What Are The Most Powerful Portable DAC / Amp Devices?

Leading our list, we have the Chord MOJO 2. Chord Electronics famously has a lot of great audio gear for the home studio, but they also have a couple of products that are ready for transport in your bag. The Chord MOJO 2 has gone through some changes over the years, upgrading from the MOJO 1 to the device we know today. With a USB-C input and the option of 4.4mm or 3.5mm outputs, the MOJO 2 can power nearly any over-ear headphone with ease.

With the 4.4mm and 3.5mm ports separated out, the MOJO 2 becomes a great dual-output device. You and a friend can enjoy headphones at the same time and still get ample power to both. With the internal EQ adjustment, the MOJO 2 is a great companion to any audiophile looking for serious listening on the go. 

QUICK TECH SPECS

• Price: $650
• DAC: FPGA Artix 7
• Output Power:
  • 90 mW 300 Ω (5.2 V RMS)
  • 600 mW 30 Ω (4.2 V RMS)
• THD+N: 0.00027 % at 2.5 V, 300 Ω

You may be familiar with iFi's DAC collection, with everything from portable dongles to large desktop tube amps. When looking at other portable DACs, there is one that takes the cake when it comes to output power. The iFi iDSD GR 2 is the upgrade from the xDSD Gryphon, delivering significantly more output power than the model before. The GR 2 comes with a low-gain mode for IEMs, but for those who really want a powerful amplifier, the high-gain mode is a perfect complementary feature.

iFi takes this DAC one step further with the special edition GR 2 MT, which is tuned by engineer Steve Levine. For those wanting a different filter for their listening that highlights analytical detail, the $699 upgrade has a lot of the same technical specs as the GR 2. 

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• Price: $529
• DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1795 with bespoke I/V stage
• Output Power:
  • > 1,513 mW @ 32Ω (4.4mm Balanced)
  • > 567 mW @ 322Ω (3.5mm S-Balanced)
• THD+N:
  • 0.006% @ 16Ω (headphone outputs)
  • 0.0005% @ 0dBFS (line outputs)

If compactness matters to you when choosing a DAC, these next few options take portability to the next level. Astell & Kern is known for its digital audio players, but their DAC selection is just as good. The A&K HC5 is a great portable device for all types of headphones and IEMs, delivering significant power through its balanced and unbalanced headphone ports. The HC5 is a great match for people who have some over-ear headphones that they want to take on the go, and it provides ample power like you're listening on one of their dedicated players. 

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• Price: $489
• DAC: AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
• Output Power: 
  • Unbalanced 2.5Vrms 
  • Balanced 5Vrms
• THD+N:
  • 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced
  • 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced

FiiO has always impressed with its quality DAC and amplifier combos. One of their recent releases, the QX13, is a great portable companion that can be used with a variety of headphones. The Desktop Mode allows you to use this with a stationary setup as well, drawing more power for higher volumes and crisper detail for any pair of cans you pair with it. This DAC is a wired-only connection, but if you want something a little more versatile, the BTR17 is a similarly priced DAC with similar power output levels. Available in titanium or black, the QX13 delivers heavy-duty sound in a compact form. 

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• Price: $219.99 - $239.99
• DAC: ES9027SPRO
• Output Power:
  • SE Desktop Mode: L+R≥310mW+310mW (32Ω)
  • BAL Desktop Mode: L+R≥900mW+900mW (32Ω)
  • SE Non-Desktop Mode: L+R≥250mW+250mW (32Ω)
  • BAL Non-Desktop Mode: L+R≥605mW+605mW (32Ω)
  • SE Desktop Mode: L+R≥40mW+40mW (300Ω)
  • BAL Desktop Mode: L+R≥125mW+125mW (300Ω)
• THD+N: ＜0.0004% (1kHz/-2dB@32Ω)

For one of the most lightweight options, we look back at a DAC by iFi Audio . The iFi GO Blu Air is an excellent portable DAC because of its Bluetooth connection. Not only that, but the power output from such a small device gives some bigger amplifiers a run for their money. The GO Blu Air is a Bluetooth-only DAC, so for people who can't use a direct wired connection, this device is a great solution. You can connect it with 4.4mm and 3.5mm headphones, and the XBass and XSpace filters allow you some slight customization of your sound. If your budget is stricter and you want an entry-level DAC with good power, the GO Blue Air should be at the top of your list for upgrades to make in your setup. 

QUICK TECH SPECS

• Price: $129
• DAC: Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI
• Output Power:
  • ≥262mW/2.9V @ 32Ω; ≥52mW/5.6V @ 600Ω
  • ≥165mW/2.3V @ 32Ω; ≥14mW/2.9V @ 600Ω
• THD+N: ≤0.009% Bal (600Ω, 2V); ; ≤0.03% S-Bal (16Ω, 1.27V)