA or minijack)

WHAT’S IN THE BOX (SENDER)
D3 DAC
Carry case
1/4” headphone adapter cable
Setup guide
Product line brochure

Specifications

DAC type
USB

Input
USB audio

D/A converter
AKM4396

USB transfer mode
Asynchronous dual clock

USB controller
TI1020B

USB device class
Type 1.1 or above

Input bit depth
16 bit, 24 bit (upsampled to 24 bit)

Input sample rate
48.1kHz-96kHz native playback
188.2kHz & 192kHz re-sampled to 96kHz

Output
Analog 3.5mm mini-jack stereo

Full-scale output level
2.0V RMS

Output impedance
2 ohms

Recommended headphone impedance range
10 ohms to 10K ohms

Headphone amplifier
LME49726

Frequency response
10Hz-25KHz (+/- 0.5dB)

SNR
(DC to 20kHz) >110dB

THD+N
(1kHz FS 96kS/s) <0.002%

Crosstalk
-110dB

Power requirement
USB 5V DC, 200mA

USB power filtering
2-stage redundant regulation

Product dimensions
2.5×0.75×0.375″ (65x20x10mm)

Shipping weight
1.0lbs (0.5kg)

Environmental
Operating Temperature: 32 to 95 degrees F
Non-operating Temp: -4 to 113 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Included accessories
1/8″ to 1/4” adapter cable
Setup guide
Product case

D3 Internal Converter
The heart of the D3 is the AK4396 DAC, which is well-regarded for its low noise and high fidelity. Due to the high signal-to-noise specs of the AK4396 and the added benefit of double redundancy power source conversion and filtering, the D3 presents impressive low noise and low distortion characteristics. The D3 can process digital audio at any bit depth up to 24 bits and any sample rate up to 192kHz. D3 pads (upsamples) all bit depths internally to 24-bits, thus achieving a higher signal-to-noise ratio.

D3 Headphone Amplifier
The D3 contains a high-performance headphone amplifier based on the LME49726 low-noise opamp. This amp is able to provide low-impedance, high-fidelity audio and a 2-volt output which easily drives a wide range of headphones, satisfying even the most demanding headphone enthusiasts. The D3’s relay-controlled stereo output can also be connected to any system with an analog audio input, such as Audioengine powered speakers.

D3 Power
The D3 is powered directly from the USB bus and power is passed through two stages of regulation to ensure no USB bus power variations affect the audio quality. This low-noise, low-ripple power supply is located on a separate circuit board for extra isolation and thermal management.

D3 Volume Control
Volume is controlled from the computer’s OS and is implemented in the D3 as a digitally-controlled analog volume control.