Dongle sound quality.

[e30ernest]

I'm afraid you've been given incorrect information. The HTC dongle works fine with the Pixel 2. I'd personally say that it has a more musical presentation than the one Google supply, certainly when listening with my over-ear Senns. I bought a second HTC dongle and keep one with each of my headphones, with the Google dongle being relegated to backup.

I suspect that this confusion came from either the proprietary "U-Sonic" tech in HTC's headphones, which will only work with HTC, or the fact that the HTC dongle won't work with Motorola phones, who were the only others using the USB-C socket for audio output when HTC released theirs (but, as has been established in this thread, Motorola do not use the USB-C digital audio standard, so the dongle not working with Motos doesn't tell us whether it will work with others).

Thank you for that information. Also great to hear about the differences in SQ between the 2 dongles.

It's interesting that for audiophiles, we're now presented with relatively cheap options in getting better sound out of our mobiles.

 

[vzwuser76]

I'm afraid you've been given incorrect information. The HTC dongle works fine with the Pixel 2. I'd personally say that it has a more musical presentation than the one Google supply, certainly when listening with my over-ear Senns. I bought a second HTC dongle and keep one with each of my headphones, with the Google dongle being relegated to backup.

I suspect that this confusion came from either the proprietary "U-Sonic" tech in HTC's headphones, which will only work with HTC, or the fact that the HTC dongle won't work with Motorola phones, who were the only others using the USB-C socket for audio output when HTC released theirs (but, as has been established in this thread, Motorola do not use the USB-C digital audio standard, so the dongle not working with Motos doesn't tell us whether it will work with others).

Thanks for that. I could've sworn that the HTC ones were supposed to work with the Pixel (and in some cases had better audio quality), as I tracked down a place to buy an HTC dongle. But then reading some of the posts above, they were saying it didn't work. From what I'd read prior to tracking down the HTC dongle, the Motorola version was the only one that didn't work with standard USB-C audio.

After watching the video that e30ernest posted, it sounds like the HTC will work, but won't necessarily be as good as the Google dongle. And as I alluded to in a previous post and the reviewer in the video mentioned, now we just have to wait for high-end audio companies to start building earbuds and headphones that come with USB-C right on their hardware.

 

[Mike Dee]

I'm afraid you've been given incorrect information. The HTC dongle works fine with the Pixel 2. I'd personally say that it has a more musical presentation than the one Google supply, certainly when listening with my over-ear Senns. I bought a second HTC dongle and keep one with each of my headphones, with the Google dongle being relegated to backup.

I suspect that this confusion came from either the proprietary "U-Sonic" tech in HTC's headphones, which will only work with HTC, or the fact that the HTC dongle won't work with Motorola phones, who were the only others using the USB-C socket for audio output when HTC released theirs (but, as has been established in this thread, Motorola do not use the USB-C digital audio standard, so the dongle not working with Motos doesn't tell us whether it will work with others).

Where did you get the second HTC dongle? I think I would like to get one once I get my xl2. The only issue which might insignificant might be firmware updates on dongle might not be able to be done withoutut the HTC phone.

 

[vzwuser76]

Where did you get the second HTC dongle? I think I would like to get one once I get my xl2. The only issue which might insignificant might be firmware updates on dongle might not be able to be done witbout the HTC phone.

I found them on the HTC US website going for $11.99. I haven't ordered one, but they're there.

 

[e30ernest]

Thanks for that. I could've sworn that the HTC ones were supposed to work with the Pixel (and in some cases had better audio quality), as I tracked down a place to buy an HTC dongle. But then reading some of the posts above, they were saying it didn't work. From what I'd read prior to tracking down the HTC dongle, the Motorola version was the only one that didn't work with standard USB-C audio.

After watching the video that e30ernest posted, it sounds like the HTC will work, but won't necessarily be as good as the Google dongle. And as I alluded to in a previous post and the reviewer in the video mentioned, now we just have to wait for high-end audio companies to start building earbuds and headphones that come with USB-C right on their hardware.

Yeah I got mixed up there. My bad. :-[

 

[Mike Dee]

I plan to order the Black from Amazon just in case it's a dud. I'm skeptical overall since all my other DAC/amps are easily 10x larger. But, it's worth a try. The size and portability would be nice if it actually works out. If it's incompatible and/or cheaply made then I'll stick to my current setup.

I'm still on the fence for the Dragonfly. I notice that Google no longer sells their adaptor cable. They do offer a third party one for more money. I was thinking I could just use the adaptor supplied with my pixel but it might be to much of a stiff setup and don't want to stress the connector. I'm sure there are other adaptors out there.

 

[Mike Dee]

I found them on the HTC US website going for $11.99. I haven't ordered one, but they're there.

They two items that appear to be the same though the picture is slightly different

 

[modifier]

I'm still on the fence for the Dragonfly. I notice that Google no longer sells their adaptor cable. They do offer a third party one for more money. I was thinking I could just use the adaptor supplied with my pixel but it might be to much of a stiff setup and don't want to stress the connector. I'm sure there are other adaptors out there.

I've read a few Dragonfly reviews in the meantime and am still on the hunt for a small DAC/amp. I might stick with larger units since the Cirrus Logic DAC in the Essential adapter sounds decent enough with my IEMs. Obviously there's no amplification but they seem to be driven well enough with just the phone's own power.

 

[Mike Dee]

I've read a few Dragonfly reviews in the meantime and am still on the hunt for a small DAC/amp. I might stick with larger units since the Cirrus Logic DAC in the Essential adapter sounds decent enough with my IEMs. Obviously there's no amplification but they seem to be driven well enough with just the phone's own power.

I wonder if it just makes sense to just get an amp.

 

[modifier]

I wonder if it just makes sense to just get an amp.

It might. If someone makes a decent 3.5mm to 3.5mm amp-only unit then that could be all that's needed. Some DAC/amps have better noise floors and would sound cleaner than the adapter, but if the adapter alone sounds good with your headphones then an amp might be the ticket.

 

[Mike Dee]

It might. If someone makes a decent 3.5mm to 3.5mm amp-only unit then that could be all that's needed. Some DAC/amps have better noise floors and would sound cleaner than the adapter, but if the adapter alone sounds good with your headphones then an amp might be the ticket.

Any A to C cables you recommend? The one Google is now offering is over 20 bucks but maybe it's a good one. Like I said I am hesitant to just use the small adaptor included.

 

[modifier]

Any A to C cables you recommend? The one Google is now offering is over 20 bucks but maybe it's a good one. Like I said I am hesitant to just use the small adaptor included.

Not sure. I got lucky and snagged the Google cable (made by Foxconn) right before they discontinued them. The adapter needed will depend on the DAC so I'd figure out what DAC you want and get a cable to match at that point.

 

[Mike Dee]

Not sure. I got lucky and snagged the Google cable (made by Foxconn) right before they discontinued them. The adapter needed will depend on the DAC so I'd figure out what DAC you want and get a cable to match at that point.

You mean in terms or connector like USB A

 

[modifier]

You mean in terms or connector like USB A

Yeah, I've used mine as an OTG cable but doubt it will see much use with a DAC unless I find something small like the DF. Most portable DAC/amps end up going from USB-C on the phone to mini or micro B.

 

[Mike Dee]

Yeah, I've used mine as an OTG cable but doubt it will see much use with a DAC unless I find something small like the DF. Most portable DAC/amps end up going from USB-C on the phone to mini or micro B.

Do all of the USB C cables support OTG?

 

[modifier]

Do all of the USB C cables support OTG?

Yes. Support is up to the device. I've not seen a USB-C device that didn't support OTG.

 

[Mike Dee]

Yes. Support is up to the device. I've not seen a USB-C device that didn't support OTG.

Found one on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU6067325

They also have some without cable but I think a cabled one is better. Wouldn't want to have a rigid connection on the Dragonfly

 

[modifier]

Found one on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU6067335

They also have some without cable but I think a cabled one is better. Wouldn't want to have a rigid connection on the Dragonfly

That should work great. Agreed on the cable vs hard connection. Cable is better.

 

[slbailey1]

I am using the same earbuds I used on my Moto X (Gen 1) on my Pixel 2. The sound quality is better on the Pixel 2 then my Moto X.

 

[Mike Dee]

That should work great. Agreed on the cable vs hard connection. Cable is better.

Thanks.......would you believe there are people on Amazon claiming the Dragonfly is only a DAC with no amp. How do they explain the output?