I’m always on the hunt for affordable ways to enhance my listening experience. I was intrigued when I heard about the new Strauss & Wagner (S&W) Siena dongle DAC. Priced at a mere $9.95, this tiny device promises to improve audio quality for portable devices. But can a DAC that costs less than lunch really make a difference? I decided to put it to the test.

The Rise of Dongle DACs

Dongle DACs have become increasingly popular among audio enthusiasts. These compact devices range from $10 to $200. They offer an easy way to upgrade your portable audio setup without breaking the bank.

S&W has built a reputation for creating products that outperform their price point. The Siena DAC is their latest offering in this category. At just $9.95, it's one of the most affordable options on the market.

Compatible Devices

• iPhone: iPhone 15

• Samsung Galaxy: S22, S22+, S21, S21 Ultra, S21 Plus, S20 FE, S20 FE 5G, Note 20 Ultra 5G, Note 20, Note 10 5G

• OnePlus: 9, 9 Pro, 8T, 8 Pro, 8, 7T Pro, 7T, 7 Pro, 7

• Google Pixel: 5, 4XL, 4, 3, 3XL, 2, 2XL

• Sony Xperia: 1, 5

• Huawei: Mate 40 Pro+, Mate 40 RS

• VIVO: Y20s, Y11s

Design and Build Quality

The Siena boasts a sleek gray design that's both unobtrusive and stylish. I found it blends seamlessly with my devices. The USB-C connection ensures compatibility with a wide range of modern smartphones and laptops.

One of the standout features is the nylon-threaded cable. It feels durable and high-quality, especially considering the budget-friendly price point. The 3.5mm output jack works with nearly any headphone or IEM.

I appreciate the seamless connectivity between the input and output. It's a plug-and-play solution that doesn't require any additional setup or software.

Performance Comparison

To assess the Siena's performance, I compared it to the ubiquitous Apple dongle. The difference was immediately noticeable. The Siena produced cleaner, more impactful sound across the board.

I tested the Siena with two popular devices: the Moondrop Aria II IEMs and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X over-ears. Both budget-friendly pairs benefited significantly from the S&W DAC.

Bass Performance

The bass improvement was particularly impressive. With the Siena, bass notes hit harder and cleaner. This was especially noticeable with the ATH-M50X, which tend to have a bass-heavy signature.

To really put the bass performance to the test, I listened to "Addicted" by Ink. This track features extremely prominent bass in the mix. Through the Apple dongle, the ATH-M50X's bass became somewhat muddy. The Siena, however, brought evenness and clarity to the low end.

The slam was still there, but it felt more controlled and less distorted. This was a noticeable step up from both the Apple dongle and my phone's built-in 3.5mm jack.

Midrange and Treble

While the bass improvement was the most obvious, the Siena also enhanced the midrange and treble. Vocals came through clearer, and high-frequency details were more apparent.

With the Moondrop Aria II, a budget IEM known for its pleasant V-shaped tuning, the Siena brought out the best in its sound signature. The bass was clear and impactful, while the mids and highs remained well-balanced.

Overall Sound Quality

Across various genres, I found the Siena consistently improved the listening experience. It added a layer of refinement to the sound that I didn't expect from such an affordable device.

The soundstage seemed slightly wider, and instrument separation was more precise. These improvements were subtle but noticeable, especially during longer listening sessions.

Usability and Limitations

It's important to note that the Siena is purely a DAC. It doesn't provide additional amplification. For most modern IEMs and efficient headphones, this isn't an issue. However, if you have power-hungry headphones, you’re going to need a more powerful solution.

I found the Siena to be ideal for use with smartphones and laptops. It's small enough to carry anywhere, making it a great option for improving your on-the-go listening setup.

Value Proposition

At $9.95, the S&W Siena offers incredible value for money. It outperforms the Apple dongle in sound quality while matching it in convenience and portability. For anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of external DACs, the Siena is an excellent starting point.

Conclusion

After extensive testing, I can confidently say the Strauss & Wagner Siena punches well above its weight class. It offers a noticeable improvement in sound quality over standard smartphone output or basic dongles.

While it won't replace high-end DACs costing hundreds of dollars, it's not trying to. The Siena aims to provide an accessible entry point into better audio, and it succeeds admirably.

For less than the price of a movie ticket, you can significantly enhance your portable listening experience. Whether you're using budget IEMs or mid-range headphones, the Siena has something to offer.

S&W has once again delivered a product that outperforms its price point. The Siena is a testament to the fact that good audio doesn't always have to be expensive. It's a must-try for budget-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

If you're curious about improving your audio setup without spending a fortune, give the S&W Siena a shot. At this price point, you have little to lose and potentially much to gain. It might just be the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to your portable audio system.