Tone Board High Resolution Audio Board for Khadas VIMs, PCs and Other SBCs(Generic Edition)

So, I was always a bit skeptical on the importance of DAC in a "normal I like music" setup (i.e. not listening to my music with an oscilloscope.. ), the Khadas Tone Board changed my mind. I paired it with the JDS Atom. Headphones: AKG K701, Fostex TR-X00 ebony, HD650. Great with all, clean sound, clean bass, clean highs not fatiguing. The difference (for the better) is obvious compared to my NuForce uDAC-3 (don't buy that) and my MacBook pro output. I've tested higher priced gear (500$ +), and was always like "meh, definitely not that many $$$ better, probably couldn't differentiate that in a blind listening test". This one, is definitely worth 100$ investment. Also, can control it's volume from macOS, that's cool compared to few other popular DACs.

First review. This DAC is amazing! I tested it against both a UR22 Steinberg, and an M-Audio 8x4M audio interface, as well as a Schiit Modi 3, Monoprice 111567 headphone amp/DAC, FX Audio DAC-X6, Fosi Audio Q4, as well as the digital out from my z87-GD65 Gaming motherboard to my Sony receiver, and it handily beat all of them with its thick, rich, bass, full mids, and clear highs. It even gives my well equipped turntable some decent competition. Although it lacks a case, you can use it without one, and aftermarket cases are available. It may not be the best DAC you can buy, but it's great for the the money.

The sound is very good -- my music sounds amazing with it. Performance is not in question with this device. I got the case from Audiophonics and with it, it is like a real, normal DAC. Very happy with the sound I am getting. However, because of the unique nature of this device there are a couple of quirks you should know about. You do not have the option of powering this separately from the USB-C input. That would have made it a little easier for me to use this with an Android device without running my battery down. As I mentioned, the case is not included and so you will have to create one yourself, use it without a case, or buy one like the case I mentioned above. The case required a little dexterity and patience to get everything lined up correctly. If you're not mechanically inclined you would not want to mess with it. Finally, when the device is powered on, if your amplifier is on you will hear a short "pop" coming out of your speakers. It won't kill your speakers right away but you definitely don't want that happening. Take care when you connect it to your system. If you can get past all of that, it's a very nice sounding DAC that technically is very good. As far as distortion and noise levels it compares favorably to the $120 Topping D30, but if I had to go back and do it again I'd probably get the Topping just so I have an optical input, no case hassle, and something more resellable in case I get rid of it.

I initially auditioned this on a friends system. Compared to a couple of other DACs (including my own Schiit Bitfrost as well as a couple of other similarly priced units), the KTB had some zip and zing and zest that the others did not. And then my friend mentioned the price! So I ordered one, as well as a Pi 4, and using Volumio via an old I Pad, it works a charm. I use it to feed my Ancient hi fi system (early 60's tubes and horn loaded speakers, as well as home built 2A3 and 300B amps...Noah probably had a similar system on his Ark) and I'm quite happy with the sound. I put my CD players and CDs away (after I ripped to flac). The drawbacks: the KTB is so tiny that patch cords will pull it right off the table. A 250 gram brass weight on the case (case purchased separately) solved that problem. I've read that the KTB, when switched on AFTER you have the rest of your system powered on, will make a loud POP sound through your speakers or cans. I've not experienced this because I switch my amp on after powering up the Pi and tone board. And for those of you who like shiny, fancy looking equipment, the KTB is just a little circuit board with some RCA jacks - it's not going to dazzle visually. If these things don't bother you, then I recommend this combination, and for the moolah, you really cannot do better (in my opinion, as per 08 May 2020).

I bought this DAC after reading about it on audiosciencereview.com. It lives up to the hype and sounds fantastic with my JDS Atom headphone amplifier and Sennheiser HD600 cans. I got all these for less than 400 bucks (bought the Senns on Ebay used and replaced the pads for under 200). Makes for a fine headphone setup at my desk for times I don't want to fire up the tube amps. You'll need a case, but there are many options for that. I suggest the one with the rounded sides on the DIY thread at ASR. That one works and is cheap.