The topic This magnetic headphone amp puts a DAC (and display) on the back of your iPhone is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
If you’re serious about wired audio, there’s now a MagSafe headphone amp and digital-to-analog convertor for iPhone.
The product is from Fosi Audio, maker of more traditional iPhone DACs, and it’s called the MD3 MagDac. You know, because it’s a portable magnetic DAC/headphone amplifier.
Naturally, it sports a 1.28-inch LCD on the back. The screen is capable of displaying photos, though it’s primarily a 100-step volume control.
It supports both 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs.
That’s a powerful upgrade even over iPhones from a previous decade that had headphone jacks from a previous century.
Plus there’s USB-C for charging the device while using it. Since it’s a USB-C headphone amp and DAC at its core, it will also work with other USB-C products like MacBooks and iPads.
Frankly, the hardware actually does look pretty nice. The convenience of wireless is hard to compete with, but MagDac looks great for the wired audio crowd.
It comes in two colors — Galaxy (silver) and Obsidian (black) — that match Fosi Audio’s wired earphones.
Fosi Audio says the new MD3 MagDac will launch later this month on May 25. You can sign up to keep up with availability here. The price is expected to be around $150.
If you don’t need the MagSafe support and display feature, Fosi Audio has some cheaper solutions that are already available.
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