Alpha Design Labs - ADL X1 - Headphone Amplifier w/ USB DAC

Headphone listening is an intimate sonic experience and most enthusiasts employ headphone amplifiers and a good pair of 'phones. The headphone amplifier determines the quality of sound in hand with the headphones. The ADL X1 headphone amp from Alpha Design Labs is small but highly specified. It has inputs supporting iOS digital at up to 16/48 via APPLE MFI certified USB Cable for iPod, iPhone, iPad devices. The X1 also runs 24/192 SPDIF with high-resolution files from PC via the PC's USB output. There's also an analog line-level four-pin 3.5mm input and a four-pin 3.5mm output for headphones in the 12~600 ohm range. The four-pin input supports 3.5mm Remote and Mic Earphones. The 3.5mm Toslink optical output delivers USB source signal up to 24/192. There's a convenient GND TRRS switch making it easy to change from one four-pin set of 'phones to another. The X1 gets its great sound from a high-performance 24-bit/192kHz XMOS USB and Sabre ESS-ES9023 DAC chip along with a high quality DD converter for the 3.5mm Toslink optical output. It supports ASIO and asynchronous mode, providing low jitter for realistic sound. The headphone out and line output can connect to your home stereo system. The line input improves the sound of portable analog audio sources. The X1 doesn't draw power from your connected iDevice's battery, because it uses its own internal DC3.7V 2600mAh Li-ion type rechargeable battery or an optional AC adapter. Music playback time is up to 7.5 hours when fully charged. On the desktop, the small size lets it stack easily and fit almost anywhere. With its beautifully-finished aluminum and ABS plastic casing, the X1 looks as elegant as it sounds. It fits in the palm of your hand and lets you enjoy great sounding music anywhere.