I’m all the time on the hunt for inexpensive methods to reinforce my listening expertise. I used to be intrigued after I heard in regards to the new Strauss & Wagner (S&W) Siena dongle DAC. Priced at a mere $9.95, this tiny machine guarantees to enhance audio high quality for transportable gadgets. However can a DAC that prices lower than lunch actually make a distinction? I made a decision to place it to the check.
The Rise of Dongle DACs
Dongle DACs have develop into more and more in style amongst audio fans. These compact gadgets vary from $10 to $200. They provide a straightforward method to improve your transportable audio setup with out breaking the financial institution.
S&W has constructed a repute for creating merchandise that outperform their worth level. The Siena DAC is their newest providing on this class. At simply $9.95, it is some of the inexpensive choices in the marketplace.
Appropriate Units
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iPhone: iPhone 15
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Samsung Galaxy: S22, S22+, S21, S21 Extremely, S21 Plus, S20 FE, S20 FE 5G, Observe 20 Extremely 5G, Observe 20, Observe 10 5G
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OnePlus: 9, 9 Professional, 8T, 8 Professional, 8, 7T Professional, 7T, 7 Professional, 7
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Google Pixel: 5, 4XL, 4, 3, 3XL, 2, 2XL
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Sony Xperia: 1, 5
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Huawei: Mate 40 Professional+, Mate 40 RS
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VIVO: Y20s, Y11s
Design and Construct High quality
The Siena boasts a smooth grey design that is each unobtrusive and trendy. I discovered it blends seamlessly with my gadgets. The USB-C connection ensures compatibility with a variety of contemporary smartphones and laptops.
One of many standout options is the nylon-threaded cable. It feels sturdy and high-quality, particularly contemplating the budget-friendly worth level. The three.5mm output jack works with almost any headphone or IEM.
I respect the seamless connectivity between the enter and output. It is a plug-and-play answer that does not require any extra setup or software program.
Efficiency Comparability
To evaluate the Siena’s efficiency, I in contrast it to the ever present Apple dongle. The distinction was instantly noticeable. The Siena produced cleaner, extra impactful sound throughout the board.
I examined the Siena with two in style gadgets: the Moondrop Aria II IEMs and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X over-ears. Each budget-friendly pairs benefited considerably from the S&W DAC.
Bass Efficiency
The bass enchancment was notably spectacular. With the Siena, bass notes hit more durable and cleaner. This was particularly noticeable with the ATH-M50X, which are inclined to have a bass-heavy signature.
To actually put the bass efficiency to the check, I listened to “Addicted” by Ink. This observe options extraordinarily outstanding bass within the combine. By means of the Apple dongle, the ATH-M50X’s bass turned considerably muddy. The Siena, nevertheless, introduced evenness and readability to the low finish.
The slam was nonetheless there, nevertheless it felt extra managed and fewer distorted. This was a noticeable step up from each the Apple dongle and my telephone’s built-in 3.5mm jack.
Midrange and Treble
Whereas the bass enchancment was the obvious, the Siena additionally enhanced the midrange and treble. Vocals got here by clearer, and high-frequency particulars have been extra obvious.
With the Moondrop Aria II, a finances IEM recognized for its nice V-shaped tuning, the Siena introduced out the very best in its sound signature. The bass was clear and impactful, whereas the mids and highs remained well-balanced.
General Sound High quality
Throughout numerous genres, I discovered the Siena constantly improved the listening expertise. It added a layer of refinement to the sound that I did not anticipate from such an inexpensive machine.
The soundstage appeared barely wider, and instrument separation was extra exact. These enhancements have been refined however noticeable, particularly throughout longer listening classes.
Usability and Limitations
It is essential to notice that the Siena is only a DAC. It does not present extra amplification. For many fashionable IEMs and environment friendly headphones, this is not a problem. Nevertheless, you probably have power-hungry headphones, you’re going to want a extra highly effective answer.
I discovered the Siena to be superb to be used with smartphones and laptops. It is sufficiently small to hold wherever, making it an awesome choice for bettering your on-the-go listening setup.
Worth Proposition
At $9.95, the S&W Siena presents unbelievable worth for cash. It outperforms the Apple dongle in sound high quality whereas matching it in comfort and portability. For anybody seeking to dip their toes into the world of exterior DACs, the Siena is a superb place to begin.
Conclusion
After intensive testing, I can confidently say the Strauss & Wagner Siena punches effectively above its weight class. It presents a noticeable enchancment in sound high quality over normal smartphone output or fundamental dongles.
Whereas it will not exchange high-end DACs costing lots of of {dollars}, it isn’t attempting to. The Siena goals to offer an accessible entry level into higher audio, and it succeeds admirably.
For lower than the value of a film ticket, you’ll be able to considerably improve your transportable listening expertise. Whether or not you are utilizing finances IEMs or mid-range headphones, the Siena has one thing to supply.
S&W has as soon as once more delivered a product that outperforms its worth level. The Siena is a testomony to the truth that good audio does not all the time need to be costly. It is a must-try for budget-conscious audiophiles and informal listeners alike.
In the event you’re inquisitive about bettering your audio setup with out spending a fortune, give the S&W Siena a shot. At this worth level, you’ve gotten little to lose and doubtlessly a lot to achieve. It would simply be essentially the most cost-effective improve you may make to your transportable audio system.
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